Permits are up 24% for home remodeling. WOW! This is great news for our industry. More people are having there homes remodeled at any time since 2004. The end of the downturn is close at hand. We all look forward to busier times and more energy savings.

I installed 2 Easton R-5 windows in my home a few weeks ago and they are great. They have reduced the noise in the room and I am sure they are saving me some energy. Over the years balance systems have become more substantial and they are able to support the triple pane glass properly. It is a great product at a great price.

Dream Designer

The newest thing to our industry is the Dream Designer by Crane. You pick from one of 20 home styles and design your dream home with color choices for all the exterior items. You can them print the picture or order the picture on a sample board with samples of the colors and materials. It is the coolest thing. The whole thing takes 5 minutes to design and your samples are shipped to you within 2 weeks. You will love it. I did. Come by my office to see the real thing.

Great news from the EPA. The EPA has announced that they will not add Clearance testing to the LRRP program. The industry trade groups have been working to keep this out of the law and they have succeeded. Thank you to all who made this possible.

Andersen New Tilt- Wash Windows

Andersen has added a new replacement window to their line. The 400 series Tilt-Wash line of windows is now available in custom sizes. All the slim line features of the tilt wash window now in YOUR SIZE. Andersen continues to add products that are great for the remodeling contractors. Energy savings, many options, custom sizes, many colors. We are ready to serve you with any Andersen product that you are looking to get priced and ordered. Andersen is a great friend to remodeling contractors and to the environment.

Nearly two thirds of homeowners are planning a home improvement in 2011. WOW! Nearly one third of these homeowners plan to select green materials for their improvement. This information provided by American Express. These are great numbers for our industry.

Stylish windows with energy savings

Windows have many features added during this recession. Many window companies have added numerous features to there window selection in recent years. Many new colors including dark colors, hardware options are plentiful, Energy efficient glass options are endless, "greening" of their manufacturing plants and processes, sashes and frames with more strength and energy savings included in the design. All these new items have broadened the selection of styles and options available to make your window just the way you want them.

Spring is here. The last weekend was great. Many of our suppliers are announcing price increases for this spring. We will have new price catalogs in April. The increases will begin in May. Now is the time to buy to save some money. Save energy and save money, a great combination.

Exterior Portfolio by Crane has added 4 new colors to the line of composite sidings. Come to our Spring show this Friday from 11:30 - 1:30 and see all the new colors and products.

Napco now has a program for contractors to help with financing. They have a "same as cash" program now that is perfect for contractors that are looking to provide financing for their customers. Give the office a call for complete details. 816-221-3220

The Residential Buildfax Remodeling Index rose 18% in December. The industry is improving every day. The traffic at our local home show was terrific. Many of the contractors said it was the best show in years for producing leads.

EPA regulations

New from around the country. Some municipalities are requiring you to verify you are lead certified before they will sell you a building permit. If you are not vet compliant this may be the motivation to get it done. We do offer many of the required items to make your workers EPA compliant.