Today I have decided to tackle the topic of marketing in the remodeling industry. Sadly the home improvement business is very UN-regulated here in Pennsylvania. Although we do have The Home Improvement Contractor Registration law, in many regards, companies are still free to take advantage of people through mis-information, and in some cases, flat out lies.
The biggest driver of most remodeling companies is customer inquiries, or leads. These are the lifeblood that keep businesses in business. With little effective regulation, some unscrupulous companies will put out whatever message they believe will make the phone ring, regardless of how misleading it may be.
Some examples of this are companies that offer windows for ridiculously low prices, like $188 per window or $189 per window. Can you get a window for this price, yes. Is that window efficient when compared to other major brands, No. Is it equipped with options most consumers desire? No. What it is really is an effective way to get a chance to speak with you so that they can offer you the better products or the options that most want, only at a higher price point. It seems very close to bait and switch... although apparently not close enough to warrant action by the state.
Along the same scam ridden lines is the idea of "Buy one, Get one free." This may be an honest offer for pizza's or socks, but I can assure you, there is no such thing as a free window. Since remodeling projects are sold as a negotiated sale it is very hard to prove what a window "normally" costs. Typically its a different price each depending on many variable, including what the sales person can get for it.
For example, lets say a company is willing to discount up to 50% off of an extremely inflated list price of $1,000 per window and sell it for $500, then that same company is able to offer "buy one, get one" by just holding their price high and offering none of the discounts that they normally would and thereby "selling" one window for $1,000 and "giving" you the the other. Either way, 2 windows will cost you the $1,000... its really all just a shell game with these deceptive types of companies.
My advice to someone who is looking for windows is to do your research ahead of time. Look for companies with a lot of information about themselves on their website and good standing with the BBB. Check independent 3rd party sources like www.NFRC.org... There are many good companies out there, like Legacy Remodeling, What I would not do is waste time on companies that have to try to trick people in order to get customers.
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
Maximize Window Efficiency and Save!
I am writing this blog entry with a bit of irritation with the bad information that is often given to consumers regarding energy efficiency in windows. As a rule, my company, Legacy Remodeling, Inc. offers highly efficient windows to our customers when we visit with them to discuss replacement windows. However, not all companies have the ability to offer the latest in window technology.
When these companies visit with potential clients they can only offer those products their company sells and if a triple pane window is not something their company handles, it seems that that more often than not, the easiest way out for the consultant is to lie. I know that is a strong word, but frankly it is the only one that fits when a person says that increased U-value (an important measure of efficiency) really is not important or that triple pane windows really dont work.
These statements could not be further from the truth. A triple pane window with low-coatings and an argon or krypton gas between the panes will return a tremendous increase in efficiency that directly translates to lower energy bills for the homeowner.
However, rather than take my word for it, I have recently had the pleasure of simply directing my clients to information and programs that are coming out of the Department of Energy. First, the Energy Star program. As of April 1 2010, there will be new, more stringent requirements for windows that want to carry the energy star label. In Pennsylvania, this will mean a window with a minimum U-Value of .3. This will bring Energy Star standards into alignment with the requirements for the 2009 and 2010 energy tax credit.
While these standards can be met with a dual pane window with an advanced glass package, they certainly cannot be met by the low end products that unfortunately permeate the market. Soon, though there look to be standards in place that even the best double pane windows will not be able to match. Currently the DOE is looking at implementing an R-5 window program which would essentially try to create demand for the production of windows that have an overall R value of 5. In order to achieve this, the glass unit on the window would need to have a U value of approximately .20, something that can only be achieved using a triple pane window or specially designed films between the panes.
The reason that the government is trying to promote these increases in the performance of windows is because it translates to real savings for the homeowner and has national benefits such as reducing dependence on foreign energy and the reduction of our national carbon footprint. According to the Energystar.gov website, upgrading from single pane windows to the current energy star standard for windows translates to monthly savings of up to $478 per month, that's some real savings.
If you are in the market for replacement windows, be sure to take the time to do your research before you start to get estimates. That way you will be able to recognize the savings that a good product can offer just as well as you will recognize the smoke that is being blown by people who's products just haven't kept up with current technology.
When these companies visit with potential clients they can only offer those products their company sells and if a triple pane window is not something their company handles, it seems that that more often than not, the easiest way out for the consultant is to lie. I know that is a strong word, but frankly it is the only one that fits when a person says that increased U-value (an important measure of efficiency) really is not important or that triple pane windows really dont work.
These statements could not be further from the truth. A triple pane window with low-coatings and an argon or krypton gas between the panes will return a tremendous increase in efficiency that directly translates to lower energy bills for the homeowner.
However, rather than take my word for it, I have recently had the pleasure of simply directing my clients to information and programs that are coming out of the Department of Energy. First, the Energy Star program. As of April 1 2010, there will be new, more stringent requirements for windows that want to carry the energy star label. In Pennsylvania, this will mean a window with a minimum U-Value of .3. This will bring Energy Star standards into alignment with the requirements for the 2009 and 2010 energy tax credit.
