When it comes to home remodeling projects like new windows, sunrooms, or a bath remodel, homeowners are faced with an important decision: Should they choose a family-owned business that makes its own products or go with a large national brand that purchases mass-produces products made in massive manufacturing facilities?

At Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths, we take pride in being a family-owned company with a rich history of quality home remodeling products dating back to 1955. We manufacture many of our own products, including our windows, doors, and sunrooms, in our own factory. This hands-on approach gives us the unique ability to control manufacturing quality, customize designs to fit each home's specific needs, and stand behind every product we install. 

The differences between these two options go beyond just pricing or product availability—they influence the entire remodeling experience, from initial consultation to the final reveal and beyond. Let’s explore these primary differences to help you choose what’s best for you.

Personalized and Customized Service

One of the most significant differences is the level of personalization. Large national brands typically produce products in bulk, which makes offering some options and customization more challenging. Their manufacturing facilities are optimized for efficiency and volume, meaning customers often have to choose from standard sizes, colors, and configurations. While this may work for some homes, it leaves little room for personalized solutions. 

In contrast, a family-owned business, especially with its own production facilities, can tailor windows, doors, sunrooms, and bath products to match each customer's vision and project’s unique specifications. Need a specific energy-efficient window size for an older home or want a sunroom that perfectly complements your existing architecture? It is easier to achieve because they can design and build the products.


Customer Service


Quality Control

Quality control is another area where family-owned businesses potentially have an edge. Production often prioritizes speed and volume in a national manufacturing facility to meet high demand across many markets. This sometimes means quality can vary, and minor defects may slip through the cracks to meet bottom-line numbers. 

A family-owned and operated factory, on the other hand, focuses on consistent, high-quality craftsmanship. Each stage of production, from selecting materials to final assembly, is closely monitored. The expert team takes pride in their work, knowing that each window, sunroom, or bath product will go into a friend or neighbor's home, not just become another unit on a nationwide sales report.

Customer Service

Customer service also tends to differ significantly between family-owned businesses and national brands. Large companies often rely on call centers and automated systems to handle customer inquiries, which can make getting answers or resolving issues a frustrating process. 

Family-owned businesses tend to believe in building relationships with their customers. When calling in to discuss your project, you're talking to a team that knows your project, understands your concerns, and genuinely cares about your satisfaction. Their employees live and work in the same communities as the customers, so every job we complete contributes to the neighborhoods they call home.

Pricing

Price can be a deciding factor for many homeowners, and it's understandable to look for the best deal. National brands often run large-scale marketing campaigns promoting deep discounts or limited-time offers. However, these promotions can sometimes be misleading, and the initial low price may not reflect the true cost once additional fees and less durable materials are considered. 

When considering a family-owned company with its own factory, they can cut out the middleman and pass those savings along to their customers. However, although the pricing is competitive, it may be slightly higher than bulk production due to the individualized attention in the manufacturing process. The pricing is reflective of the quality and longevity of the products and should be reviewed over the expected life of the product.

Community Connection

Community connection is another vital element to consider. Large national brands may have a recognizable name, but their presence in local communities can be minimal. You may see a national brand sponsor larger events, but it is often done for marketing purposes and name exposure.

Family-run businesses are rooted in the communities they serve. They are proud to give back through various local initiatives and to support neighborhoods with jobs and high-quality home improvements. When you choose a family business, you're not just supporting a business but a family and a team that reinvests in the local economy.

Warranties and Service

Additionally, warranties and services are often more reliable when dealing with a family-owned manufacturer. Big brands might offer warranties administered by third-party providers, which can complicate claims and lead to lengthy delays. In addition, as corporate business acquisitions occur, it leaves the consumer on the fence as to where to turn for honoring their warranty. A warranty is only as good as the company that stands behind it.

Family-owned manufacturer warranties come directly from the business, the people who made and installed your product. If you have an issue, you will know exactly who to call, and you can trust that they will stand by their work. 


Trusted and Reliable


Pride, Integrity, and Trust

Lastly, a sense of pride and integrity comes with working with a family-owned business. Their reputation has been built over generations, not by corporate million-dollar advertising budgets but by delivering exceptional work and treating every customer like family. They understand that remodeling your home is a significant investment, approaching every project with the care and dedication it deserves.

Trust is everything when it comes to choosing a home improvement company, and according to the 2022 Edelman Trust Barometer, family-owned businesses continue to earn the highest level of trust—leading the way for nine years in a row. The study found that 67% of people trust family businesses, compared to lower trust levels for privately held (58%), publicly traded (56%), and state-owned (52%) companies.

Family businesses garner this trust with a clearly defined purpose and strong values that are foundational to their organization and are derived from their family owners. These values often include a commitment to positively impacting their employees and communities and acting as a socially and environmentally responsible business.

Family-Owned or National Brand: Which One is For You?

Ultimately, choosing between a family-owned and operated manufacturer like Joyce Windows, Sunrooms & Baths, and a large national brand boils down to what you value most in your remodeling experience. National brands may appeal to homeowners who prioritize broad product availability and the familiarity of a well-known name. With a family-owned business, you gain personalized service, greater attention to detail, and products crafted and installed with care.

At Joyce, we’ve proudly served homeowners since 1955. If you seek quality solutions, attentive customer service, and a company that genuinely cares about your home and community, working with a family-owned business like Joyce is the clear choice. 

Ready to learn more about Joyce and their products? Schedule a Free Estimate today!