Critical considerations for choosing windows and doors that meet performance and style requirements
The goal of every remodel is to maximize the home’s long-term value while increasing comfort for the homeowner. Today let’s cover how to accomplish that by choosing the right windows and doors.
Replacing the windows, for example, can improve energy efficiency with a tighter home envelope. And modern doors are more functional and secure than their older counterparts. Replacing these elements with updated materials and design helps increase curb appeal and the overall home value.
How do you choose the right windows and doors for your remodeling project? Here are a few elements to keep in mind:
1) Consider the local climate
If the home is in a location that’s prone to extreme weather and temperatures, you’ll want windows with higher performance ratings made for an airtight installation to prevent leaks, helping to maintain a more comfortable temperature all year.
Energy-efficient and Low-E glass also helps keep indoor temperatures comfortable. Heat-reflective glass keeps the inside cool during the summer and warmer during the winter. With the home regulating its temperature organically, your client will save money on energy costs in the long run.
You’ll also want to test that what works in extreme heat also works in extreme cold. Just because a window does well in wet and cold weather doesn’t mean it will work in hot and humid weather.
2) Consider the architectural style
A home’s style determines its curb appeal. A contemporary home, for example, has expansive glass windows and featureless exterior doors. In contrast, traditional farmhouse-style homes have more ornate windows and doors with a wood (or wood look-alike) aesthetic. This means additions to these homes require different materials such as clad wood for contemporary and natural wood for traditional.
Regardless of the style, windows and doors should enhance curb appeal and help pull the look together. For more-efficient product selection within your budget, JELD-WEN has curated collections of window and door options for every style, including farmhouse, contemporary, coastal, and updated traditional.
3) Get to know the product (and the manufacturer)
Knowing how a manufacturer’s windows and doors are made will help you sell with confidence and better explain objections and recommendations to your clients.
When your reputation is on the line, it’s critical to choose windows and doors that meet your performance specs, are proven to stand the test of time, and have the backing of the dealer and the manufacturer. It’s a good idea to visit or contact the manufacturer to learn about the installation process and understand what goes into each product.
4) Empower and educate your client
The previous point will also help when your client starts doing their research on the internet, which makes for simpler inspiration discovery, but also trickier to lock down the right information on window and door performance. There are a lot of unofficial reviews and sites that don’t tell the whole story.
As they draw their conclusions, your clients will look to you for guidance. The more intimately you understand the window and door products you’re recommending, the better you can educate your clients and clarify common misconceptions found online.
You can also help instill confidence in product selections by sending your clients to the showroom to see, hear, and feel the difference between products and brands.
Choosing the right windows and doors for your remodel is more manageable when everything that you need is all in one place. Browse our curated style and product collections for the perfect solution.
For assistance with window and door specifications or installation, visit JELD-WEN’s professional portal.
