The Glass and Glazing Federation (GGF) recently commissioned an independent consumer survey and the final results have revealed some useful insights for the federation and its members.
The survey conducted by One Poll was sent to 2,000 homeowners across the UK, who were asked 18 questions covering a range of topics including energy efficiency, competent person schemes and consumer codes.
On the release of the survey results, James Lee, GGF director of marketing and communications, said: “With all the work the GGF is doing to help consumer facing members, it seemed logical for the GGF to survey consumers to understand and evaluate their views and opinions. The results have proved both insightful and encouraging.”
The GGF will use the results to support the GGF/MyGlazing.com consumer PR campaign, underpin its ‘political messages and ongoing activity’ and promote its approved consumer code to both existing members and wider industry.
The survey results included the following findings:
- 62% of consumers are unaware that more than 20% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors
- 51% of those surveyed say that knowing 23% of heat energy in the home is lost through inefficient windows and doors, makes them consider installing new windows and doors
- 54% of homeowners have energy efficient windows and doors installed
- Almost 75% would consider energy efficient windows and doors important when buying a new home
- 58% said that knowing a company’s ‘consumer code of conduct’ had been approved by a government backed body, such as the Chartered Trading Standards Institute, would influence their purchasing decision
- 17% said they have never heard of a consumer code
- 57% would install new windows and doors to increase the value of their home
- 67% of homeowners spent some money on home improvements in 2016
- 62% have heard of a competent persons scheme
- Energy saving tops the list of reasons why homeowners would install new windows, at 35%; 25% said money saving is their first priority and 14% want to keep out noise
- 29% of homeowners will consider making home improvements in the next 18 months
- Of those considering making home improvements in the next 18 months, top of the list of considerations is new windows at 33%
- 58% of homeowners distrust glazing/home improvement companies who contact them unsolicited
The GGF says it intends to conduct more consumer surveys in the future.
