(ARA) - The old saying "You can't judge a book by its cover" isn't always true in the housing market. A weary-looking home with a tired front door is sometimes a clear signal to the neighborhood, and to prospective homebuyers, that a house is in need of major repairs or updating.
Focusing on projects that help maintain and enhance a home's value is a priority for homeowners, especially in a highly competitive housing market. Replacing a front door is a beneficial first step toward boosting curb appeal. This project will also pay for itself in the long run because according to the National Association of Realtors, curb appeal sells 49 percent of all homes.
"Homeowners want to be proud of how their house looks from the street, so a front entry should be warm and inviting, and convey a sense of quality," says Shane Meisel, product marketing manager with JELD-WEN, a leading manufacturer of reliable windows and doors.
Selecting a new exterior door can be a daunting challenge, given the number of materials, styles and features available in the market today. Before starting the process, JELD-WEN experts recommend that homeowners ask themselves the following five questions to narrow the number of potential door options:
1. What building material do you prefer?
A good starting point for selecting a new exterior door is choosing the right material. Wood has traditionally been the top door choice because of the number of styles and species available. Fiberglass, an emerging material in the exterior door market, requires little maintenance and is nearly indistinguishable from real wood. These qualities make fiberglass perfect for any climate. Steel doors are also a popular choice as they are both secure and affordable.
2. What's the style of your home?
When selecting a new door for a front entry, homeowners should take into account their home's architectural style. For example, selecting a wood door with a dark finish and an elaborate glass insert will enhance the authenticity of a Victorian home, while a door with flat panels and square trim is era-appropriate for a Craftsman-style house.
3. What is your budget?
Door systems can range from a few hundred to tens of thousands of dollars for top-of-the-line custom doors. Usually wood and custom fiberglass doors are more of an investment than other types of doors. Standard fiberglass doors are typically less expensive than wood, and steel is often the most affordable exterior door material. Designs, glass options, accents, size and shape also influence the cost of exterior doors.
4. How much maintenance is required?
Because they are exposed to the elements for a number of years, exterior doors need some maintenance to preserve their appearance and extend their working lives. In general, steel and fiberglass doors require very little, if any, maintenance. For wood doors, JELD-WEN recommends periodic maintenance.
5. What's the location of the home and door?
If a home is located in a hurricane zone, local building codes often determine the type of entry door that can be installed. The direction of the door should also be considered. The south, west and east sides of a home will receive the greatest sun exposure. Homeowners should consider the level of UV resistance needed based on climate conditions and the home site. Overhangs shield exterior doors from the elements and help protect against the effects of wind, rain and snow. Courtesy of ARAcontent
First Published November 9, 2007, 1:01 p.m.
