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December 11, 2012
More than 62 percent of online consumers interested in learning more about home automation cite security as their primary purchase motivation, according to new research by the Consumer Electronics Association. Its recent survey found that almost half (49 percent) of consumers are familiar with home automation systems that allow them to remotely monitor and control one or more technology... more »
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December 4, 2012
Executives at the Roto Group, the Germany-based hardware manufacturer, see many global markets deteriorating in the second half of 2012 and now fear a “significant downturn” in 2013. At the company's 7th International Trade Press Day, Eckhard Keill, Roto Frank AG CEO, reported that, when looking at various countries, there is either a downward trend, as in South Europe, or a slowdown... more »
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October 18, 2012
An improving housing market and record low interest rates are driving projections of strong gains in home improvement activity through the end of the year and into the first half of 2013, according to the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. Its Leading Indicator of Remodeling Activity released today suggests that the seeds for what appears to be a very robust remodeling... more »
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October 18, 2012
Sparked by rising home prices across much of the nation, the housing recovery is now under way, but fiscal uncertainties and other challenges could result in a bumpy ride in the coming months, according to economists participating in a National Association of Home Builders webinar held yesterday.
“We’re seeing a more robust housing sector than many other parts of the economy,”... more »
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September 20, 2012
With growth spurred by a rebound in housing completions and gains in construction spending from a depressed 2011 base, demand for windows and doors in the U.S. is forecast to rise 9.3 percent per year over the next several years, according to a new report from The Freedonia Group Inc. Total demand for both the residential and nonresidential markets is expected to reach $34.2 billion by... more »
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September 7, 2012
The September 2012 IHS Global Insight/HIRI Home Improvement Products Market Forecast projects total home improvement product sales for 2012 will reach $274 billion, a 4.9 percent increase over 2011. The report sees the market improving another 4 percent in 2013.
Economic ForecastAs employment growth accelerates and housing markets improve in 2014, stronger growth of home... more »
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July 31, 2012
A new survey of U.S. manufacturers and distributors finds that while many business leaders remain concerned about economic uncertainty, health care costs, and hiring, they are experiencing success through controlling costs and increasing sales. Conducted by the accounting firm CliftonLarsonAllen during the first quarter of 2012, the study found that six in 10 companies reported an increase in... more »
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July 27, 2012
Higher-end homeowners are eager to select durable exterior products for the home that complement their personalities and color is important to them when deciding to replace those exterior features, according to a recent study conducted by Harris Interactive. Sponsored by DaVinci Roofscapes, the study also includes results related to door and window replacement and color selection.
Conducted at... more »
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June 18, 2012
“While still in the early innings of a housing recovery, rental markets have turned the corner, home sales are strengthening, and a floor is beginning to form under home prices,” says Eric S. Belsky, managing director of the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University. The center's 2012 State of the Nation’s Housing report released last week sees signs of... more »
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June 13, 2012
Window and patio door customers of brands with high levels of customer satisfaction most frequently cite professional recommendations, quality and their own past experience with purchasing windows as the key drivers in their purchase decision. This is a sharp contrast to brands with lower levels of satisfaction that are primarily selected based on price, according to the new J.D. Power &... more »
