WARROAD, Minn., Feb. 16, 2010 – Home remodeling is a bright spot in the troubled U.S. construction industry, according to Marvin Windows and Doors, the nation’s largest maker of wood and clad wood windows and doors.

Year-end figures from the U.S. Commerce Department show that 2009 spending on private, residential remodeling totaled $125.6 billion — up 8.2 percent from 2008. Meanwhile, new residential construction spending came in at $134.8 billion — a drop of 23.5 percent from the previous year.

“We’ve seen this shift in our own business, as energy-efficient replacement windows and doors have outperformed our products for the new-construction market,” said Marvin spokesman John Kirchner. “Instead of trading up to larger homes or flipping properties for a quick profit, we’re seeing homeowners elect to renovate their existing properties for greater comfort, efficiency and style.”

Reflecting the shift, remodeling grabbed a much bigger share of the overall residential construction dollar. For all of 2009, new construction accounted for 51.8 percent of residential construction spending, with remodeling at 48.2 percent.

By contrast, new construction accounted for 60.3 percent of residential construction spending in 2008 and remodeling for only 39.7 percent.

The federal tax credit for energy-efficient home improvements is also giving a boost to remodeling, Kirchner said. The tax credit of up to $1,500 is available for products purchased through the end of 2010.

Marvin offers a free, downloadable window and door replacement guide to help homeowners learn about the energy-efficient options available to them.

“Like everyone in the homebuilding industry, we’re eager to see an upturn in the new construction business,” Kirchner said. “But we’re also happy to see the continuing strength of the remodeling segment.”

From the report:

Not surprisingly, many expect turnout for this year’s Builders’ show to be weak.

“A lot of builders had really hard times in 2009,” said John Kirchner, spokesman for Marvin Windows, an exhibitor at the show. “We’re anticipating turnout to be lighter this year than last year.” [...]

In the past, builders might have sent three to five employees to the show; many now are sending one or two, “and they are much more serious,” Kirchner said. Before, there was more of a social aspect to attending the show; “right now, they’re focused on the business. They’re going to the show looking for solutions and looking for partners.”

Read the full story here, and be sure to follow Marvin Windows on Twitter for more updates from the International Builders Show all this week.

• The Ultimate Casement features a design exclusive: the revolutionary wash mode. In three simple steps, homeowners can rotate the exterior glass to the interior to wash it:
  • Crank handle twice.
  • Push down on the hardware arm and push the window away. Then crank the handle back.
  • Swing window all the way open, pulling it across towards the lock for accessibility to exterior glass.

• With the wash mode, there is no need for ladders or scaffolding to keep windows clean.  And since the Ultimate Casement can be washed entirely from the interior, there is no risk of falling from upper floors.

• In addition to the Ultimate Casement, Marvin Windows and Doors will offer the Ultimate Awning and an Ultimate Picture Window. Each window has matching profiles to seamlessly blend together in various configurations.

• When the look of a double hung is preferred, but casement windows are needed for egress purposes, or because homeowners prefer the performance of a casement, the Ultimate Casement can be designed with a simulated check rail and a wide bottom rail  to mimic the look of a double hung.

• The Ultimate Casement’s largest size is 40″ wide x 92″ tall or 36″ wide x 96″ tall and the awning window can reach a maximum size of 6′ x 6′.

• The Ultimate Casement offers superior performance with a Design Pressure (DP) rating of 50. The commercial-grade hardware, the most durable on the market today, allows the window to operate smoothly while supporting a sash weight of up to 150 lbs.

• Unlike other casement windows, which can take up to 14 cranks to open, the Ultimate Casement opens in only nine cranks.

• The Ultimate Casement meets egress even at smaller sizes and is perfect for homeowners looking to expand their view. Opening close to the jamb, the Ultimate Casement lets in the maximum amount of fresh air and gives unobstructed views.

• Installation of the Ultimate Casement is easy. Removable interior covers and pre-drilled jamb holes provide a clean, finished appearance. Adjustable hinges allow for fine-tuned installation and provide a snug fit over time.

• To complete the exterior look of the Ultimate Casement, Marvin’s extruded aluminum cladding with a Kynar 500^® finish is available in 19 colors and nine casings.

• The Ultimate Casement helps improve a home’s energy efficiency with low E II insulating glass with argon to keep heat inside in the winter and out in the summer, lowering heating and cooling bills.

“We’ve seen how successful our Ultimate Replacement Casement has been and we are thrilled to offer the Ultimate Casement for expanded uses of this highly innovative window.  A new home or an addition will be greatly enhanced by the Ultimate Casement’s strength and beauty, as well as its convenient wash mode.”

Thomas Goetz, Senior Product Planner, Marvin Windows and Doors

For more information about the Ultimate Casement, visit MarvinCasement.com.

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