While these standards can be met with a dual pane window with an advanced glass package, they certainly cannot be met by the low end products that unfortunately permeate the market. Soon, though there look to be standards in place that even the best double pane windows will not be able to match. Currently the DOE is looking at implementing an R-5 window program which would essentially try to create demand for the production of windows that have an overall R value of 5. In order to achieve this, the glass unit on the window would need to have a U value of approximately .20, something that can only be achieved using a triple pane window or specially designed films between the panes.
The reason that the government is trying to promote these increases in the performance of windows is because it translates to real savings for the homeowner and has national benefits such as reducing dependence on foreign energy and the reduction of our national carbon footprint. According to the Energystar.gov website, upgrading from single pane windows to the current energy star standard for windows translates to monthly savings of up to $478 per month, that's some real savings.
If you are in the market for replacement windows, be sure to take the time to do your research before you start to get estimates. That way you will be able to recognize the savings that a good product can offer just as well as you will recognize the smoke that is being blown by people who's products just haven't kept up with current technology.
Friday, January 1, 2010
Tis' the season..... To Remodel?
Although many people may not realize it, this is one of the best times of the year to move forward with those remodeling plans that many homeowners have been putting off because of the cold weather.
By acting early in the season, homeowners can hope to realize a variety of benefits in improving their home. Rather than take the time to write lengthy descriptions of each of these I have listed what I consider to be the top 5 reason below. Incidentally this is the same theme as what I wrote about in "Remodeling and the Holiday Season" on December 2, so if you want to read more about this, check out that entry.
1. Remodelers are hungry right now. This is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal on a project as even many of the best companies out there could use some additional work right now. Let the remodeler know that you would be willing to accept installation immediately and you will be able to negotiate your best price.
2. The weather really does not impact installation of many products. I have heard many homeowners express concern about undertaking a major remodeling project during bad weather. However in most cases these concerns can be handled with some forethought on the part of the installer. The use of drop cloths, booties, etc. will mitigate any mess. Additionally, any good remodeling company recognizes that clean up is as important as any other part of the job and will be sure to clean up at the end of a project.
3. Since the spring is the busy time of the year for remodelers, purchasing then can mean long waits as other customers fill the schedule ahead of you. By purchasing in the January, you will be able to get your project done quickly.
4. Again, since the spring is the busiest time of the year for remodelers, this is often a time when manufacturer's will look to increase their prices. Beat this price increase by getting your project under contract now. In many cases, if your project is under contract but has not yet been installed, a good contractor will be able to get their supplier to honor the old pricing.
5. Because the winter is a slower time for remodelers, individual projects will command more attention from the company involved. Further, those who are involved in the project for you will tend to be more of the "A" quality people from their company. Many remodelers will add staff as they become busier, sometimes resulting in a slip in quality. By purchasing your project now, you will have the benefit of an installer that the company see's fit to keep busy year round.
As you pull into your driveway on these cold winter days and you see the projects you have planned for this spring. Ask yourself if this is a project that could be installed now, if so, proceed to find the right contractor and you will get a top notch job at a great price.
By acting early in the season, homeowners can hope to realize a variety of benefits in improving their home. Rather than take the time to write lengthy descriptions of each of these I have listed what I consider to be the top 5 reason below. Incidentally this is the same theme as what I wrote about in "Remodeling and the Holiday Season" on December 2, so if you want to read more about this, check out that entry.
1. Remodelers are hungry right now. This is one of the best times to negotiate a good deal on a project as even many of the best companies out there could use some additional work right now. Let the remodeler know that you would be willing to accept installation immediately and you will be able to negotiate your best price.
2. The weather really does not impact installation of many products. I have heard many homeowners express concern about undertaking a major remodeling project during bad weather. However in most cases these concerns can be handled with some forethought on the part of the installer. The use of drop cloths, booties, etc. will mitigate any mess. Additionally, any good remodeling company recognizes that clean up is as important as any other part of the job and will be sure to clean up at the end of a project.
3. Since the spring is the busy time of the year for remodelers, purchasing then can mean long waits as other customers fill the schedule ahead of you. By purchasing in the January, you will be able to get your project done quickly.
4. Again, since the spring is the busiest time of the year for remodelers, this is often a time when manufacturer's will look to increase their prices. Beat this price increase by getting your project under contract now. In many cases, if your project is under contract but has not yet been installed, a good contractor will be able to get their supplier to honor the old pricing.
5. Because the winter is a slower time for remodelers, individual projects will command more attention from the company involved. Further, those who are involved in the project for you will tend to be more of the "A" quality people from their company. Many remodelers will add staff as they become busier, sometimes resulting in a slip in quality. By purchasing your project now, you will have the benefit of an installer that the company see's fit to keep busy year round.
As you pull into your driveway on these cold winter days and you see the projects you have planned for this spring. Ask yourself if this is a project that could be installed now, if so, proceed to find the right contractor and you will get a top notch job at a great price.
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