“It’s what’s on the inside that counts”…. I’m sure you’ve all heard this at some point in your life; but when it comes to your home, the outside is surely just as important.
Remember, you only get one chance to make a first impression and having an attractive front-entryway instantly enhances your home’s appearance and can leave a very positive first impression as well as greatly increasing the resale value of your home.
What do you see when you approach your front door? Remember, when your guests arrive, they probably spend a bit longer staring at your entryway while waiting for you to answer. Does the thought of this make you cringe? If so, you don’t have to spend a bundle to get that fabulous first impression your hoping for.
Let’s take a look at the door…could it use some TLC? Does it need to be replaced all together or simply need a ‘face-lift’? Is the existing door a wood door? If so, it most likely can be sanded, re-stained/painted and sealed for a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new one.
Take a look at these before and after photos and let me know what you think?
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| Before - San Anselmo, CA |
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| After, San Anselmo, CA |
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| After - Novato, CA |
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| Before - Novato, CA |
If your front door is a steel door and has dents, rust or faded paint, then installing a new exterior door may be a better way to go (though these can be painted as well). There are many doors to choose from if you decide to replace it. The three most common materials are Wood, Steel and Fiberglass Doors.
Let’s take a quick look at the advantages and disadvantages of the three:
Wood Doors:
Advantages: Beautiful Wood
Grain
Easy to repair if scratched
High end look
Warm feel to touch
Disadvantages: Expensive
Absorbs
Moisture
Fades
Non
Energy Efficient
Requires
regular maintenance
Steel Doors:
Advantages: Less Expensive
Good
insulation value
Secure
Energy
Efficient
Disadvantages: Easily Dented
Paint
chipping
Reacts
to outside temperature: cold or hot to touch
Scratches
and rust
Fiberglass Doors:
Advantages: Both wood grain and smooth finish
Resistant
to scratches and dents
Energy-efficient
Can
be painted or stained
Secure
Good
Insulation
Disadvantages: Low life span compared to other
materials
Replacing an entry door altogether can cost hundreds and even thousands of dollars depending upon the style you choose along with the hardware. So, sometimes a simple, less expensive 'face-lift' is all that is needed to add curb appeal to your home and get that positive first impression you so desire.
