Window Treatments for a New Custom Home in Toronto: What to Plan Before You Move In

Building a new custom home is exciting, but it also comes with hundreds of decisions. Flooring, cabinetry, lighting, paint colours, countertops—the list never seems to end.

Window treatments are often left until the last minute. Unfortunately, that’s usually when homeowners discover they need privacy, sun control, and custom-made products before move-in day.

Whether you’re building a new custom home or completing a full rebuild in Toronto, planning your window coverings early can save time, avoid delays, and help ensure your home is ready when you move in.

At Starlight Shutter, we regularly work with homeowners, builders, and interior designers across Toronto and the GTA on new construction and rebuild projects. From motorized roller shades and custom drapery to shutters and specialty window treatments, early planning almost always leads to a smoother installation and a better final result.

When to Book: As Soon as the Windows Are Installed

Many homeowners assume they need to wait until construction is completely finished before thinking about window coverings.

In reality, once the windows are installed, we can usually visit and measure.

This is important because every product we provide is custom-made to fit your exact windows. Most orders are ready within two to three weeks, while specialty products such as motorized drapery tracks, skylight blinds, and unusual window shapes may require additional lead time.

By measuring early, your window treatments can be ready much closer to your move-in date rather than starting the process after you’ve already moved into the home.

If you’re working toward a specific possession or move-in date, let us know during the consultation and we’ll help plan the timeline accordingly.

Before the Drywall Goes Up: Plan Your Motorized Window Treatments

One of the biggest advantages of a new build is the opportunity to prepare for motorization before the walls are closed.

Motorized blinds and shades can operate using battery-powered motors or hardwired power. While battery motors are an excellent option for many homes, hardwired motorization offers the cleanest installation with no charging requirements and no visible wires.

If you’re considering motorized window coverings, it’s worth discussing the following with your electrician before drywall installation:

Two-Storey Windows

Great rooms, foyers, and stairwells often feature large windows that are difficult or impossible to reach manually.

Motorization allows these windows to be used daily without ladders or poles.

Large Walls of Glass

Many modern custom homes feature expansive rear windows overlooking a backyard, ravine, or lake view.

Motorized shades make it easy to manage glare, privacy, and heat throughout the day.

Primary Bedrooms

Motorized blackout shades and curtains are increasingly popular in primary bedrooms, allowing homeowners to control light levels with a remote, smartphone, or automated schedule.

Smart Home Integration

If your home will include Control4 or other smart home systems, planning motorization early makes integration much easier.

At Starlight Shutter, we work with Somfy, Neo, and A-OK motor systems and can coordinate with your builder, electrician, or home automation provider during the planning stage.

Room-by-Room Window Treatment Ideas for New Custom Homes

Most new custom homes in Toronto and GTA share a few common design trends: larger windows, higher ceilings, open-concept layouts, and increased natural light.

Here’s how we typically approach each area of the home.

Front-Facing Rooms

The front of the house creates your home’s first impression from the street.

Many homeowners prefer California shutters for front-facing windows because they provide privacy while maintaining a clean and timeless appearance. Shutters also create a consistent look across the front elevation of the home.

Open-Concept Living Areas

When the kitchen, dining room, and living room can all be seen at the same time, consistency becomes extremely important.

Motorized roller shades remain one of the most popular solutions because they:

• Maintain clean sightlines
• Control glare effectively
• Complement modern architecture
• Integrate easily with smart-home systems

For homeowners seeking a softer and more luxurious look, sheer drapery can be layered into the design while preserving natural light.

Large Windows and High Ceilings

Custom homes often feature oversized windows and ceilings that extend well beyond standard heights.

In these spaces, full-height drapery can dramatically enhance the scale of the room. Mounting drapery closer to the ceiling helps emphasize height and creates a more finished appearance.

Sheer curtains are particularly popular for large windows because they soften natural light without sacrificing openness.

Bedrooms

Bedrooms are usually the first rooms homeowners want completed before move-in.

