Why Outdoor Installation Takes Time – A Friendly Guide for Home and Business Owners

Med Evo Retractable Fabric Roof Header Image by Outdoor Blinds and Awnings (OBA)

When homeowners start planning an outdoor upgrade — whether it’s outdoor blinds, retractable awnings or a louvre roof — one of the most common questions we hear is:

“Why can’t installation happen straight after I book?”

It’s a great question.
And the answer is simple: your system is custom-designed, custom-measured and custom-built — for your home only. Nothing is picked from a shelf or pre-made in generic sizes.

Below is a clear, friendly FAQ explaining what actually happens between your first visit and installation, and why that time is essential for a flawless final result.

FAQ — Understanding the Timeline 
1. Why can’t the sales consultant take exact measurements on the first visit?

Because the first visit is designed for planning, not precision engineering.

During the initial consultation, your sales specialist will take approximate sizes to provide a quote.
However, they cannot take final installation measurements yet — and here’s why:

  • the project may still change

  • access might require special ladders or equipment

  • structural points may need a second look

  • large or complex installs require more than one technician

  • safety checks must be done before final measurement

  • the sales consultant is not the licensed installer responsible for installation accuracy

Your final measurement appointment is carried out by a trained installer, whose job is to assess the space in detail and ensure the product will fit with millimetre precision.

This protects you from future issues like misalignment, light gaps or incorrect fitting.


2. What happens during the final site measure?

This is the technical, accuracy-focused appointment where we:

  • capture exact dimensions down to millimetres

  • assess wall surfaces, frames, rooflines or mounting points

  • check wind exposure, sun direction and shading

  • confirm bracket placement and structural needs

  • identify anything additional required (e.g. flashing, infills, posts, electrical points)

  • check access, height and equipment needs

This step is the foundation of a perfect outcome.


3. What does “custom manufacturing” actually involve?

A lot more than people realise — and it’s the reason your system looks seamless once installed.

Depending on the product, manufacturing may include:

    • cutting and sealing premium fabrics

    • powder-coating aluminium

    • making custom brackets or housings

    • assembling motors or automation

    • final mechanical and visual checks 

    • cutting aluminium to size

    • welding aluminium 

Custom manufacturing involves multiple specialists, machinery, suppliers and quality checks — which is why timelines vary.


4. Why do some products take longer than others?

It depends on complexity.

Faster to produce:

  • outdoor blinds

  • standard awnings

More complex and time-consuming:

  • louvre roof systems

  • structural privacy screens

  • large joined-span awnings

  • motorised multi-panel configurations

  • Retractable roof systems

The more engineering required, the longer the manufacturing process.


5. Why is custom-made better than off-the-shelf?

This is the part many homeowners don’t see, but it’s significant:

  • Perfect fit: No light gaps, no rattling, no awkward joins

  • Longer lifespan: Custom-built systems use higher-grade materials

  • Better weather performance: Engineered for your wind direction and exposure

  • Cleaner aesthetic lines: Designed to blend with your architecture

  • Safer installation: Anchored to correct structural points

  • Better value long-term: You won’t replace it in a year

A custom system becomes a permanent part of your home or business, not an accessory.


6. Why do people feel like summer “arrives too quickly”?

Because upgrading an outdoor space takes planning — and summer always seems to sneak up earlier than expected.

By the time warm weather arrives, most homeowners start thinking about outdoor comfort, and demand spikes instantly. When that happens:

  • production lines get full

  • installers book out

  • suppliers get backlogged

  • and last-minute “before Christmas” installs become nearly impossible

Booking early means you secure:

  • your production slot

  • your installation window

  • and your stress-free start to summer

But this same principle applies year-round — any seasonal peak can cause bottlenecks.


7. Can the process be sped up?

Sometimes — but only when:

  • the product is simple

  • manufacturing line availability is open

  • the install is straightforward

  • materials are in stock

  • and weather/access align

More complex products (especially louvre roofs and retractable roof systems) cannot be ethically rushed — precision takes time.

If you need your project sooner, tell us at the consultation. We can assess feasibility based on system complexity.


 

Final Thought: A Little Time Creates a Beautiful Outcome

Your outdoor system is not just a purchase — it’s an investment in comfort, lifestyle and the way you use your home.

The time between booking and installation isn’t a delay.
It’s the process that guarantees:

  • a perfect fit

  • premium quality

  • safe installation

  • long-term durability

  • and a beautiful outdoor space you can enjoy every day

If you’re dreaming about transforming your outdoor area, starting the process early gives you more choices, smoother scheduling and the best possible result.

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EVERY SPACE IS UNIQUE
SO IS OUR ADVICE

Request a personalised consultation and let’s find your perfect solution.​
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