WHAT HOMEOWNERS REALLY WANT IN 2026. AND WHAT THIS MEANS FOR INSTALLERS |
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Homeowners are becoming more informed, more selective and more focused on long-term value. For installers, the challenge is to keep pace. Those who can move beyond price-led selling, embracing a more consultative approach and investing in how they present their offering, will be best placed to succeed.
Endurance ® Doors is encouraging installers to reassess how they position themselves in an evolving market, as new homeowner research highlights a clear shift in buying behaviour.
A More Considered Customer
In recent years, economic pressures have often led to assumptions that homeowners are becoming increasingly price driven. However, insight based on research carried out recently for Endurance ® Doors by Keystone, suggests a more nuanced picture.
“ Homeowners are still mindful of cost, but the conversation has shifted,” explains Endurance ® Group Marketing Director, Scott Foster.“ It’ s less about finding the cheapest option and more about making the right decision. People
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are asking more questions, doing more research and taking a longer-term view. In fact, 96 % of homeowners now prioritise quality and 95 % prioritise security when choosing a composite door. The customers are thinking more and spending more, they just need a reason to choose the right installer to spend their money with.”
This change in mindset is leading to a growing preference for premium products, particularly those that can clearly demonstrate their performance, durability and security credentials. Rather than being seen as a costly and unnecessary upgrade, higher-specification products are increasingly being viewed by today’ s savvy consumers as a worthwhile investment.
The Shift from Price to Value
For installers, this evolution presents a clear opportunity, but only for those willing to adapt.
Competing on price alone is becoming increasingly difficult in a market where homeowners are looking beyond the initial cost. Instead, success is now more likely to come from the ability to communicate value effectively.
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“ Installers who continue to focus purely on price risk being left behind,” Scott says.“ The real opportunity lies in helping homeowners understand what they’ re getting for their money, why one product performs better than another, and what that means for them over time.”
This requires a shift not just in messaging, but in mindset. Sales conversations are becoming less transactional and more consultative, with homeowners expecting guidance rather than just a quote.
Presentation Matters More Than Ever
As part of this shift, the way products are presented is playing an increasingly important role in the decision-making process. From the quality of imagery on a website to the clarity of messaging around key features, every
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touchpoint contributes to how a product is perceived. Video content, in particular, is becoming more influential, helping homeowners visualise the finished result and build confidence in their choice. Online reviews also play a crucial role in giving homeowners the confidence to choose an installer, with 43 % selecting their installer based on recommendations.
“ The buying journey is far more detailed than it used to be and your reputation is your strongest tool, one that should be protected and nurtured at all costs,” Scott explains.“ The importance of reputation is reflected in Endurance ® Doors’ own customer feedback, with the company achieving more than 3,400 Trustpilot reviews and an 88 % five-star rating. Homeowners are researching online, comparing options and forming opinions long before they speak to an installer. This means that the way installers and their offering are presented is having more of an impact now than ever before. We understand that for some installers, this represents both a challenge and a gap, particularly for those without the time or resource to create high-quality marketing materials themselves.”
Insight Drives Growth
Recognising these changes and the challenges they bring, Endurance ® Doors has placed a strong focus on understanding homeowner behaviour through ongoing
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research. Rather than relying on assumptions, the business is investing in insight drawn from active buyers, providing a more accurate picture of how decisions are really being made.
“ Too often in this industry, we rely on what we think customers want,” Scott says.“ By investing in research, we can give our partners real clarity. It’ s about helping them make informed decisions, not guesswork.”
This insight-led approach is increasingly shaping how the company supports its installer network, from product development through to marketing tools and campaign assets.
A Partnership Approach
For Endurance ® Doors, the focus extends beyond simply supplying products. Instead, the business is positioning itself as a partner, one that plays an active role in helping installers navigate change and identify new opportunities.
“ Our growth is closely aligned with that of our installers,” Scott explains.“ If they succeed, we succeed. That’ s why it’ s so important that we’ re not just reacting to the market but actively understanding it and sharing that knowledge.”
As the market continues to evolve, that collaborative approach is likely to become increasingly important.
www. endurancedoors. co. uk
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