Renovating in a Recession

With recession fears and tighter credit, most Americans are reducing their spending and looking for ways to get the most value out of every purchase.

When the financial news turns grim, upgrades that provide extra value become more popular for home improvement projects.

Energy efficient windows and doors can save homeowners an average of $125 - $450 per year on utility bills.

That’s why we offer price-conscious homeowners affordable, energy efficient products for under $500. Window and Door upgrades are recession-friendly projects that save money over time, and make a significant impact on a home’s overall look and feel.

Danny Lipford on Smart Renovation

“Upgrading old, inefficient windows and doors is a smart renovation project because it provides long-term benefits,” said Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated television program “Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford” and an authority on budget home improvement tips that pay dividends. “New windows and doors are reasonably-priced improvements that offer immediate energy cost savings, lower maintenance and classic styles and designs that help improve a home’s market value. That’s money right back in a homeowner’s pocket.”

A Clear View to Savings 

During a tough economy, homeowners on a tight budget are wise to focus their home renovation efforts on projects that make lasting economic impacts. For many, that means replacing worn out windows with energy efficient units.

Window improvement can be affordable and stylish at the same time, so homeowners do not have to compromise one for the other. More than 50 percent of all replacement windows in the U.S. are vinyl units, which can start in the $165 range for a basic size. JELD-WEN Vinyl Windows provide high-style features like simulated divided lites, and come standard with Low-E glass for energy efficiency.

For “Do-It-Yourselfers” who like to tackle moderately challenging projects, JELD-WEN offers affordable wood sash replacement kits; these kits are designed to replace old wood double-hung windows and be installed in existing window frames. By taking on the project themselves, homeowners can save on installation costs, usually without disturbing the wall or trim.

Doors Open the Way to Great Style

Another hot button economic issue is home values, which have dropped dramatically in the past few years. Surveys show that exterior renovations that boost curb appeal and perceived value are solid investments that pay off. Respondents to a JELD-WEN nationwide survey of real estate agents estimated a typical 2,500-square-foot home with updated entry and garage doors to be worth on average an additional $16,000.

In this economy, JELD-WEN is seeing increasing demand for its Fiberglass Exterior Doors, which closely resemble wood doors and provide an elegant appearance at an affordable price. The company’s fiberglass doors are available in a wide variety of designs and with hundreds of glass choices; come standard with an oak, alder or mahogany wood grain; and a smooth option that can be painted. Fiberglass also saves on maintenance costs because it’s a durable, long-lasting material that will hold up to harsh weather in most regions of the country.

Inside the home, replacing drab Interior Doors with new, stylish designs is a surefire way to make a dramatic impact without denting the wallet. Homeowners who want the look of classic wood doors without the expense can choose from more than 100 designs in our Custom Engineered line, which is made from engineered wood, comes with a smooth surface that can be painted and features sound-reducing benefits. Available for most interior openings, Custom Engineered doors can offer fine details like raised mouldings and panel profiles that create a truly customized look to spruce up any room.

Recession-proof Ideas from JELD-WEN  Windows & Doors

In the current economic crisis, Americans are tightening their belts and looking for ways to get the most value out of every purchase. JELD-WEN Windows & Doors is emphasizing products that offer budget-minded homeowners affordable options for improving their houses while stretching their buying power.

Fiberglass Exterior Doors

• Value Added: Long lasting and stable, fiberglass is a perfect choice for any region because it will not warp, crack, rot or split.
• Economic payoff: Comes with a limited lifetime warranty and cuts down on expensive maintenance and upkeep.
• Cost: Starting at $150 for a door slab.

Vinyl Replacement Windows

• Value added: Combine style and affordability. All windows come standard with Low-E glass. An optional Energy Saver Plus package boosts energy performance on average by 10 percent.
• Economic payoff: Supported by JELD-WEN’s industry-leading limited lifetime warranty, which includes accidental glass breakage for these products.
• Cost: On average starting at $165 per unit, depending on size.

Custom Engineered Interior Doors

• Value added: For boosting value inside the home, JELD-WEN Custom Carved interior doors are made with engineered wood and can be painted to resemble solid wood doors, but cost far less. More than 100 panel designs are available to choose from, and a solid core reduces noise levels.
• Economic payoff: A five-year warranty ensures a long-lasting return on this investment.
• Cost: Prices start at $150, slightly more for a pre-hung system.

AuraLast® Wood

• Value added: JELD-WEN windows, exterior doors and door frames built with AuraLast wood are designed to last and provide superior protection against wood decay, water saturation and termites. AuraLast’s advanced treatment process saves homeowners from worrying if their wood windows and door frames will withstand the elements.
• Economic payoff: Lower maintenance costs and peace of mind knowing AuraLast products are backed by a 20-year warranty against decay, water saturation and termites.
• Cost: Windows start at under $300. Doors start at $200 and door frames less than $100