Hello, this is my first post here, and I really need advices/help. I just bought a 1.4M house which is brand new and gorgeous. I have close to nothing in the bank, but my husband insisted on getting window treatment for the dining and living room before we move in. We got a quote from Ethan Allen which is about 15K to get 6 window treatment. His belief is window treatment is like an investment that eventually will increase the property value when we sell the house. However, I disagree. We're already short on money (spent all of them on down payment and closing), we can't take any of the window treatment with us if we move out. What do you all think?
Uh.....yeah. Haven't you been reading the news? Homeowners in your position all over the country are going into bankruptcy and foreclosure due to buying a house they can't afford.
Window treatments are generally not an investment that will help sell a house. We've replaced every window treatment in every house we've purchased because window treatments are taste specific. You and your hubby may like your $15,000 Ethan Allen draperies, me and my hubby might think they're gaudy and ugly. To each his own. Save your money instead of sinking more money into a home you can't afford.
I definitely don't think window treatments add any value at all - and I definitely wouldn't go for ones from Ethan Allen when there are SO many more affordable ones. I do, however, believe in having privacy right away, so since we know it's money we're NOT going to get back, I'd go to Home Depot or Lowe's and get some kind of soft shades for the rooms you definitely want privacy in right away.... It is interesting - the people that we bought our house from had spent a fortune on custom drapes - and were so proud of them. They were the first things I tore down and threw away... Totally taste specific, and certainly did not go with anything I had in my house....
Posts: 3715 | Location: Northern Virginia, USA | Registered: May 29, 2003
Yep, you are not going to "get top dollar" for the window treatments that you put in your home, it will just make it more attractive to you personally. Beware that it may not be so for another person.
Window treatments don't add to the property value. If you are in need to freshen up the rooms I would look into sales and clearence items. Would not spend a lot.
The big, heavy window treatments are out. Plain, simple, flowing panels are in. These can be picked up rather inexpensively or you can sew them yourself. See for yourself on hgtv.
"chriz26," I agree with the above posters that window treatments will not increase the re-sell value.
I also firmly believe in NOT spending money that you don't really have. Nothing like being worried about too much debt to kill the enjoyment you should be getting from your brand-new beautiful home!
The big, heavy window treatments are out. Plain, simple, flowing panels are in. These can be picked up rather inexpensively or you can sew them yourself. See for yourself on hgtv.
Just as there are all types of home styles, there are all types of accessories, furniture, and window treatments to compliment those homes. Plain simple panels work in some homes and not in others. Likewise with heavy ornate treatments. It is an error to say that any particular style is "out". And, given all the slap-dash fix-it-quick-for-no-money programs on HGTV, this channel -- with one or two possible exceptions -- is the last place I'd rely upon to be the end-all, be-all authority on interior design.
One more thing - you just bought this house... I think you've figured out from everyone above that window treatments aren't going to add value (and if I just bought a house, that would actually be the last thing I'd be focused on...), just get what you need for privacy, and take your time and see how the house's personality affects you. I put up soft-pleated shades everywhere for privacy, but it took me 4 years to actually get window treatments up (for the windows that I ever wanted them on).... Go slow and enjoy!!!
Posts: 3715 | Location: Northern Virginia, USA | Registered: May 29, 2003
and if I just bought a house, that would actually be the last thing I'd be focused on...),
Boy did this statement tickle me. Thanks!
My cousin is thinking about buying a 745 BMW but the brakes are squeaking on her "paid for car". If she can't afford to fix the brakes on a "paid for" car, why is she trying to buy a 745 that will carry a note? If you can't afford window treatments, why did you buy a 1.5 MIL home? I said the same thing to her husband that I'm saying to you, so it surely isn't personal, it's to make you think about how we often times project how we feel & think of ourselves through the spending of our money. Welcome to the boards, I've been disagreed with & told the truth & I lived through both.
Window treatments won't add value. Get the cheapest thing you can for now to get the privacy you need.
I obviously don't know how old you are, what your joint income is, your opinions about money, or anything about your financial situation other than what you've said, nor am I asking to know or do I need to know...however...
As an aside I'd say, PLEASE, reevaluate you financial choices. You're in the house now so that's done, I guess. But if you have next to no money in the bank, I'd humbly suggest you make building up your savings the priority.
Having no savings is not a position you want to be in. Please build a rainy day fund of MINIMUM 6 months living expenses...THEN you can concern yourself with decorating.
Posts: 2294 | Location: Mid-Atlantic | Registered: Jan 31, 2005
Originally posted by clbselhar: Window treatments won't add value. Get the cheapest thing you can for now to get the privacy you need.
I obviously don't know how old you are, what your joint income is, your opinions about money, or anything about your financial situation other than what you've said, nor am I asking to know or do I need to know...however...
As an aside I'd say, PLEASE, reevaluate you financial choices. You're in the house now so that's done, I guess. But if you have next to no money in the bank, I'd humbly suggest you make building up your savings the priority.
Having no savings is not a position you want to be in. Please build a rainy day fund of MINIMUM 6 months living expenses...THEN you can concern yourself with decorating.
We so seriously need a "standing and applauding" icon here.
Brilliantly stated clbselhar.
************************** Begin as you mean to go on...
Is there a privacy issue? If not, delay until you have the money.
Why Ethan Allen? I'm not saying to use the cheap ugly horizontal blinds, but I am pretty sure you can buy quality window treatments with a third of your quote.
You'll need approx 10% of the value of the house to decorate it. Think about that and plan ahead.
I'm with the others. There's nothing wrong with Ethan Allen IF it represents a tiny expenditure for you, but it appears to represent a concern so they are NOT needed. They will not add to the value of your home so why spend the extra money now?
