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Ben Brocklesby, Director at Origin, discusses the opportunity windows present housebuilders when looking to attract modern house buyers.
Windows are an essential part of any property. Their primary functions are to let in natural light and aid with ventilation. However, they also have a responsibility to ensure homes remain weathertight and secure. Secondary to functionality, they can improve the overall aesthetic of a house and positively impact thermal efficiency too.
Over the years, housebuilders have started to understand the value that larger glazing products, such as bi-folding and sliding doors, can add to their projects. These products have a large impact on a home, both visually and functionally. When open, they connect the inside to the outside, creating perfect entertaining spaces for the whole family. When closed, they allow lots of natural light to flood into a room and make a striking visual impression. They are key priorities for homeowners when looking at a property to buy, which means they must be a priority for housebuilders too.
Windows, on the other hand, are overlooked by many housebuilders and seen as a necessity. However, this misaligns with homeowners who are increasingly viewing windows as commodities and are looking to invest in properties that have high-quality fenestration throughout.
With the housing market experiencing a slow start to 2023, it is critical that housebuilders prioritise features that house buyers want in their newbuilds to maximise the profitability of their projects.
Thermal efficiency is another area of focus for homeowners, with many increasingly aware of the impact windows can have. We are seeing increases in search terms such as ‘thermally efficient windows’.
With rising energy costs, homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes more thermally efficient as a long-term way to reduce their household bills. Windows are an effective way to do this and can have more impact than a front door or set of bi-folding doors will. Not only are Origin products designed to meet current building regulations, but they can exceed them too. For instance, the Origin Premium Window (OW-80) offers an optional upgrade of Aerogel technology, the world’s best insulator originally used in spacesuits. When used within the thermal break of the OW-80, it can achieve an ultra-low U-Value of 0.8W/m2K and the highest possible A++ rating.
Security is another factor that homeowners are prioritising when considering a new home. For ultimate peace of mind, Origin’s Premium Window (OW-80) and Slimline Window (OW-70) have achieved the police-approved Secured by Design accreditation. Not every window on the market is capable of this, making them an additional selling point to potential buyers.
It isn’t just the differences in thermal efficiency and security capabilities that help certain windows stand out, but the different aesthetics too. With kerb appeal adding a significant amount to the perceived value of a home, this isn’t an area that should be overlooked. Whilst uPVC is often the popular choice for new build properties, frames are bulky and sightlines thicker. The modern homeowner wants better. Aluminium options offer a sleeker profile, that is capable of slimmer sightlines and flush casements. This means more light can enter a property, views out are maximised, and they perfectly frame the outside instead of inhibiting it.
With ongoing uncertainty in the housing market, it is critical that housebuilders are building homes for the modern homeowner. Windows have an important part to play in this and should not be side-lined by housebuilders as just an essential.
To find out about Origin’s commercial offering, please visit https://commercial.origin-global.com/.
