According to J.D. Power and Associates’ just released “2009 Builder and Remodeler Residential Window and Patio Door Satisfaction Study,” home building and remodeling professionals’ overall satisfaction with their window and patio door orders is approaching the high level recorded in 2006—the first year the market research firm tracked such things. The study measures satisfaction with residential windows and patio doors based on the evaluations of more than 4,700 new-home builders and remodelers.
“Despite the downturn in new-home construction and remodeling industries, window manufacturers have maintained their focus on satisfying new-home builders and remodelers consistently during the past several years,” Jim Howland, J.D. Power and Associates’ senior director, real estate industries practice, said in a statement about the study.
In 2006, overall remodeler and builder satisfaction rated 806 (on a 1,000-point scale), but dropped to 780 in 2007 as the housing downturn heated up. Over the past three years, builder and remodeler satisfaction has steadily increased to 800 in 2009. According to the study, the number of builders and remodelers who reported their order was received on time and complete rose from 85 percent in 2008 to 91 percent in 2009—a result of window and patio door manufacturers’ efforts during the year to improve order accuracy and delivery timelines.
Among window and patio door manufacturers, Simonton Windows rated highest in customer satisfaction, with an index score of 837, and performed particularly well in three of seven evaluation factors: ordering process, delivery, and price. Milgard Windows and Marvin Windows and Doors weren’t far behind, ranking 829 and 828, respectively (and up significantly from 2008). Milgard performed well in the warranty/repair service category, while Marvin led the pack in the product, customer service, and credit/billing categories. Pella Corporation (817), Integrity Windows and Doors (814), and Andersen Corp. (807) rounded out the field of top performers in the study.
For complete builder and remodeler ratings of window and patio door manufacturers across all evaluation factors, click here.
Ironically, the same study reveals a year-over-year drop in homeowner satisfaction with window and patio door manufacturers. From a score of 781 in 2008, consumer satisfaction dropped to 769 in 2009. Satisfaction decreased across all seven consumer evaluation factors (operational performance, product quality/durability, appearance and design features, price, ordering and delivery, warranty, and repair and replacement).
Pella remains the highest-ranked manufacturer among consumers, scoring 787 and achieving its best results for operational performance, product quality/durability, and appearance/design. Andersen (785) and Milgard (784) closely follow in the consumer rankings, with Andersen performing well in the ordering/delivery and warranty categories and Milgard performing well in the price and repair/replacement factors. In 2009, slightly more consumers reported DIY installation of windows and patio doors than in 2008.
For complete consumer ratings of window and patio door manufacturers, click here.
