Top 2O1 1 millwork trend: Save vs. splurge

\f,/HeN rr coMES to home improvement, there's little V Y doubt homeowners will remain picky with their pocketbooks into 2011. Consumers with limited discretionary funds are weighing their priorities, picking and choosing among home improvement projects that will make the cut.

Not all home improvements are created equal when it comes to the best investment choices-particularly when it comes to a segment like windows and doors. With hundreds of styles, options and performance combinations, the decisions can be daunting. With that in mind, Jeld-Wen offers insider tips to help your consumer customers identify where to save and where to splurge.

Where to Save

Mqterials make q diffirence, When it comes to windows and doors, experts say materials do make a difference. In general, for windows, vinyl will typically cost less compared to wood. Although if you need to replace old wood windows, replacement wood window sash kits can be installed in existing wood frames and can be very costeffective.

Good tuste can come stqndard. Custom trim, style and hardware options will typically cost more. It's always worth asking first whether there might be a standard design option in an alternative material so a particular look can be achieved without sacrificing style.

For example, Jeld-Wen offers more than 100 panel designs as part of its interior door line, many that mimic classic and traditional solid wood styles but cost far less. Its standard line of hardware options also provides variety when it comes to finishes, colors and designs, without having to pay more.

Maintenance requirements can be the "X" factor. Save by looking for pre-primed, prefinished options that can help reduce costs over the long run and protect the initial investment. Choices such as vinyl windows or fiberglass doors mean minimal maintenance requirements year after year.

Efficiency is in the bank.For long-term savings, insist on windows and doors that come standard with energy efficient, Low-E glass. Many manufacturers offer highly efficient models that don't cost extra, and energy saving models that qualify for tax credits. According to the U.S. Department of Energy, homeowners can save an average of $125 to $450 a year on energy costs by replacing wornout windows with more efficient models.

Where to Splurge

Don't scrimp on style. Homeowners don't have to pay big bucks to achieve a great look, but experts agree that if you don't love the style or if it doesn't fit with the character or architectural design of the house, it's not worth the investment, no matter what the price.

"Windows and doors make a huge difference in terms of the overall look of a home-considering there is at least one of each in every single room of the home," said John

Downs, Jeld-Wen product marketing manager. "As a homeowner, these are product categories where you can't afford to have something that detracts from the overall style of the home or your taste in d6cor. Today there are so many choices that can reflect personal style and theme. Doors and windows give homeowners a major opportunity to get creative and make a d6cor impact throughout their home, often at a fraction of the cost of other home improvement projects that focus only on certain areas."

Go for major impact, Don't sacrifice on main focal points. Homeowners with limited budgets may want to put the majority of their dollars into areas that are going to make the biggest impact, such as the entry door, garage doors, and the rooms they spend the most time in. And don't forget about resale value: respondents in a Jeld -Wen nationwide survey of real estate agents estimated that a typical 2,500-sq. ft. home with updated entry and garage doors is worth, on average, an additional $16,000.

Consider performance features as well. For example, spending a few extra dollars on an insulated interior door to reduce sound between the laundry room and the rest of the house may be worth the peace and quiet.

"It's increasingly common to see homeowners splurge on a custom wood or fiberglass entry door, for example, and save by putting affordable, energy-efficient vinyl windows in the rest of the house," said Downs. "When it comes to balancing the budget, it's a matter of prioritizing in a way that'll deliver the most bang for the buck. For literally a few dollars, more homeowners can impact the d6cor, design and their own peace of mind throughout the entire home."

Little extras well worth i/. It makes sense to invest wisely in areas that'll provide a strong payback. Cladding, which is essentially a prefinished metal layer for the exterior of wood windows, provides great weather protection and never needs to be painted. As a result, nearly 90Vo of homeowners choose the clad wood option, recognizing the long-term value and payoff, even though it costs slightly more than primed wood.

Above all, do your homework. There are literally thousands of choices when it comes to windows and doors. Compare features, benefits, warranties and style flexibility, and choose products that will stand up over time.

"It's worth spending the effort in order to get the maximum return out of your investment," said d-i-y expert Danny Lipford. "In today's market especially, that's essential no matter what your budget or your priorities."

Quick TiPs

To decide whether to spend 0r splurge, experts say it's important to consider these five key factors:

Will this projecVproduct contribute to resale value?

Does it add to the appearance, performance and/or comfort of my home?

Can I still meet my goals if I spend less?

Initial dollar investment aside, will I be happy with my choice over the long run?

What are some options that could lower the expense of this project?

rhe Faster Fastenero

By David Venables, American Hardwood Export Council