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2973 SHORE DR. STE. 103, VIRGINIA BEACH

Frequently Asked Questions

757-842-3766

2973 Shore Dr. STE. 103, Virginia Beach

louvered shutters
louvers

Welcome to the Frequently Asked Questions page for Coastal Elite Window Coverings in Virginia Beach, VA. Here you will find answers to some of the most common questions about our window-covering services.

Whether you are looking for information on installation options, product availability, or pricing and financing options, this page should provide all the answers you need to make an informed decision.

If any additional questions still need to be answered after reading through this page, please contact us directly, and our knowledgeable staff will be happy to help. Thank you for choosing Coastal Elite Window Coverings in Virginia Beach, VA!

Company FAQs

All our window treatments are constructed with quality materials and come in various colors, styles, and options. Our shades are custom-made to your window measurements and specifications to fit correctly and function as desired. Premium materials and quality products ensure years of service from our blinds and shades.

 

When it comes to size, shape, dimensions, and slat sizes, the options are too many to count, so we usually start by narrowing it down to the types of construction materials that best fit a client’s function, fashion, and budget needs. Once you’ve chosen between composite or wood plantation shutters, then we can focus on things like slat size, stain or paint, and how best to custom fit your windows.

 

Yes, you will need a certain amount of depth to install a blind or shade within the recessed area of your window opening. This amount varies by product, and you can find this information under “Specifications” on our website information for the product you want to order.

 

Yes, in MOST cases, we will take them down. Ask your rep for more details.

 

Sorry, we are not allowed to move your furniture or breakables.

 

We accept Visa, MasterCard, check, or money order.

 

All of our products are custom-made, and production time averages from 3-10 business days, starting the business day after we receive your order. Most orders will be installed within 2 – 2 ½ weeks after the order is placed.

 

All products carry a limited lifetime warranty. We will repair or replace any product due to workroom error so long as the product is not misused and abused. Replacement must be for the same window as the original order.

 

Rush orders are available for 10% more. We do not offer one-day production on all our products for one reason: quality. While we understand you are anxious about your blinds or shutters, we also understand you want quality window coverings. We have not met a customer yet that would prefer a sub-standard quality blind or shutter two days before a top-quality window covering. Ask yourself this; if a company promises to make your blinds by the end of business today, how much attention can the manufacturer pay to quality? We have found an equal balance of prompt service while maintaining top-quality production standards.

All blind and shutter repairs are handled on a per-issue basis. Because of the superior quality of our window coverings, repairs are rare. You can contact our customer service department to arrange warranty repairs through the manufacturer.

 

Because every product is custom-made, we cannot allow straight returns. Our philosophy is simple – if you are unhappy with the product, we will work with you until you are. 

However, if you are unhappy with your product, we will remake or repair it if it’s due to a workroom error. If you’re dissatisfied with your selection, we can offer you up to 50% off a different item.

 

Product FAQs

All our window treatments are constructed with quality materials and come in various colors, styles, and options. Our shades are custom-made to your window measurements and specifications to fit correctly and function as desired. Premium materials and quality products ensure years of service from our blinds and shades.

It depends on the window type, the frame needed, the color, and the material if you choose to install it—$ 17 to $28 sq. ft.

Using the 3-1/2″ or 4-1/2″ louvers, the eye naturally focuses on the paramount view through the open louvers. The smaller windows prefer the 2-1/2″ or possibly 3-1/2″ louvers where the eye will more naturally “see” the shutter before observing the view.

Determine which material is suitable for you.

Based on the material, use the least number of panels possible.

One more thought… The number of panels typically equals the number of vertical divisions you have in your opening.

We recommend leaving the crank handles on the window sill behind the shutters. When you want to open the window, insert the crank handle, open the window and remove it before closing the shutters. You’ll find it won’t be any inconvenience.

Please keep in mind plantation shutters are designed to fit an opening. The shutter panels are movable to allow cleaning and access to the window. They are not designed to be moved and folded up against a wall routinely. The louvers are the control mechanism allowing rotation to provide light, ventilation, view, and privacy.

Frames are required for three reasons:

  • Lack of casing. Frames finish the opening with a cased-in look. Shutters that are framed with an L-Frame make the most aesthetically appealing shutter.
  • Lack of depth in the opening to accommodate panels and unobstructed operation of the louvers.
  • Varying opening dimensions. Many openings have adequate depth but uneven dimensions. For example, you measure the width at the opening’s top, middle and bottom and have a 1/4″ difference. If you installed shutter panels (ideally even in dimension) in this opening, you would have uneven gaps between the panels and the window jamb. The “L Frame” corrects inconsistent measurements by providing an even installation space for the panels.

Not easily, but wood can warp. They are easier to touch up if a panel is chipped than an MDF or hollow vinyl product. The choice of hardwood, proper milling techniques and a high-quality finish system help avoid warping.

Yes, but not as well as a CST (Certified Shutter Technician). Understanding how to adjust frames and panels is the key to an excellent installation. You can budget a savings of $2.00 to $3.00 per square foot for a self-install.

Plantation shutters are easily cleaned using a feather duster and a damp sponge or soft cloth.

A divider rail is a horizontal section that adds strength to the panel and allows one to operate the louvers above and below the divider rail independently.

We offer free custom color matching from a physical sample of paint provided by the customer.

Our frames are designed to function properly with either. In installing over these windows, we leave as much of your decorative molding showing as possible.

Yes, because shutters are considered “real property” and a home improvement, they can be included in your mortgage.

Yes, we do door cutouts to accommodate decorative knobs or latches on a door. We order handcrafted arches, sunbursts, triangles, hexagons, octagons, circles, and ovals. These will require a template, which we do.

We prefer to mount the plantation shutters on the outside — one inch from the inside edge of the window molding. Often a window is not exactly plumb or square, and doing an inside mount would require caulking to cover the crack or gap between the frame and the inside edge of the window.

As to how the frames are secured to the window, many plantation shutter companies screw through the exposed surface of the frame into the molding of the window and then cover the screw hole with a wooden or plastic cap. Consequently, when the shutter is closed, there is nothing to indicate how the frame was secured to the window. We, however, secure our frames by screwing at an angle from the inside of the frame into the molding. This is then filled with a wood filler.

Articles

Find information about window treatments to help you make the best choice for your home. We provide detailed guides on all our products, from shutters and shades to blinds.