Blinds

Every residence needs window coverings. Aside from curtains, many homeowners opt for blinds. There are various types of blinds to consider – from pleated to Roman, Venetian, vertical, panel, honeycomb, roller or Holland, and many more modern styles. The blinds you choose can affect the aesthetics of the space, so it is wise to buy carefully.

For the best results, select the best blinds your budget allows. Then look for an installer who has the experience and skills to quickly and professionally install your blinds.

Licensing of Blinds

In most cases, blinds are simply window dressings and do not affect the structural integrity of the home. In fact, many blinds are available for DIY installation – so if you’re particularly handy, you may be able to install the blinds yourself.

Some suppliers offer professional installation, or you can hire a handyman.

While a licence is not required to install blinds, there are several safety precautions to consider. From 1 January 2015, the Federal Government will introduce a new standard for commercial installers. It comes after the death of three children within six months from corded blinds.

Currently, suppliers must inform customers about the strangulation risk associated with blind cords. Under the new standard, installation will need to be carried out to avoid dangerous loops being formed in blind cords.

In the meantime, the government urges all installers and homeowners to be aware of these risks and install blinds and cords accordingly.

The Window Coverings Association of Australia (WCAA) provides membership for blinds suppliers and installers. When you choose a WCAA member, you can be sure they adhere to current industry standards, ethics and practices.

Blinds Installers – NSW

In New South Wales – as in all other states and territories – there is no specific licence for blinds installers.

However, you should still check that the installer has experience installing the specific blinds you have chosen. They should also have insurances, to ensure they are covered for damage to your property or for personal injury.

The installer should also have a business licence and ABN. If they are a sub-contractor, ask the installation company they work for about insurances and business licence information.

Blinds Installers – Victoria

Although blinds installers in Victoria do not need a licence, they should represent a professional business and hold the proper insurances and experience as listed above.

You may also like to check that the installer is a WCAA member. That way, you can have peace of mind that they operate a credible, reputable and professional business and maintain industry standards.

Whether you hire a handyman or a blinds installer, they should be able to show you proof of insurances, recent projects and their ABN number when requested.

Blinds Installers – Queensland

As with all other Australian states and territories, blinds installers in Queensland do not need a licence to work.

Still, you’ll want to ensure the blinds installer is insured and has an Australian Business Number (ABN). You can also ask to see photographs of recent installations, to ensure the quality meets your expectations.

While the installer or handyman should be aware of safety laws and standards, the Queensland Government advises adding safety tassels to blind cords, or installing a hook to tie the cord out of reach of children. The end of the cord should also be at least 160cm above the floor.

Blinds Installers – SA

Blinds installers in South Australia do not need a licence to carry out work. However, they should still install the blinds in a professional manner and to industry standards.

As with other states and territories, check that the installer or handyman has personal injury and third party property damage insurances.

WCAA membership is also a consideration. A WCAA member has been screened to ensure they run a safe, credible and sincere business.

Blinds Installers – WA

Since installing blinds is a relatively simple job – so simple that you may be able to do it yourself – there is no licence to install blinds in Western Australia.

However, you and the installer should be aware of new safety standards relating to blinds installations. From 1 January 2005, the new standards will include safe cord installation and placement. In the meantime, you should keep cords at least 160cm from the ground and tied up high, so they cannot become a strangulation hazard.

The current standards state that the corded blind must be installed in accordance with the installation instructions. If you are unclear of the instructions, it is best to hire an expert.

Blinds Installers – Tasmania

Tasmania is similar to other states, in that blinds installers do not need a licence to work. That being said, they should certainly have insurances to work safely – and understand the current safety standards relating to corded internal window coverings.

Until the new standards are introduced in 2015, your installer (or you if you are installing the blinds yourself) must understand the current standards. They stipulate that the blinds should be installed so that a loose cord cannot be formed. It should also not hang lower than 1600mm above the ground.

Of course, you also want your blinds to look seamless. So to ensure a high standard of work, ask for photographs of previous installations or enquire about the installer’s personal qualifications.

Blinds Installers – ACT

Licensing for blinds installers in the ACT and Canberra is the same as other states and territories – it simply is not required. So you should do your homework before selecting an installer.

You can do this by checking that they have:

• Relevant insurances, such as public liability and workers compensation
• A business licence and have an ABN
• Experience installing similar blinds

While the contractor should always put safety first, you should also check that all cords are tied away and cannot form a loop. The cords should also not hang lower than 160cm off the ground.

Blinds Installers - Northern Territory

In the Northern Territory, a licence is not required to install blinds. However, you may wish to choose an installer who is a member of the Window Coverings Association of Australia (WCAA).

The installer must also be able to supply you with proof of insurances, a recognised qualification and any references or photos at your request. Also check that your installer or supplier is running a legal, registered business. They can provide all of this information at the time of quoting.