Did you know that homes with high curb appeal can sell for around 7% more than homes with neglected exteriors? Whether you’re planning to sell your home in the near future, or you just want to increase its curb appeal for your own enjoyment, a great place to start is with the front door.
After all, your entry door is the gateway into your home, and it makes a first impression on visitors, even if just subconsciously. But, with so many different front entry doors available, how do you pick the right one for your home? We’re here to help.
Keep reading this entry door guide to learn the most important things to consider when buying a new front door for your home.
Determine Why You Want to Replace Your Door
First things first, you’ll need to take some time to think about why you want a new front door. This will help you determine which type of door to buy, so you know you’re making an informed decision.
In doing so, it will be much easier to narrow down your options once you start shopping.
Age
If you have an older home, you may have started to realize that your door is showing its age. Old wood doors, in particular, are susceptible to damage and will start to show signs of wear and tear over the years.
They also tend to expand and contract due to weather, which makes them less effective over time. If this is your driving factor behind getting a new door, make sure to look for a durable option that will last for years to come.
Energy Efficiency
In the United States alone, more than $300 billion each year goes toward energy costs due to inefficient doors and windows. If you’re looking for ways to lower your energy costs, replacing your front door is a great option.
This means your first priority when shopping for a new entry door is to find an energy-efficient model that will not be susceptible to drafts. Not only will this give your home an updated look, but it’s an investment that will ultimately help you save money down the road.
Noise
There’s nothing worse than sitting down on your couch to relax after a long day, only to realize that you can hear noise from the outside world in your living room. If you live in a busy area, your top priority when buying a new door may be to reduce noise in your home.
In that case, you’ll want to look for an exterior door with soundproofing options to help keep your home shielded from the noise outside.
Aesthetic Purposes
Maybe you already have a newer, energy-efficient door, but you just don’t like the way it looks. That’s a completely valid reason for replacing your door! In this case, spend some time thinking about what kind of look you want your door to have.
Are you looking for a different color? Do you want a more modern option or would you like it to be a more traditional look? How will it complement the rest of your home’s exterior? A new front door can give your home an updated vibe, so think carefully before making your final decision.
Security
Are you feeling like your home isn’t as secure as it could be? Getting a new entry door can help you feel safer inside your home. If this is your primary motivation for buying a new door, your top priority should be finding a door made of thick, strong material to keep your home and your family protected.
Not only will a heavy-duty door help protect you from possible intruders, but it will also help keep your family safe during inclement weather.
Understand More About the Products on the Market
Once you’ve determined what’s most important to you when searching for a new entry door, you’ll need to learn more about the products that are available to you. Here’s a closer look at the different types of entry doors so you have a better understanding of what you want when you start shopping.
Pre-Hung
If you’re looking for your door replacement to be a simple project, then look no further than a pre-hung option. This type of door comes already hung in its frame, perfectly sized to fit in your existing doorway.
When you buy a pre-hung option, all you have to do is purchase and install it and you’re ready to enjoy your new door.
Slab
A slab requires a little more work, as it means you’re buying only the door and none of the hardware or other components needed to actually hang it. This means you’ll need to buy hinges, framing, etc separately.
When you’re comparing prices while you shop, make sure you know whether you’re buying a slab or a pre-hung option, so you know exactly what the price includes.
Other Things to Consider
Whether you buy a pre-hung or slab door, there are a few other things to keep in mind while you shop. For example, do you want the door to open toward the inside of your home? Then you’ll want an inswing door. If you’d prefer it to open to the outside of the home look for an outswing option.
Similarly, consider the hinges. A left-hand door has hinges on the left of an inswing door or the right of an outswing door. A right-hand door is opposite. These may seem like small considerations in the big scheme of things, but it’s important to pay attention to these details to make the front door shopping experience easier.
Choose the Right Material
The final important thing to consider before buying your new door is the type of material you want. Think back again to why you want to upgrade your door. This will help make it easier to narrow down the pros and cons of each material so you can make the best choice for your home.
Here are the most popular door materials to consider when making your final decision.
Wood
Wood doors are classic, thanks to their timeless look that matches nearly any design aesthetic. Homeowners love wood doors because they can be painted or stained, giving a customized look for your home.
Some wood doors also come with beautiful glass inserts to give your entrance a wow factor. Check out Renewal by Andersen Windows to see examples of different types of entry doors with glass insert options.
Steel
Steel doors have become more popular over the years, thanks to their durability. They can withstand weather extremes and they also provide a measure of security that other doors can’t compete with.
If you choose a steel door, you’ll have peace of mind that it will last a long time, since the material isn’t prone to the same wear and tear as other materials. Best of all, many steel doors cost less than doors made from other materials, making them a budget-friendly option.
Fiberglass
Do you want the look of a wood door with more energy-efficient traits? If so, a fiberglass door may be the best option for your home. Many fiberglass doors come with a wood grain option, so you have the same aesthetic as a wood door, without having to worry about it fading over time.
Fiberglass doors are also very energy-efficient, helping to keep your energy bills more consistent, no matter what the weather is like outside. As a bonus, many fiberglass doors come with long-term warranties, so you know your investment is protected.
Wrought Iron
Are you looking for an entry door that’s sure to be an eye-catcher? A beautiful wrought iron door can do just that. Since wrought iron is a durable material, you won’t have to worry about your door rotting or warping over time, keeping it looking great for years.
It’s also a more secure option than some other materials, keeping your home safe while looking great. And, since wrought iron doors aren’t as common as other materials, choosing this option will give your home a unique look that’s sure to stand out.
Aluminum
Aluminum doors are similar to steel ones, but they are more customizable. Like fiberglass doors, some aluminum doors come in a wood grain option, giving you the look of a wood door in a more durable material. The enamel finish of an aluminum door is also very long-lasting, so it will look great for years.
However, since aluminum doors are custom-made to specifically fit your home, they are harder to find at traditional hardware stores. Instead, you’ll need to work with a door installation company to get one.
Choose the Right Entry Door for Your Home
After reading through this guide to buying an entry door, you should feel more confident about what to consider before making your decision. Now, you’re ready to start the shopping process so you can purchase your new door and begin enjoying your upgraded home.
Looking for more tips on how to update your home? Check out our other articles before you go!
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