ABC Supply’s Pro Council Shares Trends for New Construction and Replacement Windows and Doors
Selecting new construction and replacement windows and doors can be a big decision for homeowners. The decision is often made early in a building or remodeling project when windows and doors need to be custom to a home. This makes choosing the right options crucial.
We asked the Pro Council what trends they’re seeing for new construction and replacement windows and doors. Here’s what’s popular as we begin a new year.
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Design Drives Door Decisions
Design often drives decisions about front doors, unlike other materials where price is often the deciding factor. Homeowners see their front door as a statement piece. The Pro Council regularly receives custom door orders as homeowners spend more to get exactly what they want in a front door.
Fiberglass and wood are both popular door materials and are made in a spectrum of colors and stains. The Pro Council is also starting to see an uptick in doors made with mixed materials (e.g., wood and metal or wood and glass). Doors with bigger windows are particularly popular, as they let in light and add an element of style. Bold colors like red, yellow and teal, as well as stained wood in a color that contrasts with the home’s siding, are trending in 2023.
Homeowners may be interested in playing with different colors, materials and styles when selecting a door. Ask your customers if they want a statement door or one that blends in. Visual rendering software like Pictureit or HOVER can help homeowners visualize what their home will look like with different types and colors of doors, making their decision easier.
It’s also helpful to know if a home will be subject to the rules of a homeowners association (HOA). An HOA may have color restrictions for doors and other materials. The more you know, the more you’ll be able to guide your customers when making decisions about siding and roofing that will play off their door selection.
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Dark Window Frames Aren’t Going Anywhere
Dark frames, especially black ones, have been popular for the last few years, and the trend doesn’t seem to be going away. Homeowners appreciate the clean, modern look of black frames. Plus, black-frame windows don’t require window treatments from an interior design standpoint.
Black hardware on windows is also gaining popularity. It can either create a cohesive look with black frames or create a detail that pops when added to light-colored frames.
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Impact Resistance Remains Important
A key concern for people who live in coastal areas is keeping their homes safe during hurricanes and tropical storms. Code requirements often state that homeowners need impact-resistant windows when building or remodeling. Impact-resistant windows offer extra storm protection for a home.
Even outside of coastal areas, impact-resistant windows are popular. They can reduce the damage caused by high winds and tornadoes too. Impact-resistant windows are also a great security measure. Thieves cannot easily break this specialty glass and enter a home or business.
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Homeowners Continue to Value Energy-Efficient Options
Energy-efficient window options have been on the rise for years. They’re a great option for upgrading existing windows when limited by window-opening size.
Energy-efficient windows can save homeowners money over time — such as reducing heating and cooling costs — even if they cost more up front. New energy-efficient windows can even increase a home’s resale value. Help your customers decide if energy-efficient windows are right for them by talking through these factors.
ABC Supply Is Your Door and Window Supplier
ABC Supply is a great resource for contractors who are helping homeowners hoose doors and windows. We carry a large selection of brands, and our expert associates can help find options that fit your customers’ needs. Contact your local branch for more information about the products it carries.
ABC Supply associates can share resources that will help if you’re unsure how to install a particular window or door. Check out the manufacturer’s website or YouTube page for the best information and tutorials on a specific window product.
Supply chain delays are continuing, even as the demand for construction begins to slow down. We’ll do what we can to help you plan for your projects. Reach out to your local branch to discuss product availability and lead times. Delayed production also means it’s important to measure carefully — it can take even longer to receive new products if you place an incorrect order. Also consider updating your contracts to provide flexibility should price increases or material delays occur.
Be sure to check out the ABC Supply blog for more tips on the latest trends in building materials, like siding and roofing.
The ABC Supply Pro Council consists of experienced associates from across the U.S. Its aim is to provide contractors nationwide with industry advice and insights to help them seize opportunities and overcome challenges they face as they manage successful businesses. Contractors can visit ABC Supply’s News & Events for additional tips and resources from the Pro Council.
The information provided is for general informational purposes only. All information provided is in good faith, and is not intended as a substitute for obtaining accounting, tax, legal, or financial advice for a professional accountant or lawyer. Any opinions expressed are those of the author. ABC Supply makes no warranties of any kind, express or implied, regarding, the accuracy, adequacy, validity, reliability, availability, or completeness of any information provided herein. Any questions regarding the information provided should be addressed to the author.