One of the first things guests will notice is not within your house, but on the outside — your entryway and your front door. Your front door tells people a lot about you, from your personal style to your attention to the little details that make a house stand out.
In addition, your front door can add a layer of protection for your home, keeping you and your loved ones safe. If it’s not in good shape, a front door can make it easier for a break-in to occur, risking your safety and your possessions.
In other words, your front door is a small yet vital feature to your home that you shouldn’t ignore if you want a house that looks beautiful and is secure. Replacing it can provide a fantastic return on investment, so it pays to choose a door that meets all your needs.
Not sure where to begin? No worries — our checklist of 5 things to consider before installing a new front entry door will have you making a great decision for your home in no time.
1. Figure Out Your Budget
As with any home improvement project, consider your budget before you start the process of finding a new front door. Though it may seem like a small project, installing a new entry door is an investment and should be treated like one.
Here are some questions to ask yourself as you consider what you’d like to invest:
- What is within your budget to spend?
- Do you plan to do it yourself? Or would you like to hire a professional? (A pro can often do the job more swiftly and precisely than a DIY-er can.)
- How important is it for you to achieve a certain look, or use a certain material?
- What types of features are must-haves? What is nice-to-have? Knowing the difference can help you trim costs.
2. Choose a Style
Front entry doors are available in a wide variety of materials, colors, shapes, sizes and features. So, before you settle on a door, do your research and consider all the factors that will go into choosing the right door for your home.
- Look online to see what is trending
- Decide what styles you find appealing
- Take into account the overall architecture, look and feel of your home — you’ll want your door to match your home
- Think through any special features you may want in a door — such as an adjustable threshold, glass inserts, or unique door knobs
3. Consider Energy Efficiency
Your front door adds an attractive flair to your entry, but that’s not all it does. It can also keep in cool air during summer and hot air during winter. So, don’t overlook energy efficiency aspects when selecting a door.
Among the questions to consider:
- Is the model rated as Energy Star-qualified by the EPA? An Energy Star rating means the door has been independently tested and proven to increase energy efficiency.
- How tight is the door frame — which helps to prevent drafts?
- Do you need glass panels? If so, does the door come with insulated glass options?
- Have you added to your home’s energy efficiency in other areas? (Your front door is just one of many areas to consider for energy efficiency.)
4. Choose the Right Material
Of course, the “right” material means the material that best meets your needs. Here’s a closer look at common materials used to make front doors:
Wood
- A classic choice, wood lends your front door a beautiful, natural appearance. Choose wood if you value:
- A variety of wood types, panel styles, and grains to choose from
- A door that matches well for a historic home
- A rustic, natural look for your entry way
- A door that effectively resists wear and tear
Keep in mind:
- Wood is typically more costly than other material
- Wood must be repainted or varnished frequently to uphold its appearance
Steel
Steel doors are highly popular with homeowners for the advantages they provide:
- They’re more affordable than wood or fiberglass.
- They require little maintenance.
- They can have an insulated core.
Keep in mind:
- Steel doors are smooth, and lack detailed features that add beauty to other materials.
- They can suffer from rainy, stormy weather.
- Dented steel is difficult to repair.
- Scratches must be painted quickly, or they’ll rust.
Fiberglass
Many homeowners love fiberglass doors because they can mimic the appearance of wood, while also offering great performance.
- Fiberglass can be made to look like grained wood, adding a level of beauty
- Fiberglass doors are energy-efficient
- They’re long-lasting and easy to care for
- They resist dents, rust, and corrosion
- They’re moderately priced
Keep in mind:
- If severely impacted, fiberglass may crack.
Remember the Benefits
Even though it’s tempting to put off investing in a new front door, the longer you wait, the more issues you may have with it. So, remind yourself of the advantages of installing a beautiful new entry door in your Detroit or Ann Arbor home:
- Improved security for your home and family
- Attractive appearance that boosts curb appeal
- Handles wear and tear effectively
- Added insulation and increased energy efficiency
- Customized look that makes your home stand out
Invest in Professional Front Door Installation You’ll Love
The right front door is essential to having an attractive, low-maintenance, long-lasting exterior that makes you proud of your home. When you need a revamped entry, a new front door, or other home exterior improvements, look no further than the trusted, attentive team at John McCarter Construction.
To give Michigan homeowners the best service, we offer a straightforward, painless process to getting a beautifully updated home exterior:
- Consult with us to discuss your needs.
- We’ll design a home exterior solution and stay in communication at every step.
- You enjoy a home that looks beautiful and adds to your life.
Wait no longer to refresh your front door and update other areas of your home exterior. Contact us today to request a free quote to start you on the path to a home that looks beautiful and makes you joyful.
