Courtesy of our friends at
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% of all replacement windows in the U.S. are vinyl units, which start in the $165 range. 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 and usually won’t have to disturb exterior or interior walls 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. JELD-WEN Fiberglass doors are available in a wide variety of designs with hundreds of glass choices. They come standard with an oak, alder or mahogany wood grain or in 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. They are made from engineered wood, come with a smooth surface that can be painted, and feature sound-reducing benefits. Available in sizes that fit most interior openings, Custom Carved doors can offer fine details like raised moldings 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.”
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: Cuts down on expensive upkeep and comes with JELD-WEN’s industry-leading limited lifetime warranty.
Cost: Start at $150.
JELD-WEN Vinyl Replacement Windows
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%.
Economic payoff: Limited lifetime warranty, which includes accidental glass breakage.
Cost: Average start at $165 per unit.
JELD-WEN Custom Carved Interior Doors
Value added: Custom Carved interior doors are made with engineered wood and can be painted to resemble solid wood, but cost far less. More than 100 panel designs are available to choose from, and a solid core reduces noise levels.
Economic payoff: Five-year warranty ensures a long-lasting return on your investment.
Cost: Start at $150.
JELD-WEN AuraLast® Wood Products
Value added: Windows, exterior doors, and door frames built with wood treated with AuraLast provide superior protection against wood decay, water saturation, and termites.
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 at $200, and door frames less than $100.
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 jeld-wen.com or call 800-877-9482.
