One thing that professional window and door installers can always count on is that people are always going to need those two items in their house. But like any trade, the window and door industry can experience seasonal and annual change depending on trends.

Staying on top of industry trends and predictions is important for any type of contractor. It allows you to better prepare for future projects and understand what customers may be wanting. Overall, knowing what to expect will help you better serve your clients and leave them with a finished product that they love. Let’s take a look at what’s in now and what window and door trends you can expect in the coming months.

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What Homeowners Are Looking For

Like all fads, the popularity of some of these may come and go. However, trends like energy efficiency are predicted to stay for years to come. 

Energy Efficiency

Like most areas of construction and remodeling, energy efficiency is in for windows and doors. With new innovations in window and door technology, more homeowners are looking for energy-efficient options to conserve resources. After all, windows and doors play a huge role in sustainability efforts. An old window or door can let air out of the home, resulting in higher heating and cooling bills for homeowners. New models put a stop to this, saving homeowners money on utility bills.

Remodeling vs. Moving and Building

Many are choosing to remodel to create the home of their dreams, rather than move. In fact, a recent Redfin survey revealed that homeowners are staying in their homes five years longer than they were ten years ago. This means that contractors will have more projects involving replacing old windows. 

Homeowners are also looking for customization with their remodels. According to Window & Door’s Industry Pulse survey, buyers are looking for customization options that are tailored to their needs. It’s up to the industry professionals to help them find solutions.

Design Trends

Staying on top of design trends is important as well. Window & Door Magazine also reported that homeowners are looking for simple and contemporary designs. Dark window frames and trims are in as part of the modern industrial look, while others are opting for bold and bright colors that give rooms character.

Knowing design trends allows pros to help customers navigate what they are truly looking for in their space. This shows you’re willing to go above and beyond for the customer.

Where Are The Window & Door Leads?

The good news for contractors is that windows and doors are a necessity anywhere in the country. However, some states are more popular for window and door leads than others. According to CraftJack data, these are the top seven states that see the most window and door leads:

• Florida
• California
• Texas
• New York
• Illinois
• North Carolina
• Ohio

A window and door project is a big investment. According to our data, most homeowners who request a quote are still in the planning and budgeting phase, while 38% request a quote when they are ready to hire. The data also shows that most homeowners are looking for an installation of three or more windows when submitting a lead. Other popular projects include installation of only one or two windows or glass repair.

Industry Predictions

In February 2020, a Global Market Insights Report showed substantial industry growth, with the overall industry expected to reach a value of $235.2 billion worldwide. Continued growth is predicted for the window and door industry for the next seven years, globally. This includes manufacturing and installation.

Expect to receive more leads for window and door jobs in March, April, and July. Slowdowns usually occur around the holiday months of November and December. A smart contractor will schedule accordingly during these months so they can work efficiently.

Staying Informed with Industry News

Even if you’re not one to keep up with politics, it could be beneficial to keep your eye on a few current events. With the recent political changes, there have been proposed budget cuts to federal programs. One of these is the Energy Star rating system, which is a program of the EPA. Energy Star certified appliances and electronics, as well as window and door products that meet energy-efficient standards for the home. They also work to educate the public on what choices might help them save money. 

An elimination or privatization of this program is something all window and door contractors should be aware of. Some are saying they’d like to see this program privatized, as it adds value to the industry. Whatever changes come, it’s important to stay up to date with the latest news about Energy Star and how it may impact your business.

Conclusion

For window and door pros, the industry trends show positive news. Though the future of the Energy Star program is yet to be determined, many homeowners are still focused on creating greener homes, starting with their windows and doors. Use this information to educate yourself and better serve your customer needs. Customers will be satisfied and your business will grow. It’s a win-win!

Looking to connect with other window & door contractors? Read Trade Organizations Window & Door Pros Need To Know and see if there’s an association that’s a good fit for your business.