Adrian Barraclough, chairman of Quickslide and frequent Professional Builder collaborator talks us through what’s trending in the window and door market.
After the tremendous response received for this column last year I thought I’d take another look at the latest movers and shakers in the window and door market, especially garden doors. For although we are almost halfway through the year by the time you get to read this, it’s been a slow start to the spring and summer weather-wise and that does have a massive effect on sales. Yes, of course, everyone should plan ahead but if we did, then there wouldn’t be a massive surge in fan and aircon sales the minute the mercury tops 30 degrees. Human nature and especially for us Brits…
But even for jobs that you might be well ahead with, there’s still time to introduce some fantastic new styles and treatments that all go to prove that, more than ever, you’ll sell a lot more with the right window or door! So, here goes…
Slide….then fold…
I have talked previously about a cracking new-ish type of bi-fold that offers all the plusses of this fantastic door style, but with none of the disadvantages – the folding/sliding door. Well, now that these are more widely available – including from yours truly – you can offer them with confidence.
The advantages over bi-folds? The leaves aren’t hinged so when the primary door is opened (just like a bi fold) the panels can then be slid open individually, anywhere along the rail. Plus, no allowance for the concertina effect is required, allowing furniture or plants to be positioned right up to the door. And you still get the wide, uninterrupted opening when the sun finally comes out! Just ask for Indi Fold.
The demand for Bi is still high…
Having intro’d with a bi-fold alternative, conventional bi-folds are still the number 1 garden door choice and with no signs of interest faltering. You will be up against it on price with so many deals online, so stand out from the crowd with a product that is more than a low price: try woodgrains, integral blinds, and less is more: make sure you offer ‘folders with nice slim sight lines. After all, with our weather they’ll be closed more than they’ll be open!
Heritage-style windows and doors…and so much more…
Heritage black ‘steel’ replica art deco windows and doors are currently all the rage; but the opportunities are immense because this style embodies not only external windows and doors, but also internal room dividers, screens and doors. And many companies will supply both external and internal so the ordering process should be painless.
When your customers choose this lovely style, they are investing in a clearly defined look, with your customers no doubt also lashing out their hard-earned on a stash of art-deco mirrors and other touches…when you are showing your punters this type of window make sure you put on your best Laurence Llewellyn-Bowen impersonation to tell them ‘it’s absolutely immense dahlings….’!
Vertical sliders…now with a high-tech touch…
The demand for traditional box sash vertical sliding windows remains as high as ever, evidenced by the number of enquiries that we are tracking. This sector is dominated by higher earners and those more dedicated to maintaining the traditional style of their property. But whilst authenticity is crucial to buyers of this type of window, not only do they appreciate the modern, high performance of new replacements manufactured in modern materials, they can now benefit from the latest hi-tech, security.
AviaSmart produce app-based smart locks and devices for doors and windows and they have thoughtfully developed a special lock for vertical sashes. This will alert you through your smartphone if you have forgotten to latch any window fitted with the device, should the user begin to move away from the home or of course, to save checking every room last thing at night.
A simple, useful twist on the latch and it looks exactly like any installed a century ago.
And finally…
The realisation that windows can be replaced with something more stylish than the common-or-garden casement has spread fast; and whilst not every home suits a box sash or art deco window, the flush sash casement does offer a nice, individual touch of style and class on almost any type of home.
Add a touch of colour – a cream or sage green perhaps to take the edge off – and you have a subtle offer for a homeowner customer who will thank you for helping them with that extra touch. Oh, and the extra margin won’t go amiss either, right?
For further information on Quickslide visit Window & Door Suppliers West Yorkshire | Double Glazing Manufacturers (quickslide.co.uk).
