News Trends & Tips: Smart Choices for Renovating in a Recession
JELD-WEN is focusing on windows and doors that deliver added value

Klamath Falls, Ore. January 09, 2009 —  

• JELD-WEN Windows & Doors is emphasizing products that offer cautious homeowners affordable options.
• Energy efficient windows and doors can save homeowners an average of $125-$450 per year on utility bills.
• A national survey of realtors found that home values increased by $16,000 with updated entry and garage doors.

KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. – Recession fears and tighter credit means most Americans are reducing their spending habits and seeking ways to get the most value out of every purchase. When it comes to home improvement projects, upgrades that provide extra value grow more popular each day in light of dim financial news. 

That’s why manufacturers like JELD-WEN Windows & Doors are currently showcasing products that offer price-conscious homeowners affordable options 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.

“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, which the U.S. Department of Energy says can save homeowners an average of $125 to $450 a year on energy costs.

“Window improvement can be affordable and stylish at the same time, so homeowners do not have to compromise one for the other,” said Brian Hedlund, product marketing manager at JELD-WEN. “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. Overall, vinyl is a great value for the investment.”

For the do-it-yourselfers who like to tackle moderately challenging projects, JELD-WEN offers affordable wood sash replacement kits that 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, which vary, and usually won’t have to disturb exterior or interior 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 year. Surveys show that exterior renovations that boost curb appeal, and perceived value, are solid investments that pay off. Respondents in 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 line of exterior doors, which closely resemble wood doors and provide an elegant appearance. 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 JELD-WEN’s Custom Carved 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 Carved doors can offer fine details like raised mouldings and panel profiles that create a truly customized look to spruce up any room. 

“Despite a pullback in the economy, homeowners are still looking to renovate their homes and update them as much as possible,” said Hedlund. “The difference today is that they want effective products, like windows and doors, which maximize their return on investment, make a noticeable impact and continue to save them money year after year.”

About JELD-WEN
JELD-WEN, inc. is the world’s leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors. Based in Klamath Falls, Ore.,
JELD-WEN began as a small Oregon millwork plant with 15 employees in 1960 and has grown to more than 20,000 employees in nearly 150 locations worldwide. Today the company manufactures a full breadth of windows, doors and garage doors, and has earned numerous awards and endorsements for reliability, innovation and excellence. For more information about the exceptional value and reliability of JELD-WEN® products, or to find a dealer near you, please visit www.jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.

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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. All photos and more information are available upon request by contacting JELD-WEN at jeld-wen@cmdagency.com.

What it is: JELD-WEN Fiberglass 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.
 
     
What it is: JELD-WEN Vinyl Replacement window lines.
     
Value added: The new Primo, Bravo and Ipex vinyl window and patio door lines feature 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.

What it is: JELD-WEN Custom Carved 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.

What it is: JELD-WEN windows, doors and door frames made with 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.  
  

Top 5 Money-Saving Projects That Pay Off in the Long Run

In a tight economy, consumers usually gravitate toward inexpensive home improvement products that reduce short-term energy costs and improve overall efficiency. Here are five money-saving projects that are easy to undertake and won’t break the bank, courtesy of JELD-WEN Windows and Doors and Danny Lipford, host of the nationally syndicated television show “Today’s Homeowner with Danny Lipford”:

1. Go low-flow
Inexpensive and a simple do-it-yourself project, installing low-flow shower heads and faucet aerators can reduce consumption by 50 percent and save on water heating costs as well.
Price range: $12 - $200 per unit

2. Shut out the cold
Upgrading old and drafty windows can be a big money saver – an average of $125 to $450 per year on energy costs according to the U.S. Department of Energy.
Price range: Starting around $165 per unit for vinyl windows with insulated Low-E glass

3. Keep in the heat
Insulating attic spaces is a good way to keep heat in during the winter and cut down on utility bills. This is a weekend project that can show immediate returns.
Price range: Usually around $50 per roll

4. Light up the savings
If you can change a lightbulb, you can save money by installing compact fluorescent lights (CFLs). Each ENERGY STAR® qualified bulb last 10 times longer than regular lights and can save $30 over its lifetime.
Price range: Starting around $2 per bulb

5. Set your favorite program
Programmable thermostats are painless to install and reduce control heating and cooling costs to the tune of $180 per year with ENERGY STAR® qualified units.
Price range: $40 to $100

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