The Window Team
By Rose Mary LeBlanc | January 1, 2017
The Window Team consists of the Designer, the Workroom and the Installer. All three should work as a team to produce the finished product with a pleased homeowner as the end result. In that regard all three require different things from each other to achieve that end. On this page I will list the basics of these relationships as I see them from 25 years of experience in the window treatment fabrication industry.
DESIGNER/WORKROOM RELATIONSHIP
To work together effectively the Designer and the Workroom should be on the same wavelength and communicate clearly.
What the Designer Needs From Workroom:
1) On time for appointments
2) Prompt response to communications
3) Terms & Conditions; Company Policies
4) Quoting done in a reasonable amount of time
5) Anticipated completion date
6) Notification of upcharge due to Change Order
7) Knowledge of basic installation
8) All industry safety standards complied with
9) Measuring
10) Advice on design selections
11) Due diligence
12) Progress reports
13) Notification of flaws, damaged goods or incorrect shipments
14) Work completed in a timely & professional manner
15) All finished items wrapped in plastic
16) Delivery of items
17) Present at installations
18) Professional quoting and invoicing system
19) Procedure for handling remakes, alterations, etc.
What the Workroom Needs From Designer:
1) On time for appointments
2) Prompt response to appointments
3) Detailed Request For Quote & Work Orders
4) Photos of windows
5) Reasonable completion date
6) Change Orders in writing
7) Down payment & all materials received in Workroom
8) Prompt payment in full
9) Procedure for handling remakes, alterations, etc
10) Pick up of finished items in a timely manner
11) Designer present at installations
DESIGNER/WORKROOM/INSTALLER RELATIONSHIP
Communication between all three are key here. WHO WILL BE PRESENT AT INSTALL is very important! Workroom or designer or both or neither?
What the Installer Needs From Designer:
1) On time for appointments
2) Prompt response to communications
3) Exact address of install
4) Detailed description of all items to be installed
5) Prompt payment at agreed upon time
What the Installer Needs From Workroom:
1) On time for appointments
2) Prompt response to communications
3) All items packaged in plastic
4) All work inspected before items leave the Workroom
5) Clear instructions for window treatment location on wall
6) Detailed description of all items to be installed
What the Designer & Workroom Need From Installer:
1) On time for appointment
2) Prompt response to communications
3) Clean, professional apparel & conduct
4) All tools, equipment, hardware & ladders
5) Measuring the job
6) Pricing or estimates given before a job is installed
7) Procedure for discussing issues at the install
8) Clean up after install
9) Pick up & delivery of items if needed on the work vehicle
10) Holes patched & repaired