Marvin's innovative Ultimate Replacement Casement

Remodeling has been a bright spot in the homebuilding and design industry, and a recent report by the Harvard Center for Joint Housing Studies suggests that the long-term trend will continue to be favorable.

Several factors are converging to produce the positive outlook. First, as Baby Boomers age, the turnover of their homes will generate remodeling activity. About three-quarters of home sales by people over 55 are made to people under 55. The homes of older sellers are generally older and generate immediate and significant spending on renovation.

A younger person buying from an older seller can be expected to spend about $5,000 annually on renovation, the report concludes. In addition, the median age of the existing U.S. housing stock grew from 29 years in 1997 to 32 years in 2007 — also indicating that future renovation and remodeling are more likely. Energy efficiency is always a concern, and Marvin meets it with more than 150,000 product options that meet or exceed the federal government’s stringent ENERGY STAR standards.

These and other factors cited in the report suggest that the long-term prospects for the remodeling market are favorable for architects and others in the building industry.

Marvin is ready with innovative products like the Ultimate Replacement Casement, the Ultimate Glider and the Ultimate Lift and Slide. Come visit us at Booth 1453 at the AIA Convention in New Orleans to see all the latest products that will help you give your remodeling clients the home of their dreams.

Modative Architecture

There’s a great item by Nancy Egan in the latest issue of Residential Architect magazine with some thoughts on where the residential housing market is going. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be a link to an online version. But it’s worth recapping briefly.

A key issue for architects to consider is the pig in our demographic python. No, not the Baby Boomers. They’ve gotten so much attention over the decades that most people don’t realize that Gen Y (currently aged 18 to 30) is an even larger group than the Boomers.

Those 80 million Gen Y’ers are economically challenged, with high debt loads, poor employment prospects and a general malaise about the economic circumstances of their young adulthood. But Gen Y hasn’t abandoned the dream of home ownership, according to research by the ULI.

What they do want is a different kind of home: smaller, affordable, energy-efficient. Modative Architecture in Los Angeles has shown one approach with its small-lot subdivision homes, calling them “starter homes for Gen Y.”

Marvin supports this kind of new thinking with innovative, efficient products like the Ultimate Casement Window, the Tripane with Krypton and the Ultimate Glider. We have more than 150,000 product options that meet or exceed stringent federal ENERGY STAR standards.

Ultimate Replacement Casements using simulated divided lites for a classic look

Marvin introduced the Ultimate Replacement Casement nearly two years ago, and the rest of the window industry still hasn’t caught up.

The Ultimate Replacement Casement is the clear choice for just about any remodeling job. It’s the only casement with Marvin’s exclusive wash mode, swiveling 140 degrees to let homeowners wash the outside of the window from inside the house.

This versatile casement can be made to simulate the look of a double hung or just about any other style of window. Since Marvin builds every window to order, we can build a replacement casement to any specs the customer desires.

And now the Ultimate Replacement Casement is available with a wood exterior or in our durable aluminum cladding with a tough  Kynar finish.

These windows retain all the great features of our Ultimate line, including: a narrow, 3 11/32 ” jamb for greater versatility in different applications; available large sizes; robust hardware systems; and our revolutionary wash mode.

The Ultimate Replacement Casement should be on the short list for any remodeling job.

“If people are buying a home, they are far more likely to replace products or upgrade products,” she told reporter Stephen Ohlemacher. Marvin has responded to increasing demand for replacement and renovation products with an increased focus on innovative products such as the revolutionary Ultimate Replacement Casement.

“We’ve definitely seen a greater emphasis on replacement and remodeling in our business,” Susan Marvin said. “With more consumers staying in their existing homes, they’re interested in improving their homes to make them more efficient and better suit their lifestyle.”

• This is Marvin’s second Crystal Achievement Award in three years.
• The Venting Picture Window was honored for its innovation in 2006.
• The Crystal Achievement Awards recognize unique innovations in product technology, manufacturing and marketing.
• Each year’s award-winners are featured in the September issue of Window & Door magazine.

Introduced at the International Builders’ Show in January 2008, the Ultimate Replacement Casement has a host of innovative features, including:

• The wash mode is made possible with commercial-grade hardware.  In three simple steps, the exterior of the window can be rotated making it possible to easily clean the exterior of the window from the interior of the home.
• A simulated check rail mimics the look of a double hung make it a window that can replace any window.
• Availablity in large sixes: up to 40″ wide  x 92″ tall or 36″ wide x 96″ tall.
• The Ultimate Replacement Awning and Ultimate Replacement Picture Window are also available to add to the design flexibility.
• Installation is easy, thanks to its narrow jamb.
• 0 degree, 8 degree and 14 degree beveled frames are offered to match perfectly into nearly any new or existing opening.

“The Ultimate Replacement Casement is the top window in its class. We listened to our customers who wanted large sizes, wide open views, and easier operation, but also needed design flexibility to match other windows in their houses.  The Ultimate Replacement Casement is the answer to those needs and more.”

Thomas Goetz, Senior Product Planner, Marvin Windows and Doors

“When so many headlines are gloomy, it’s a real pleasure to put the focus on new products and technologies that highlight creativity and ingenuity and the growth potential of our industry. Our Crystal Achievement Award winners this year are delivering some real new options to homeowners,”

John Swanson, editor/associate publisher, Window & Door Magazine

• Easily installs as a frame-in-frame insert into virtually any existing window. There is no need to remove the entire window, disturb existing wallpaper, siding or replace millwork. In addition, the window is ideal for full tear-out replacement or even new construction.
• Versatile, narrow jamb size provides the perfect replacement solution, particularly for old vinyl or aluminum windows.
• Durable hardware system provides the widest open views even at extra-large sizes
• Various congurations are available, including awning and picture varieties.
• Replacing drafty windows with the Ultimate Replacement Casement can help homes increase their energy e-ciency. Low E II glass with argon helps keep heat in during the winter and out in the summer, lowering heating and cooling bills.
• Can replace old double hung windows. A simulated checkrail and wide bottom rail approximate the look of a double hung, allowing a home to keep its architectural style.

QUOTE

The Ultimate Replacement Casement is the most innovative casement window on the market today. Its versatility and fine construction make it appropriate for any sort of home and the wash feature’s easy cleaning makes it perfect for our busy lifestyles.”

- Thomas Goetz, Senior Product Planner, Marvin Windows and Doors

What others are saying:

• Live from IBS (ThisOldHouse.com – Hardware Aisle Blog)
• A visit with Marvin Windows (Schmidt Homes’s Weblog)
• Home: Made in Minnesota (Style Parlor Blog)
• the ultlimate replacement casement window (materialicio.us)
• The Ultimate Replacement Casement (HomeRenovationGuide.com)
• How to Wash Your Windows Like a Pro (re-nest.com)
• Hot Stuff: Ultimate Replacement Casement (San Francisco Chronicle)
• New & notable (Delaware New Journal)