It pays to think like a customer

6 O YOU really know what your lJ customers. both contractor and homeowner, want in doors and windows? "Curb appeal," "streetside sizzle," "spacious feeling," and "drama" were buzz words used by a group of architects, builders, and real estate experts to describe what their clients are looking for in a house.

"l find more and more people coming to me thinking about windows from a purely aesthetic point of view, wanting divided lites, roundtops and French doors because they like the way they look," explained one architect.

"One of the nice things is that you can combine many different components - windows, skylights, roof windows, even sliding glass doors installed as windowsto create interesting compositions and spectacular elevations," commented another.

"More and more homebuyers appreciate goodlooking windows," said a designer. "lf I design two houses that are identical except that one has conventional double-hung windows with snap-in muntins and the other has circle-head units with true divided lites, the second house will sell faster and at a higher price."

"Most of my clients look for low maintenance and clad windows (wood frames with vinyl or aluminum cladding) are the obvious choice," a remodeling contractor said. "Plus you get the warmth of real wood on the interior, which appeals to most people."

"l'd say 900/o of our clients expect energy prices to rise in the future, so efficent windows remain a primary concern," a builder pointed out. "Double glazing is now virtually a standard as well as other options, such as low-E glass, which offer higher insulating values in addition to excellent thermal performance and reduced drafts."

"A great front door and an attractive exterior entrance are what people want," said a real estate executive. "A fancy or unusual entry can get people really excited."

Story at a Glance

Clues to help you to know what's in your customer's mind ... builders, remodelers, architects and real estate designers share what their clients look for in windows and doors. information you can use to sell in your store.

"The whole window and door package has taken on greater importance," commented a designer, "and the front door is probably the single element that gets the most attention.

EtEGltT EffinlES such as these from Simpson's Mastermark colleclion are prime choices lor both new and remodeling construction. Dealers lind designers and architects as well as homeowners are specifying fancy and unusual lront doors.

Just as with windows, buyers today are interested in the more decorative styles that really make a statement."

"Part of the change is the movement toward wood doors and windows, inside and out. They have a warmth that no vinyl or metal can approach," added an architect.

"Cathedral-style panels, intricate carved detailing, heavier more articulated casings, optional sidelights and transoms, as well as inserts of stained. etched. beveled or leaded glass, are all popular in my area," a designer specializing in remodeling interjected.

"French doors and greenhouselike rooms are two very hot buttons among home buyers today," a builder of new homes commented. "We create that effect by combining many windows and patio doors, fixed and operable. I also use windows and glazed doors inside to open up the interiors to views and natural light. French doors are just about everybody's choice for the deck, porch or patio. Just about everybody coming to my oflice wants French doors somewhere."