The hottest residential design trend for five years running is the indoor/outdoor living area, according to the American Institute of Architects. Their bellwether AIA Home Design Trends Survey has crowned it the most desired home space selection since 2013, easily brushing aside former homebuyer favorites the home office and mudroom.
How are you taking advantage of the new normal? What should you consider in selecting a large opening door system supplier? Here’s a handy seven-step checklist that can help make a more informed decision:
- Are Large Opening Door Systems their Primary Business or Sideline? Callbacks, warranty disputes, and your reputation are too important to risk on an uncertain large opening door system company. What is the company’s primary business? How long have they been manufacturing large opening door systems? Consider years of experience, homebuilders served, and the company’s history and commitment to large open space products.
- What Is Their Record of Innovation? Identify candidates that have earned a trusted reputation through a long history of industry-leading innovation, engineering, and customer support.
- Can Developers and Production Home Builders Expect Special Benefits? Ask about the homebuilder’s program. Can a developer or production builder expect special pricing? Additional discounts for model home systems? Shorter lead times for standard sizes and options? Ten-year warranty? Sales and marketing support? Consider suppliers that check all the boxes.
- Are Their Door Systems Engineered for Any Climate Zone? It’s one thing to design a large opening door system for sunbelt states. It’s quite another for Mountain, Midwest, Northeast, South, and Mid-Atlantic states. How does the door system perform in extreme weather, including hurricane zones and cold weather states?
- Do They Offer Superior Design and Function? Look for thin profiles that speak to engineering and production sophistication. Can you open and close the doors with one-finger ease? Are their folding door systems top hung for longer life and ease of operation?
- What About Installation? Can you expect on-site support and training, off-site training, illustrated instructions, video tutorials, and phone support? A top supplier will do what it takes to make you and your team look good.
Lee Maughan understands the industry’s challenge. Maughan is Vice President and General Manager of LaCantina Doors, a pioneer and industry leader in the design and manufacture of large multi panel folding, sliding and swing door systems. Earlier this year Houzz named LaCantina Doors the winner of “Best of Houzz” in Design for the sixth consecutive year.
“Large residential openings have revolutionized home design across all parts of the country,” Maughan explains. “However, a large opening door system requires sophisticated engineering and manufacturing expertise to meet everyone’s objectives. Don’t take chances. Carefully research the door supplier’s experience, record of third party testing and certifications, and builder’s support program before you commit. A lot is riding on the decision.”