Case Study in Communication Clear, inclusive team

Case Study in Communication

Talk it through to work it out

by Roger Magalhaes

I recently completed a challenging project that would have been a disaster had there not been excellent and thorough communication between myself, the client, the workroom, the additional contractors, and the suppliers.

I know this because I was the fourth window treatment specialist called in on the project. The previous three all turned down the job because, I assume, the difficulties involved.

Project Introduction

In June 2017, I received a call to look at circa 1900 building that was undergoing major renovation. The major concern I had to address was a bank of five angled windows that varied in heights from 192" high on the far left to about 60" high on the far right. Prior to my on-site visit, the first option that came to meet was “plantation shutters” which I knew could have perfectly constructed angle-tops. However, in our first meeting, the client mentioned that she did not want plantation shutters or draperies for those windows. She was hoping to see some roller shades instead that could “disappear” when not in use.

Project Concerns

I explained that we would have a few challenges there:

1. Finding a fabric that would roll 192" without seams.

2. Create a top treatment to hide the rollers because the shades would have to be mounted across at the top. Without a top treatment, it would look odd—the horizontal header of the shades set against the angle of the windows.

3. We would also need electrical power installed at the top of each window and wood blocks so we would have a secure location to mount the shades.

The client and her construction team (architect, general contractor, and electricians) were all present at the meeting. And everyone agreed that all my requirements were doable as long as I was supplying all of the necessary information and specs for the project.

After researching the shade fabric options and developing some ideas for the valances, the client made her selections and the project was a go.

Project Collaboration

Throughout the specification process I worked closely with Deby Carlson, of Deby’s Drapes and Designs, based in Franklin, MA. She provided the details for the yardage and materials necessary for the approved design.

In the meantime I made a couple of return trips to the site, meeting with the electrician and general contractor to explain and show placement for outlets, show how the shade brackets would be installed, and to confirm the location and specs for the wood blocks necessary for the shade mounts.

Two months after the initial meeting with the client, I installed the shades, valances, and programmed them to the handheld remote and wall switch.

Project Takeaways

What I learned and relearned on this project made all the difference:

1. Communication is key for a successful project. Between homeowner, contractors, workroom, and suppliers, everyone must understand the entire scope in order to perform their portion of the job accurately. If perhaps I did not have a very responsive homeowner or a very willing general contractor to modify/alter the specs as needed, the final results would not be ideal.

2. Have talented people on your team.

Perhaps the most challenging piece of the project was fabricating the top treatments. These are valances, not cornice boards and, with a long drop of 40", they were also somewhat unstable. But the workroom was so precise and that excellent construction helped make what could have been a very difficult installation much easier.

3. Be willing to push yourself beyond your comfort zone. I have never done a similar window setup like this in my 12-year career in the industry. But I was confident that I could, based on previous experiences and from the expertise of those surrounding me. Next time you are presented with a challenging project, don’t give up. Ask colleagues and use your previous experiences to gather enough info to find a winning solution. I want you to be the fourth one on that job—the one that makes it a success when others weren’t up to the task. z

Roger Magalhaes is a certified Professional Installer by The Custom Home Furnishing Academy, Lutron, Hunter Douglas, Somfy and Norman Shutters, an active member of the WCAA, founder of the Facebook group Free Speech Window Covering Pros and the founder and owner of Shades IN Place, Inc., Franklin, MA, established in 2006.

ShadesInPlace.com Facebook: shadesinplace Twitter: Shades_IN_Place Houzz: shades-in-place