Discounts for being a show-home vary as much as the home improvement projects it's possible to become a show-home for.
From loft and garage conversions to exterior wall rendering and driveways, these are the types of home improvements normally associated with 'become a show-home' requests. Even double glazing and conservatory companies need show-homes sometimes.
But why is that?
Well for a start, the companies need a constant supply of a variety of different completed projects to showcase their talents, and deftness at working with different types of properties. If all loft conversion pictures were simple shots of a barn like space in the rafters, they wouldn't entice many new customers.
It's the same with driveways. By being able to show a variety of blocks or finishes in various patterns and colours on a variety of sized driveways and paths etc, the companies are able to show prospective customers their flair and attention to detail in a variety of installation scenarios.
It's not the sort of job you can fake either. There's no better way to showcase a marvellous new conservatory design than by taking pictures of an actual installation. Take the car industry - they'll have the latest model physically in the showroom for you to test drive. Companies long ago learnt that you have to show people exactly what they're getting and help them picture in their minds how it's going to look if you want a sale.
Sometimes, it's purely to show homeowners what's possible.
Of course there's catch with being a show-home and getting those marvellous extra discounts - you might be asked to show an agreed number of local residents you're installation or you might simply be asked for permission to take photo's of your property (before and after) to use in future sales literature.
Sometimes, the deal can take the form of discounts in return for being willing to discuss with prospective customers over the phone why they should use a particular company.
It's not everybody's cup of tea but if you don't mind seeing your photo in the local press and plastered all over leaflets or you have the time to be able to show a few local people your completed project etc then agreeing to being a show-home can be a bit of fun and earn you valuable extra discounts at the same time.
It's also possible that you may have to have an advertising board or plaque outside your property for an agreed duration - note the word here is 'agreed'.
Don't be fooled by sharp salesman patter - you know the sort that promises the world if you sign up there and then or vague discounts that aren't agreed in writing before handing over any money or even a deposit.
Whatever deal you're offered, make sure you get it confirmed in writing before handing over even a deposit. 'Show-home' agreements in particular should clearly set out what will be expected of you and the period of time you'll be expected to abide by it. If it isn't what you verbally agreed to or understood, then walk away or ask for clarification before proceeding.
Remember it's you the home-owner who is doing the improvement company the favour. OK so they're rewarding you with money off etc but depending on their 'demands', you will want to ask yourself is it really worth it - a relatively small financial compensation for possible months of people expecting to be shown through your home to your new fitted kitchen or loft conversion. If you're still undecided, it may be worth asking to speak with another of their show-home customers to help you gauge just how 'busy' being a show-home is likely to be.
Right now, we've got the lowdown on some great offers for a range of different home improvement projects so if you're thinking of improving your home, but you'd like to take advantage of every discount available, then try our online quoter sites first and find out how much you could save.
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