Top 1O modeling products

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Ideal products are those highly desired by homeowners but rarely standard on new homes. Nowadays, they are more functional than luxury items, and easy enough to install by the average do-it-yourselfer. They include:

(1) Storm and screen doors; they add instant security, energy efficiency and curb appeal. Not difficult to install, storm doors are now available in top quality materials, including beveled glass and Italianbrass. And screendoors come vastly improved over the flimsy aluminum models of yesteryear.

(2) Yard and patio lighting offers easy installation, safety, security, cosmetic and outdoor entertainment advantages. Low voltage models are increasingly affordable to purchase and operate; bulbs last from months to years and are easily replaced.

(3) Other security devices are commond-i-y installations, including stateof-the-art full house security and video intercom systems. Quicker projects include adding a heavier duty lockset, deadbolt, kickplate, door/window pin or bar system, wider scope peephole and motion sensor.

(4) Fire safety items, especially smoke alarms, can also be hot sellers. Add fire extinguishers, second story window escape systems, first aid kits.

(t With thebabyboomofthe l990s, an increasing number of homeowners may be looking to childproof their homes. Stock an endcap with devices designed to make homes saferfor small children and keep them out ofcabinets, drawers and fireplaces. Add netting for blocking off doorways and stairways, child resistant outlet covers, caps and pads for covering fumiture comers and other exposed dangers, night lights. Try intercom systems to keep an earon kids from another room. Andersen Corp. has also produced a free hand-out bro- chure, "Look Out for Kids," full of child safety tips.

(6) With the boom in condominium sales, closet organizers offer homeowners a way to add square footage by better utilizing storage space. Kits can be customized to about any closet's dimensions and configuration, are easily assembled and have expanded in selection from plastic-coated steel to actual hardwood systems.

(7) Garage shelving provides similar advantages and retailers can put together their own kits, combining fasteners, brackets and shelving as a package. Bookshelves can be marketed in the same fashion.

(8) Water conservation products give you an environmentally friendly image. Watersaving showerheads, faucets, toilet devices, garden sprinklers and taps are easy replacement or retrofit projects.

(9) The range of energy saving products is vast, making it difficult to group together such products in one display. It seems as if there are products touting "maximum energy efficiency" in every product category. Nevertheless, information about larger products, such as energy saving water heaters, doors, windows and insulation, can be held in racks near a display for smaller products.

(10) Finally, the Home Improvement Research Institute attests that in tough times like these, with homeowners unable to move or undertake major remodeling projects, purchases focus on decorative and helpful rather than structural improvements. Last year sales of paint, sundries and related supplies were the fastest growing among consumerbought remodeling products.

10 product types that offer a sales potential... combine items and play them up in displays and advertising.

Fasteners For Gontractors

Adobe Lumber, Petaluma, Ca., does about half of its business with contractors. All need collated nails and staples for pneumatic fastening tools.

To satisfy the demand for different brands, Bruce Palmer, store manager, stocks the All-Specs Interchangeable Fastener Program from Stanley Fastening System. This offers 95 different types of contractor quality fasteners, all made in the U.S., for use with tools from major manufacturers. Cross reference charts quickly identify the fasteners needed for Senco, Paslode, Duo-

Fast. Hitachi and other brands of air-driven nailers and staplers. Distribution is through Stanley-Bostich.

The fasteners are presented in two 4' x 6' gondola displays next to pneumatic nailers and staplers, just a few steps from the contractor office. "After contractors do business in the office," Palmer said, "we invite them onto the floor to see our different product lines. "

PRE.STAINING OF PIYWOOD, SIDING AND TRIM

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WWPA Fall Meeting Speaker

Professor Jim Bowyer, head of the Department of Forest Products, University of Minnesota, will discuss the environmental attributes of wood products at the Western Wood Products Association's fall meeting, Sept. 27-30 at Coeur d'Alene Resort, Coeur d'Alene,Id.

One of the nation's most remarkable resources for information on wood products and the environment, he will address the kick-off breakfast on Tuesday.

Gomplain, Complain, Gomplain

Home improvement companies received more complaints last year and settled fewer disputes with consumers than any other businesses, according to the Better Business Bureau.

Its Annual Inquiry & Complaint Summary saidhome improvementfirms received 33,140 complaints, including 6,000 involving remodeling contractors, 3,000 against roofing and gutter installers and over 2,200 agatnst landscapers. On the average, about 68% of the disputes were settled.

Hardware, Plumbing Merger

California Hardware acquired Ward Manufacturing and Supply, a plumbing wholesaler and exclusive distributor of Plumber's Brand products, as a division effective Aug. 10.

Sales, manufacturing and distribution operations will be moved to California Hardware's headquarters in City of Industry, Ca. The sales team will remain intact.

TwoYearsTo Metric?

The Construction Metrification Council has been created by the National Institute of Buildins Sciences to o Pressure Treated Forest Products o Custom Treating Service o Fencing

The Merchant Magazine provide support and information about metrification in U. S. construction.

All federal agencies are now required to develop specific timetables and milestones for the transition to metric. The target date is January, 1994.

A 34 page booklet, "Metric Guide for Federal Construction," is available for $15 from NIBS Publication Dept., I2OIL Street, N.W., Suite 400, Washington, D.C. 20005.

Penofin Golf Tournament

Performance Coatings Inc. will entertain dealers and distributors from all over the united States and canada at the Penofin Invitational golf tournament on Sept. 11 at the Ukiah Golf Course, Ukiah, Ca.

The tournament will feature a shotgun start, hole-in-one car contest and many other prizes including golf clubs and bags.