Popular options include:

• Blackout roller shades
• Blackout curtains
• Double-layer systems combining shades and drapery
• Motorized blackout solutions

The right choice depends on the room orientation, privacy requirements, and personal preference.

Bathrooms and Laundry Rooms

Moisture-resistant products are generally the best choice for these spaces.

Vinyl shutters and PVC shutters are popular because they resist humidity, require minimal maintenance, and are easy to clean.

Skylights and Specialty Windows

Modern custom homes frequently include:

• Skylights
• Angled windows
• Arched windows
• Triangle windows
• Transom windows

These specialty windows should be identified early in the planning process since they often require custom solutions and additional production time.

Why Many Rebuild Owners Choose to Do the Whole House at Once

Many homeowners choose to complete all window treatments in a single project rather than installing products room by room.

Benefits include:

• One consultation
• One measuring appointment
• Consistent design throughout the home
• Coordinated installation
• Better overall planning

For larger homes, installation is typically completed within one or two days.

A whole-house approach also makes it easier to maintain a consistent colour palette, fabric selection, and overall design language throughout the property.

Why Homeowners Choose Starlight Shutter for New Build Projects

A custom home often involves coordinating multiple trades, suppliers, and timelines.

Many homeowners prefer working with a single window treatment company that can manage the entire process from consultation to installation.

When you work with Starlight Shutter, you receive:

• Free in-home consultation with samples
• 10+ years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA
• Somfy Authorized Dealer expertise
• Lifetime warranty coverage
• Toronto-based manufacturing
• Worldwide fabric sourcing
• Two GTA showrooms in Mississauga and Scarborough
• 250+ 5-star Google reviews
• Experience with high ceilings, skylights, angled windows, curved windows, and specialty applications

Whether you’re building a luxury custom home, a modern rebuild, or a large family residence, our team can help design a window covering plan that works for your lifestyle and your home’s architecture.

How It Works

1. Free In-Home Consultation

We visit your home with samples, fabrics, and product options so you can compare everything in your actual space and lighting conditions.

2. Professional Measuring

Once the windows are installed, our team measures every opening to ensure a precise fit.

3. Custom Manufacturing

All products are made to your specifications and project requirements.

4. Professional Installation

Our installation team handles the final setup and ensures everything operates properly before project completion.

If you’d like to explore fabrics and finishes before construction is complete, you’re welcome to visit either of our GTA showrooms.

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I book window treatments for a new custom home?

As soon as your windows are installed. Early measuring helps ensure your custom products are ready closer to move-in day.

Do I need to plan motorized blinds before drywall is installed?

If you’re considering hardwired motorization, yes. Running power during construction is significantly easier than retrofitting after the walls are finished.

Should I complete the whole house at once?

Many homeowners do because it creates a more cohesive design and simplifies planning, measuring, and installation.

What window treatments work best in a new custom home?

Most homes use a combination of products. Roller shades, motorized blinds, custom drapery, shutters, and specialty solutions are selected based on each room’s needs.

Can you work with builders and interior designers?

Yes. We regularly collaborate with homeowners, builders, electricians, and interior designers throughout Toronto and the GTA.

Ready to Start Planning?

If your windows are already installed, now is a great time to schedule a consultation.

If you’re still in the construction phase, we can also help identify which windows should be prepared for motorization before drywall goes up.

Book a free in-home consultation and let our team help you plan window treatments for your new custom home.

Best Window Coverings for Bay Windows in Toronto Homes

Bay windows are one of the most beautiful architectural features found in Toronto homes. They bring in abundant natural light, create a sense of openness, and often become a focal point in living rooms, dining rooms, and primary bedrooms.

However, finding the right window coverings for bay windows can be more challenging than covering a standard flat window. The angled design requires careful measuring, proper mounting, and thoughtful product selection to ensure both functionality and style.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best window coverings for bay windows and how to choose the right solution for your home.

What Makes Bay Windows Different?

