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Today's fiberglass doors are virtually indistinguishable from wood. Photo courtesy of JELD-WEN
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By Marcia Jedd
JELD-WEN, a leading maker of windows and doors, recently presented on delivering value while staying within client budgets at the 2007 International Builder's Show in Orlando, Fla. "When resources are limited, homeowners need guidance from contractors to help make the right decisions that will add value. They need to know what's the best investment and why," said Elizabeth Souders, public relations manager at JELD-WEN of Klamath Falls, Ore.
Builders, remodelers and other contractors can tout a number of selling factors when they use high-quality windows and doors:
Energy savings bring return on investment. "New homes that include energy-efficient features such as windows and doors offer strong marketing opportunities and can be a sign of higher quality construction," Souders said. Benefits include regulating energy costs, bringing in light and creating ambiance in the home.
"Window and door upgrades offer a potential return on investment ranging from 84 to 106 percent, according to Remodeling Magazine and the National Real Estate Appraisers Association," Souders said, noting these figures are on par with a kitchen or bathroom remodel.
According to Jeff Lowinski, president of the Window and Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) in Des Plaines, Ill., experts estimate 75 percent to 80 percent of home heat loss or gain is through windows, not walls. "Building codes are driving the trend, and manufacturers are responding by providing tighter and higher energy-efficient products," Lowinski said. The U-value measurement for heat loss can also be used as a marketing tool, with lower U-factors indicating better insulation qualities. "Many double-paned, argon-filled windows render U-values as low as 0.30," Lowinski said.
Souders provided these design tips to contractors on adding value to their projects:
1. Style matters. Pay attention to historic style. "The best investments tend to be those styles considered timeless and enduring. Ever-popular design classics such as Craftsman and Old World endure and offer value over the long run," Souders said.
Provide options that incorporate the architectural style of the home. "Historical accuracy and architectural correctness are essential," Souders said. A number of manufacturers continue to innovate with design and color options.
2. Offer upgrades that homeowners want and care about. Go for quality and special touches, Souders advised. For example, an ornate carved front door, even available in fiberglass today, can be a big selling point to a home.
Pay attention to regional needs. Souders emphasizes energy efficiency and coastal considerations. In hurricane country, windows and doors require superior flashing and impeccable caulking. Many manufacturers offer impact-resistant glazing and windows. The WinGuard line from PGT, for instance, uses a flexible plastic layer between two panes of glass to guard against breakage. Low-E (low-emissivity) coating and argon-gas-filled windows are suitable for extreme climates with harsh cold or severe heat.
Performance matters. "Builders can generate increased demand and show more value by touting products that increase energy efficiency and have strong warranties," Souders said. She advised builders to use low-maintenance products with long warranties. For example, JELD-WEN windows and doors made with AuraLast wood offer a 20-year warranty against wood decay and insect damage, another big selling point.
Noise reduction is important, too. "U.S. Census research found that noise is the top neighborhood complaint among homeowners," Souders said. Some interior doors use technology that reduces noise by up to 50 percent compared with hollow interior doors.
3. Choose materials wisely. Consider attractive, low-maintenance alternatives. To this end, many builders prefer vinyl, fiberglass and other composite materials. "Vinyl is a top choice for affordable, low-maintenance windows," Souders said, noting vinyl represents more than 50 percent of the replacement-window market for residential remodeling.
In doors, fiberglass is increasingly common. "Our Aurora custom fiberglass doors come in a wide variety of styles and are visually indistinguishable from wood," Souders said. Fiberglass offers easy care, strength and resistance to warping or fading in extreme weather conditions.
"When it comes to affordable style, architects, builders and remodelers must consider overall value — not just how they will look, but how the products they recommend will perform over time," Souders concluded.
Marcia Jedd writes frequently about design and construction issues.
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