WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Aug. 7 CA-J.D.-Power&Assoc.
WESTLAKE VILLAGE, Calif., Aug. 7 /PRNewswire/ -- Pella ranks highest in
satisfying consumers with windows and patio doors for a second consecutive
year, according to the J.D. Power and Associates 2008 Windows and Patio Doors
Satisfaction Study(SM) released today.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20050527/LAF028LOGO-a)
The study, now in its second year, measures satisfaction among consumers
who purchased new windows or patio doors. Overall satisfaction is based on
performance in seven factors (in order of importance): ordering and delivery
(22%); value (21%); operational performance (15%); product quality/durability
(14%); appearance and design features (12%); repair and replacement (10%); and
warranty (8%). Respondents may have installed the windows or patio doors
themselves or with help from family and friends; hired an independent
contractor, handyman or remodeler; used an installation service provided by a
home improvement retailer; or used an installation service provided by the
product manufacturer.
Pella achieves a score of 794 on a 1,000-point scale and performs
particularly well in five of the seven factors: operational performance;
product quality/durability; appearance and design features; warranty; and
ordering and delivery. Marvin closely follows Pella in the rankings with a
score of 792, performing well in the value and ordering and delivery factors.
In addition, Marvin posts the greatest improvement in rank position since 2007
of any manufacturer included in the study. Andersen ranks third with an index
score of 790, performing particularly well in the warranty and repair and
replacement factors.
The study finds that a relatively small percentage of consumers --
approximately one in ten -- report experiencing a problem with their windows
or patio doors. Among those customers who report a problem, failure of the
window or patio door to close or lock properly is the most frequently cited
issue, mentioned by one in five consumers who report a problem.
"With overall satisfaction remaining stable since 2007, it is apparent
that window and patio door manufacturers are continuing to doing a good job of
pleasing their customers, which is no small feat in these tight economic
times," said Jim Howland, senior director in the real estate industries
practice at J.D. Power and Associates. "In this highly competitive industry,
those manufacturers that provide products with superior quality -- including a
particularly low incidence of problems -- and that also communicate the value
of their products and services to the consumer will be in the best position to
differentiate themselves from the competition."
The study also finds that consumers who install their new windows and
patio doors themselves are just as satisfied with the experience, on average,
as consumers who use an installation service, handyman or independent
contractor.
"Given that proper installation is critical to good window performance, it
may seem counterintuitive that customer satisfaction with self-installed
windows is commensurate to that of customers with windows installed by a
contractor or handyman, but study data shows that this is indeed the case,"
said Howland. "For those consumers who are considering performing installation
themselves, they should make sure they are comfortable with the particulars of
the project, including the exterior siding material of the home; scope of the
job -- including the number and sizes of windows required; whether windows
will be retro-fitted or replaced; local code requirements; whether any special
tools are required; and their personal skill level. Consumers may wish to
turn to manufacturer web sites for help, since they often provide detailed
product installation information."
The 2008 Windows and Patio Doors Satisfaction Study is based on responses
from 2,433 consumers who purchased new windows or patio doors in the previous
12 months. The study was fielded in March and April 2008.
About J.D. Power and Associates
Headquartered in Westlake Village, Calif., J.D. Power and Associates is a
global marketing information services company operating in key business
sectors including market research, forecasting, performance improvement,
training and customer satisfaction. The company's quality and satisfaction
measurements are based on responses from millions of consumers annually. For
more information on home building and home improvement, car reviews and
ratings, car insurance, health insurance, cell phone ratings, and more, please
visit JDPower.com. J.D. Power and Associates is a business unit of The
McGraw-Hill Companies.
About The McGraw-Hill Companies
Founded in 1888, The McGraw-Hill Companies (NYSE: MHP) is a leading global
information services provider meeting worldwide needs in the financial
services, education and business information markets through leading brands
such as Standard & Poor's, McGraw-Hill Education, BusinessWeek and J.D. Power
and Associates. The Corporation has more than 280 offices in 40 countries.
Sales in 2007 were $6.8 billion. Additional information is available at
http://www.mcgraw-hill.com.
Media Relations Contacts:
Jeff Perlman John Tews
Brandware Public RelationsJ.D. Power and Associates
5076 Chesebro Road5435 Corporate Drive, Suite 300
Agoura Hills, CA 91301Troy, Mich. 48098
(818) 706-1915(248) 312-4119
jperlman@brandwaregroup.com john.tews@jdpa.com
No advertising or other promotional use can be made of the information in
this release without the express prior written consent of J.D. Power and
Associates. http://www.jdpower.com/corporate
Customer Satisfaction Index RankingJ.D. Power.com Power Circle Ratings
(Based on a 1,000-point scale) For Consumers
Pella 794 5
Marvin 792 5
Andersen 790 5
Industry Average 781 3
Milgard771 2
American Craftsman 766 2
JELD-WEN 761 2
Weather Shield 746 2
Power Circle Ratings Legend:
5 - Among the best
4 - Better than most
3 - About average
2 - The rest
SOURCE J.D. Power and Associates