A bay window typically consists of three or more window sections that project outward from the wall. Most bay windows include:

• A large center window
• Two angled side windows
• Wider window spans than standard windows
• Increased exposure to sunlight

Because each section sits at a different angle, window coverings must be customized to fit properly while maintaining a clean, cohesive appearance.

Factors to Consider Before Choosing Bay Window Coverings

Before selecting a window treatment, consider:

Privacy Requirements

Do you need complete privacy, light filtering, or both?

Light Control

South-facing bay windows often receive significant sunlight throughout the day.

Window Accessibility

Will you open the windows frequently?

Interior Design Style

Modern condos, traditional homes, and luxury custom homes may each benefit from different treatment styles.

Motorization

Large bay windows can be ideal candidates for motorized window coverings.

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1. Custom Drapery for Bay Windows

Custom drapery remains one of the most elegant solutions for bay windows.

Because curtains can follow the shape of the bay using custom-bent tracks or multiple track sections, they create a soft and luxurious appearance while helping frame the architecture of the room.

Benefits

• Creates a designer look
• Excellent light control
• Wide selection of fabrics
• Helps soften angular window lines
• Can make ceilings appear taller

Best For

• Living rooms
• Dining rooms
• Primary bedrooms
• Traditional and contemporary homes

For larger bay windows, many Toronto homeowners choose a combination of sheer curtains for daytime privacy and blackout drapery for evening light control.

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2. Roller Shades

Roller shades are a clean and modern option for bay windows.

Each window section receives its own shade, allowing independent operation while maintaining a consistent appearance across the entire bay.

Benefits

• Minimalist design
• Easy operation
• Available with motorization
• Excellent UV protection
• Suitable for contemporary interiors

Best For

• Modern homes
• Condos
• Home offices
• Minimalist interiors

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3. Zebra Blinds

Zebra blinds have become increasingly popular in Toronto homes because they provide flexible light control without sacrificing privacy.

Alternating sheer and solid fabric bands allow homeowners to adjust natural light throughout the day.

Benefits

• Modern appearance
• Daytime privacy
• Adjustable light filtering
• Easy maintenance

Best For

• Living rooms
• Family rooms
• Contemporary homes

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4. Sheer Shades

Sheer shades offer a sophisticated balance between blinds and curtains.

The soft fabric vanes suspended between sheer fabrics create a luxurious appearance while allowing beautiful filtered sunlight into the room.

Benefits

• Elegant light diffusion
• UV protection
• Soft appearance
• Improved daytime privacy

Best For

• Formal living rooms
• Luxury homes
• Bay windows with scenic views

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5. California Shutters

California shutters are one of the most durable and timeless solutions for bay windows.

Because each panel is custom-built to fit the window angles precisely, shutters create a seamless, built-in appearance that becomes part of the home’s architecture.

Benefits

• Long lifespan
• Excellent light control
• Increased privacy
• Easy maintenance
• Adds architectural value

Best For

• Traditional homes
• Transitional interiors
• Homes with street-facing bay windows

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Can Bay Windows Be Motorized?

Absolutely.

Motorization is becoming one of the most requested upgrades for bay windows, particularly when multiple shades need to be operated daily.

Motorized window coverings can:

• Open and close automatically
• Connect to smart-home systems
• Be controlled via remote or smartphone
• Improve convenience for large window areas

Popular options include:

• Motorized roller shades
• Motorized zebra blinds
• Motorized sheer shades

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Which Bay Window Covering Is Right for You?

The best solution depends on your priorities:

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Why Toronto Homeowners Choose Starlight Shutter for Bay Window Projects

Bay windows require precise measurements and thoughtful product selection. A solution that works beautifully on a standard window may not perform well on an angled bay window.

At Starlight Shutter, we provide:

• Free in-home consultation
• Product samples brought directly to your home
• Expert measuring for angled windows
• Custom-made window coverings
• Motorization and smart-home options
• Professional installation
• Over 250+ 5-star Google reviews
• More than 10 years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA

Whether you’re looking for elegant custom drapery, modern shades, or timeless shutters, our team can help design a solution that complements your bay windows and your home’s style.

