Trend shows shifting expectations in home improvement market
Posted on 11/07/2016
Recent research has revealed an increasing number of window installers are diversifying into other products and services, in order to differentiate themselves from the competition.
It’s a trend the Consumer Protection Association has noticed for some of its members, who are diversifying their product portfolios.
The CPA has been providing IBGs and Deposit Protection for over 20 years and is widely recognised by consumers as a trusted resource for finding accredited and vetted installers for a range of home improvement projects.
Managing Director, Jeremy Brett comments: “Whilst not all installers are doing this, over the last couple of years we are seeing more and more members diversifying their product range and becoming wider home improvement companies. Everest and Anglian started this trend and it’s starting to trickle down.
“Once you’ve installed new windows or a new door in a property the job is done and you may not see the homeowner for another 20 or 30 years. But, if you have built a good relationship with them there are more cross-selling and upselling opportunities if you have a more diverse range of products.”
It’s not just products; at the turn of the solar boom, many installers and CPA members also diversified into PV panels and renewable energy. This has slowed due to the market taking a hit but new products such as battery storage units could re-ignite this trend.
With the boundaries blurring between glazing installer, builder and home improvement company – and consumer demand for new products and services continuing to increase – Jeremy says there has never been a better time for installers to diversify their offering.
He concludes: “The industry is evolving and we’re certainly seeing more and more installers diversifying their product portfolios. Some will always be specialists in what they do – and they’re very good at it – and that’s fine but diversifying is something that shouldn’t be overlooked by installers who want to capitalise on the opportunities available beyond the general glazing products market.”
