FAQ — Window Treatment Questions Answered | iL Progetto LLC San Diego

Answers to every question about custom window treatments in San Diego — how consultations work, the difference between roller and zebra shades, motorized blind options, installation timelines, pricing, and financing. From iL Progetto LLC.

How does the free in-home consultation work?

Our designer visits your home at a time that works for you, bringing hundreds of fabric samples, hardware options, and measuring tools. Seeing samples in your actual light — against your walls, with your furniture — is the most accurate way to make the right choice. We assess your light needs, privacy requirements, and design aesthetic, then provide a detailed quote on the spot. There is no obligation to purchase and no fee of any kind.

How far in advance do I need to book?

We typically have availability within two to five business days. For larger projects — multiple rooms or commercial spaces — we recommend booking one to two weeks in advance. You can schedule directly through our booking page, or call us at (858) 338-1678 to find an immediate opening.

Do you serve areas outside of San Diego?

Yes. We serve all of San Diego County, Riverside County, Orange County, and San Bernardino County. If you are in a nearby area not listed, call us — we accommodate requests outside our standard zone on a case-by-case basis.

What is the difference between zebra shades and sheer shades?

Both offer daytime privacy with natural light, but they work differently. Zebra shades use alternating horizontal stripes of sheer and solid fabric on a single panel — you control light and privacy by aligning or misaligning the bands. Sheer shades suspend fabric vanes between two sheer layers, producing a softer, more luminous diffusion of light with a refined, drapery-like appearance. Sheer shades are the more elevated of the two and work especially well in living rooms and master bedrooms.

Can I get blackout shades in any style?

Full blackout is achievable in roller shades, Roman shades, cellular honeycomb shades, and blackout drapes. Roller shades with side channels give the most complete light seal and are our top recommendation for bedrooms and media rooms. The styles that are not suitable for blackout are zebra shades, sheer shades, and butterfly shades — their open-weave construction is designed for light filtering, not light elimination.

Do you offer cordless options? Are they safe for children?

Yes. Cordless and motorized operation is available across our entire product line. Corded window treatments are a documented safety hazard for young children, and we strongly recommend cordless or motorized systems for any room a child under six may occupy. All our cordless mechanisms are tested to current ANSI/WCMA child safety standards.

How long does installation take?

A single room typically takes thirty to sixty minutes. A full home with eight to twelve windows takes half a day. We provide a precise time estimate after measuring. Our team works cleanly and removes all packaging and debris when finished.

What happens if a shade arrives damaged or is measured incorrectly?

We remeasure and replace at no charge. Measurement errors are our responsibility — if we measured it and manufactured it, we fix it. If a product arrives from our supplier with a manufacturing defect, we coordinate the replacement directly. You should never need to contact a manufacturer yourself.

Do you offer financing?

Yes. We partner with Synchrony Financial to offer flexible promotional financing plans, including deferred interest and extended monthly payment options. You can apply at mysynchrony.com, or ask your consultant at your free in-home visit.

Can I get a rough estimate before the consultation?

If you can share approximate window dimensions and whether you prefer manual or motorized operation, we can provide preliminary budgetary numbers before the visit. Exact pricing requires an on-site measurement, which is why we offer the free in-home consultation — it takes the guesswork out entirely.

Which smart home systems do your motorized shades work with?

Our motorized shades integrate with Amazon Alexa, Google Home, Apple HomeKit, SmartThings, and Control4. We also offer standalone RF remote and app-only configurations for homes without a central smart home hub. We handle the full programming and integration — you do not need to configure anything yourself.

What happens to motorized shades if the power goes out?

Battery-powered motorized shades continue to function normally during a power outage — they run entirely on rechargeable lithium cells. Hardwired shades will not operate without power. We recommend battery-powered motors for most residential applications for this reason.

Do you handle HOA and multi-unit residential projects?

Yes. We have completed uniform window treatment installations for HOA-managed communities in San Diego County. For multi-unit projects we offer volume pricing, phased installation scheduling to minimize disruption to residents, and documentation packages for property management records. Contact us for a commercial consultation.

How much do custom window treatments cost in San Diego?

Pricing varies widely based on fabric selection, design, window size, and whether you choose manual or motorized operation. At iL Progetto we guarantee the best price in the market — if you have received another estimate for custom window coverings, we will match or beat it. Your free in-home consultation includes a same-visit quote with no obligation.

Is there a minimum order or project size?

No minimum. We handle single-window orders and full-home projects with equal care.

What are the best window treatments for privacy without blocking light?

Zebra shades, sheer shades, and butterfly shades are all excellent choices — they maintain natural light while giving you daytime privacy. Solar roller shades with a 3–5% openness factor are ideal for rooms where you also want to reduce glare and preserve the view to the outdoors.

What are the best window treatments for San Diego's intense sun and UV?

Solar shades are engineered specifically for this. A 3-5% openness factor blocks 95-97% of UV radiation and significantly reduces heat gain while preserving your view. Darker fabrics absorb more heat than light colors.

How do I choose between inside mount and outside mount?

Inside mount sits within the window frame for a clean built-in appearance. Outside mount attaches to the wall above and outside the frame — better for shallow windows or achieving better blackout coverage. Our consultant will recommend for each window.

What is the difference between plantation shutters and regular shutters?

Plantation shutters have wide louvers — typically 2.5 to 4.5 inches — providing excellent light control and airflow. They are the dominant style in San Diego residential construction.

Do I need to do anything to prepare for installation?

Please clear at least four feet of space around each window — on the floor and any nearby furniture. This gives our installers room to work safely and efficiently. We handle all setup and clean up all packaging and debris before leaving.

What warranty covers the installation?

iL Progetto provides one year of full parts and labor coverage on all installations. Internal hardware mechanisms and brackets carry a lifetime manufacturer warranty. Motorization components are covered for three years by the manufacturer. See our full warranty page for complete details.

Can motorized shades be controlled without a smart home system?

Yes. All motorized shade systems include a handheld remote or wall switch. Smart home integration is an optional add-on, not a requirement.

How do you set sun-based schedules for motorized shades?

All major smart home platforms support sunrise and sunset automation. We configure your initial schedule during the installation appointment.

How do I clean window shades and blinds?

Cleaning method depends on the material. For roller shades, zebra shades, and all fabric treatments — use only a soft brush or the brush attachment on a vacuum. Never use a damp cloth on fabric shades as moisture can cause warping, staining, or mold. For plantation shutters and faux wood blinds — a damp microfiber cloth works well; these hard-surface materials are designed for easy wiping. When in doubt, reach out to us and we will advise for your specific product.

About iL Progetto LLC

Mobile in-home consultation — free, no obligation. The designer brings the full showroom (fabric samples, hardware, motorization options) to the client's home, measures every window, and delivers a same-visit quote.

Phone: (858) 338-1678 · Email: info@progettoshades.com · California Contractors License #1127055 · Founded 2022 · Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8 AM–6 PM

Service areas: San Diego, Poway, Carlsbad, La Jolla, Del Mar, Encinitas, Solana Beach, Rancho Santa Fe, Chula Vista, National City, Coronado, El Cajon, Escondido, San Marcos, Vista, Temecula and surrounding Southern California communities.