Book Your Free In-Home Consultation

Looking for the best window coverings for bay windows in Toronto?

Contact Starlight Shutter today to explore custom blinds, shades, shutters, and drapery designed specifically for your space.

How Wide Should Curtains Be? A Simple Guide for Toronto Homeowners

One of the most common questions homeowners ask when shopping for curtains is: How wide should curtains be?

Whether you’re decorating a condo in downtown Toronto, a new build in Markham, or a family home in Mississauga, curtain width plays a major role in how your windows look and function. Curtains that are too narrow can appear flat and unfinished, while properly sized drapery creates fullness, elegance, and a custom-designed look.

In this guide, we’ll explain how curtain width is calculated and how professionals determine the right amount of fabric for different window styles.

Why Curtain Width Matters

Curtains are not meant to be the same width as your window.

A common mistake is measuring a 60-inch-wide window and purchasing 60 inches of curtain fabric. The result is a flat appearance with little to no folds, making the window treatment look inexpensive and unfinished.

Proper curtain width creates:

• Beautiful folds and pleats
• Better light control
• Improved privacy
• A fuller, more luxurious appearance
• Better proportions for large windows

The wider the curtain relative to the window, the more fullness it will have.

The General Rule: Curtains Should Be Wider Than the Window

Professional drapery is typically calculated using a fullness ratio, which compares the total fabric width to the width of the track or rod.

2x Fullness

A 60-inch window would use approximately 120 inches of fabric.

This level of fullness works well for:

• Simple decorative drapery
• Casual curtain styles
• Some ripple fold systems

The look is clean and modern without appearing overly heavy.

2.5x Fullness

A 60-inch window would use approximately 150 inches of fabric.

This is one of the most popular options for custom drapery because it provides:

• Richer folds
• Better fabric movement
• A more upscale appearance

It works particularly well with pinch pleat curtains and decorative drapery panels.

3x Fullness

A 60-inch window would use approximately 180 inches of fabric.

This level of fullness is often used for:

• Luxury homes
• Statement drapery
• Sheer curtains
• Formal living rooms

The folds appear deeper and more dramatic, creating a high-end designer look.

How Wide Should Ripple Fold Curtains Be?

Ripple fold drapery uses a different calculation than traditional curtains.

Instead of measuring the fabric width directly, designers calculate the fullness based on the track width.

Most custom ripple fold systems use approximately:

• 2.0x fullness for a clean contemporary look
• 2.2x to 2.3x fullness for a more luxurious appearance

For example:

A 100-inch-wide track may require approximately 220 to 230 inches of fabric to achieve elegant, consistent waves.

Many premium custom drapery installations in Toronto homes use around 2.3x fullness because it creates a richer appearance without looking bulky.

Large Windows Need More Than Glass Coverage

When measuring curtains, it’s important to consider more than just the glass itself.

Professional designers often extend drapery beyond the window frame to include space for:

• Window trim
• Stack-back area
• Decorative overlap

This allows the curtains to open fully without covering too much of the glass.

Benefits include:

• More natural light
• Better outdoor views
• Larger-looking windows
• Improved room proportions

This is especially important for:

• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Large living room windows
• Patio doors
• Two-storey great rooms

Common Curtain Width Mistakes

Choosing Curtains That Match the Window Width

If your window is 80 inches wide, using 80 inches of curtain fabric will result in a flat appearance with almost no folds.

Curtains should always be significantly wider than the window itself.

Forgetting About Stack Back

Many homeowners measure only the visible glass.

However, curtains need space to stack when opened. Without accounting for stack-back, the drapery may block part of the window even when fully open.

Prioritizing Cost Over Fullness

Reducing fabric width may save money initially, but it often results in curtains that look underwhelming.

A properly designed curtain will usually look more balanced and luxurious for years to come.

So, How Wide Should Curtains Be?

For most Toronto homes, a fullness ratio between 2x and 2.5x provides the best balance between appearance, functionality, and value.

