Whether you’re trying to increase the value of your home before selling it or simply looking to improve its curb appeal for your own enjoyment, you can add value with a new front door – without spending a lot of money. And to get the most out of the money you do spend, it’s a good idea to consult with a remodeling contractor to ensure your new door is installed correctly. A poorly installed front door impacts your home’s security, energy efficiency, and appearance.
To find a top contractor, ask your neighbors if they have any recommendations or check sites like Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor to see ratings and reviews of professionals in your area. When you’re ready to start narrowing down your search by interviewing potential candidates, ask smart questions like:
- Are you licensed and insured, and if so, may I see proof?
- What professional or trade organizations do you belong to?
- What is your training and background?
- How many entryway replacements have you done?
- Do you know what permits to acquire and what building codes to follow?
- Can you provide me with references?
- Can you provide me with a comprehensive itemized estimate?
Do you need a new front door?
Maybe replacing your front door is an idea you’ve been mulling over, but you haven’t made up your mind about it yet. There are a few signs that can tell you when you actually need a new front door. If there’s rot in the door jamb or in the wood of the door itself, then the integrity of your door is compromised, and it’s no longer able to provide you with security against break-ins. If the paint is flaking or the wood is getting soft, a replacement would probably do you a lot of good. And most importantly, if you can feel air coming in around the sides of the door or see extra light shining through, it means you’re losing energy efficiency—which means you’re losing money on your heating and A/C.
Where to buy a new front door?
The best place to shop for a new door is a physical store or stockroom, so you can see and feel what you’re buying up close. When you go, take your door’s measurements with you—you’ll need to know its width, its thickness, its height, and the direction it swings. (Looking at your door from inside your house, a doorknob on the right side indicates a “right-handed” door while a doorknob on the left side indicates a “left-handed” door.)
Keep An Eye On Your Shingles
It is wise to keep an eye on your roof to make sure it is in the best condition possible, especially if you just had a bad storm. As a note, shingles are supposed to lie flat against the roof. If there are patches that look damaged or are buckling, you will need to do some repairs. In addition to keeping an eye on the roof, check your gutters and downspouts for shingle granules. If your roof is losing a significant amount of granules, it might be nearing the end of its lifespan.
How do I know if I need to replace the door jamb?
In certain situations, you can’t get by with merely replacing the door itself. To maximize energy efficiency and ensure a solid fit, you may also have to replace the door jamb, the threshold, and everything else that secures your door to your entryway. In this case, you’ll need to measure the thickness of the wall as well so that you can order the right size door jamb. Make sure the same manufacturer makes all the components you’re ordering; otherwise, they may not fit together correctly. Also, don’t forget the weather stripping – which should seal tightly.
Finally, make sure the door you buy comes with a good warranty.
Which door should I choose?
Doors come in a plethora of sizes, shapes, colors, and designs. Pick the one you like best, or pick the one that fits into your budget—whichever you prefer. A new door can be quite affordable or uncomfortably pricey, depending on the style you select. However, studies have shown that sellers recoup around 80% of the cost of a new front door when selling their house. Some home renovation experts claim replacing your front door is the number one step you can take to increase your home’s value and attractiveness. So if it’s something you’re willing to splurge on, you can rest assured it’s money well spent!
If you have questions about adding value with a new front door or other home improvement or maintenance topics, please reach out to us on social media or call any of our East Tennessee locations. We’re here to help!