Installing electric blinds in a flat involves a few considerations that do not apply to a standalone house. Shared building rules, common areas, existing electrical installations, and practical constraints all come into play. This guide covers everything you need to think about before starting.
Do you need residents’ association approval?
The answer depends on the type of blind and where it is being installed.
Interior blinds: no approval needed
Roller blinds, venetian blinds, and other interior solutions are entirely within the flat owner’s domain. No approval from the residents’ association (condomínio) is required. The installation does not affect the building’s exterior appearance or shared areas.
Exterior blinds: approval required
Exterior blinds are fitted to the outer face of the building — a common part of the structure. Under Portuguese law (specifically the Regime da Propriedade Horizontal), any alteration to the exterior of a building in a horizontal property regime requires the consent of the general assembly of co-owners.
In practice, this means:
- You must present the proposed installation at a general meeting
- The assembly must approve it by majority vote
- The approval should be documented in the meeting minutes
Exception: if other owners in the building have already installed identical or very similar exterior blinds, you may be able to argue that this constitutes an established precedent. However, formal approval is always the safer route.
What to prepare for the approval request
- Technical specification of the blind and motor
- Photographs showing the proposed installation location
- Colour and material samples (to confirm compatibility with the building’s aesthetic)
- A declaration from the installer confirming compliance with applicable standards
Electrical considerations in a flat
Does the installation require new cabling?
In many Lisbon flats — particularly older buildings — there is no electrical cable near window openings. Electric blind motors need a permanent mains connection, which means running a new cable from the nearest circuit.
This is one of the main cost variables in a flat installation:
| Scenario | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| Existing cable at each opening | Included in motor installation |
| New cable run per opening | €40 – €80 extra per opening |
| Complex cable run (through walls, long distance) | €80 – €150 extra per opening |
The cable must be run by a qualified electrician and, in most cases, should be concealed within the wall or ceiling (not surface-mounted on a trunking unless aesthetics are not a concern).
Circuit loading
Multiple electric blind motors can share a circuit, but the total load must be calculated. A standard motor draws approximately 40–100 W. An electrician will confirm whether the existing circuit can accommodate additional loads or whether a dedicated circuit is needed.
Types of motor suitable for flats
Standard tubular motors (230V mains)
The most common choice. Requires a permanent mains connection at each blind location. Quietest and most reliable long-term option.
Battery-powered motors
No mains cabling required — runs from a rechargeable battery (typically USB-C rechargeable, lasting 1–2 years per charge). Excellent for flats where running cables would be particularly disruptive or expensive, or for rented properties.
Trade-off: the battery must be recharged periodically, and battery motors are typically slightly less powerful than mains-powered equivalents.
Solar-powered motors
A battery motor paired with a small solar panel that keeps the battery charged. Suitable for south-facing windows with good daylight exposure. Eliminates the need for periodic recharging.
The installation process: what to expect
Site visit
A qualified installer will visit to assess:
- Window dimensions and blind type
- Access for cabling
- Electrical panel location and circuit availability
- Smart home requirements
This visit is typically free of charge and results in a written, itemised quote.
Installation day
For a standard flat with 3–5 windows, installation typically takes 4 to 8 hours, depending on the complexity of the cabling. The process:
- Cable runs completed first (the messiest part)
- Motor and blind mechanism fitted at each opening
- Limit switches programmed (upper and lower travel limits)
- Remote controls and/or smart home integration configured
- Test of all blinds, demonstration to the owner
Disruption and reinstatement
Cable runs typically require small holes in plasterboard or masonry. A good installer will make these good (fill, sand), but final painting is usually the owner’s responsibility.
Practical tips for flat installations
- Plan for smart home from the start. If you think you might want voice control or app integration in the future, choose bidirectional motors now — retrofitting is expensive.
- Consider battery motors for rented flats. They simplify the installation and avoid any dispute with landlords about cabling.
- Match remote controls to zones. If you have multiple rooms with motorised blinds, channel assignments on remote controls should be planned logically before installation.
- Keep the installation manual. It contains the limit-switch reset procedure, which is useful after a power cut.
Cost summary for a typical Lisbon flat
| Scenario | Estimated cost |
|---|---|
| 2-bed flat, 4 windows, cabling present | €600 – €900 |
| 2-bed flat, 4 windows, new cabling needed | €800 – €1,200 |
| 3-bed flat, 6 windows, new cabling + smart home hub | €1,300 – €1,800 |
These are estimates. An accurate price requires a site visit.
Request a free site visit and quote →
Conclusion
Installing electric blinds in a flat is straightforward for interior blinds — no approvals needed, and the installation is clean and quick. Exterior blinds require residents’ association approval, which is worth securing formally before committing to any purchase. In both cases, the main variable in cost and complexity is the electrical cabling — something a site visit will clarify immediately.