As a general guideline:

Curtain Style	Recommended Fullness
Decorative Panels	2x
Ripple Fold Drapery	2.0x – 2.3x
Pinch Pleat Drapery	2.5x
Luxury Sheers	2.5x – 3x

The ideal width depends on:

• Window size
• Curtain style
• Fabric type
• Desired appearance
• Track or rod system

Because every window is different, custom measurements are often the best way to achieve a polished, designer-quality result.

Final Thoughts

Curtain width is one of the most important factors in creating beautiful window treatments. While ready-made curtains often prioritize standard sizing, custom drapery is designed around the exact dimensions of your window and the look you want to achieve.

Whether you’re covering a single bedroom window or designing window treatments for an entire home, choosing the right curtain width can make a dramatic difference in the final result. Contact us for more details!

Window Coverings for Slanted Windows: Best Solutions for Triangle, Angled & Skylight Windows

Slanted windows can make a home feel bright, unique, and architecturally stunning. Whether it’s a triangular gable window, an angled skylight above a kitchen, or a dramatic vaulted wall of glass, these windows often become the focal point of the room.

The challenge? Finding window coverings that actually fit.

Unlike standard rectangular windows, slanted and angled windows require custom solutions that balance light control, privacy, energy efficiency, and aesthetics.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best window coverings for slanted windows and showcase real-world solutions we’ve installed throughout Toronto and the GTA.

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Why Slanted Windows Are Difficult to Cover

Many homeowners initially assume they can use standard blinds or curtains. Unfortunately, slanted windows introduce several challenges:

• Irregular shapes and angles
• Limited mounting options
• Strong sunlight and heat gain
• Difficult operation at higher elevations
• Custom measurements required for proper fit

The good news is that modern window treatment systems can be customized for almost any shape.

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1. Honeycomb Blinds for Triangle Windows

Triangle windows are commonly found in:

• Cathedral ceiling homes
• Great rooms
• Loft-style spaces
• Modern custom homes
• Gable-end windows

Honeycomb blinds (also known as cellular shades) are one of the most effective solutions for triangular windows.

Why Honeycomb Blinds Work Well

Excellent Insulation

Large triangle windows often create significant heat loss during winter and solar heat gain during summer.

The cellular structure traps air inside the fabric, helping improve energy efficiency throughout the year.

Custom Shape Capability

Honeycomb shades can be manufactured to fit:

• Isosceles triangles
• Right triangles
• Trapezoid windows
• Angled specialty shapes

Clean Architectural Appearance

Because the shade follows the exact shape of the window, the final result looks integrated into the architecture rather than added afterward.

Real Project: Triangle Honeycomb Blinds

In one of our recent installations, we fitted custom honeycomb blinds on a large triangular feature window. The homeowner wanted to reduce glare while maintaining the clean lines of the vaulted space.

The result was a tailored solution that provided both light control and insulation without compromising the room’s design.

Watch our installation video to see how custom honeycomb blinds are fitted on a triangular window.

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kitchen_skylight_movie

2. Honeycomb Blinds for Angled Skylights

Skylights bring in beautiful natural light, but they can also create unwanted heat, glare, and UV exposure.

This is especially noticeable in:

• Kitchens
• Hallways
• Stairwells
• Home offices
• Loft conversions

Why Skylights Need Window Coverings

Many GTA homeowners notice:

• Excessive summer heat
• Fading furniture and flooring
• Morning glare
• Difficulty controlling room temperature

The Best Solution: Skylight Honeycomb Blinds

Custom skylight cellular shades are specifically designed to remain tensioned within side channels, preventing sagging even on steep angles.

Benefits include:

• Improved energy efficiency
• Reduced glare
• Better temperature control
• Optional blackout fabrics
• Motorization available for hard-to-reach skylights

For larger or higher skylights, motorized operation is often the most convenient option.

Related Reading

If you’re considering skylight shades, check out our complete guide:

Skylight Blinds Complete Guide for Toronto Homes

https://starlightshutter.com/skylight-blinds-complete-guide/

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3. Sheer Drapery for Large Slanted Walls of Windows

Not every slanted window needs to be covered individually.

