Home project planning
Prepare a window-treatment shopping brief
A window-treatment brief gives a supplier your window references, your measurements, what the covering must do and where it will mount. Suppliers differ in how they want windows measured, so follow their instructions and ask when anything is unclear.
A text to start with
I am shopping for coverings for [number] windows in [room or rooms]. For each window I have: [reference label, width, height, depth of recess, and what is nearby]. I need [privacy, light control, insulation or other uses]. Mounting situation: [inside the frame, outside, wall, ceiling or unsure]. Write a brief for a supplier and list the questions I should ask about their measuring method.
Example request. Change the details to fit your situation.Window-treatment brief
Room: [ ] Window reference and location: [ ] Supplier and the measuring instructions they gave: [ ] Measurements taken (width, height, depth), date and by whom: [ ] Obstructions near the window: [ ] Privacy need: [ ] Light control or other use: [ ] Mounting question for the supplier: [ ] Supplier confirmed fit (yes or no, date): [ ] Open question: [ ]
Fit is the supplier's call
Treat a measurement as provisional until the supplier confirms how they want it taken. Some ask for width at several points, others for specific allowances, and the instructions vary by product and maker. Check that each window has a label matching your notes so measurements are not swapped. Look for needs that conflict, such as full blackout alongside a wish to keep daylight. Note obstructions like handles, cranks or radiators that affect mounting. If the supplier's instructions are missing, ask for them before ordering.
Ask another agent to check the result
Check this brief for any statement that assumes a covering will fit before the supplier has confirmed its measuring instructions. Flag measurements taken without a stated method and needs that conflict. List what the supplier still has to confirm.
Confirm before ordering
Send the brief to the supplier and ask them to state their measuring method and what they need from you. Re-measure any window where their method differs from yours. Ask who is responsible if a covering does not fit after you followed their instructions, and get the answer in writing. Record the confirmation next to each window reference.