Every year around this time I like to take stock of what the windows and doors industry has to offer, but with a particular emphasis on what you can entice your customers with to secure that deal.
Smart technology
Although it’s been a slow burner for windows and doors, ‘smart’ tech is now making inroads. As I reported in this column last month, the system that’s really caught my eye is called ‘Kubu’. It’s something we’ve been working on for a while behind the scenes, and we’re excited to be introducing it to our VS windows very soon.
Whilst the Kubu tech is integrated within the frame during production, it can be extended to integrate with systems throughout the whole house. Features like window sensors connect to various home devices that may be controlled via Alexa, with the homeowner adding as much or as little as they require, but including a decent home security system, at least.
Energy efficiency
Now an evergreen (sorry!) with the cost of living continuing to spiral upwards, people are looking to cut down on how much they spend on energy. OK so the heating won’t be on now, but when winter comes back around, everyone wants their windows and doors to be as efficient as the rest of their home to keep the heating bills down. It’s ingrained now so don’t underestimate the importance of energy efficiency to your punters.
Minimalist design
Less is more, now more than ever, with slim/sleek sightlines for sliding and bi-folding garden doors increasingly popular. We use the renowned Smart Visofold 1000 Slim profile for our bifolds, which also comes with the installer-friendly tap-in bead. For sliders, there is little better in my view than the new Stellar inline sliding patio doors with super-slim profiles and an interlock of just 35mm.
Patio doors
And whilst we are in the subject, check out ‘slide and stack’ patio doors that offer the benefits of bi-folds, but which offer the ability to separate and slide each leaf independently, combining the best of sliding patio doors and bifold doors. We like Quick-Glide.
High Security
Just like energy efficiency, you overlook security at your peril. Multi-point locking systems, reinforced glass, and smart monitoring systems are increasingly standard – some of it required by law, the rest just good old common sense. Go over and above for your customers by offering the highest performing options – check with your window and door supplier for their best spec.
Heritage Style with Modern Performance
Timber windows in conservation areas/listed buildings need replacing, with modern performance required before winter sets in. Even the dustiest councils now recognise that replacement windows for conservation areas may combine the very best performance whilst providing design that is sympathetic and in context with the local area.
Trending Window and Door Colours
More than half of the windows we manufacture are now specified in colour. Lean towards natural and earthy tones like greens, browns, and greys, as well as calming neutrals like light greys, soft beiges, and muted blues.
Dual coloured windows
A neutral white interior for frames can be combined with a huge range of external colours, elevating windows and doors from the purely functional to part of the overall design. We’re even getting more requests for bespoke colours inside and out, as homeowners look to match their windows to bold accent walls and standout paint choices like Farrow & Ball.
Hybrid/remote working/flexible homes
Internal doors and screens – we like AluSpace – are ideal to divide interior space such as for the creation of home offices and for more flexible use of homes. Rather than solid walls, internal glazing is lighter and brighter and far more flexible and stylish.
Aging population
None of us is getting any younger, something that I was reminded of recently with a ‘significant’ birthday. Windows and doors, external but also internal as per my previous point, can increase accessibility and comfort without looking like something supplied by a care retailer.
Take into account low-thresholds, wider openers, sliders and a range of other options, might be included now to make them future proof as the homeowner ages, but without their property beginning to look like a care home. Ask your supplier for guidance!
CYA
And finally for this year’s roundup, the window and door industry continues to yield a significant number of mergers and acquisitions and, sadly, company failures. You should be especially careful to do plenty of research before placing an order and paying up-front. Cover your rear by making sure you’re placing your money in a business you can trust.
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