In many vaulted-ceiling homes, a more elegant solution is to cover the entire wall rather than each window opening.

This approach works particularly well when the architecture includes:

• Large triangular window groupings
• Vaulted ceilings
• Floor-to-ceiling glass
• Open-concept living spaces

Real Project: Full Sheer Drapery Across a Triangle Wall

In the project shown below, the home featured a large triangular wall with an arched window centered beneath a vaulted ceiling.

Instead of attempting to cover each section separately, we installed custom ceiling-mounted sheer drapery spanning the entire wall.

Why This Solution Worked

Creates Visual Balance

The continuous fabric softens the sharp angles of the architecture and creates a clean, luxurious appearance.

Maintains Natural Light

Sheer fabric diffuses sunlight rather than blocking it completely, keeping the room bright and inviting.

Makes the Ceiling Feel Taller

Full-height drapery naturally draws the eye upward, emphasizing the dramatic ceiling height.

Hides Irregular Window Shapes

Rather than designing around multiple specialty-shaped windows, the drapery creates one cohesive feature wall.

This approach is especially popular for:

• Great rooms
• Family rooms
• Living rooms
• Lakefront homes
• Luxury custom homes

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4. Can You Install Shutters on Slanted Windows?

This is a question we hear often from homeowners with cathedral ceilings and triangular feature windows.

The answer is: sometimes, but it depends on the window shape.

Custom plantation shutters can be manufactured for certain specialty-shaped windows, including:

• Triangle windows
• Arch windows
• Sunburst windows
• Trapezoid windows

Pros of Shutters for Angled Windows

• Permanent architectural feature
• Excellent curb appeal
• Increases perceived home value
• Low maintenance
• Ideal for traditional and transitional homes

Limitations to Consider

Unlike honeycomb shades, shutters are typically fixed on specialty shapes and may not provide daily operation.

For example, many triangular shutter panels remain stationary while rectangular windows below can still be opened and adjusted.

Because of this, homeowners looking for adjustable light control often prefer honeycomb blinds or drapery solutions.

When We Recommend Shutters

Shutters are usually the best choice when:

• You want a permanent architectural look
• The angled window is mainly decorative
• The home has a traditional or luxury design style
• Matching existing shutters throughout the home is important

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Should You Cover the Window or the Entire Wall?

This is one of the most common questions homeowners ask.

Cover the Window Itself When:

• Maximum insulation is needed
• Blackout performance is important
• Energy efficiency is the primary goal
• The shape is relatively simple

Cover the Entire Wall When:

• The ceiling is vaulted
• The window grouping is complex
• Design and aesthetics are the priority
• You want a softer, more luxurious appearance

In many projects, a combination of both approaches produces the best result.

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Motorization for Hard-to-Reach Slanted Windows

Many slanted and skylight windows are located far above floor level.

Motorized window coverings can provide:

• Remote control operation
• Smartphone integration
• Scheduled opening and closing
• Improved convenience
• Better child safety

At Starlight Shutter, we offer multiple motorization options including Neo, Somfy, and A-OK systems to suit different project requirements and budgets.

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Professional Measurement Matters

Slanted windows leave very little room for measurement errors.

Even a small discrepancy can result in:

• Light gaps
• Uneven alignment
• Improper operation
• Costly remakes

That’s why specialty-shaped windows should always be professionally measured before ordering custom window coverings.

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Looking for Window Coverings for Slanted Windows in Toronto?

Whether you have:

• Triangle windows
• Angled windows
• Trapezoid windows
• Vaulted ceiling windows
• Skylights
• Large feature walls of glass

Our team can help you find a solution that fits both the architecture and your lifestyle.

With over 10 years of experience serving Toronto and the GTA, we’ve installed custom window coverings on virtually every window shape imaginable—from cathedral ceilings and triangular gables to skylights and oversized feature windows.

Book a free in-home consultation or visit one of our Scarborough or Mississauga showrooms to explore your options.