Front Door Replacement: New Front Doors Provide Exterior Appeal And Interior Light

(HIT) - Many homeowners occupy homes that were built in the 1960s, 70s and 80s. While structurally sound, those homes are beginning to need updating.

One of the simplest ways to make an update to your home—one that affects both exterior and interior aesthetics—is a front door replacement. In many older homes, front doors were simply a means of entrance and exit with minimal thought given to the exterior appeal or to interior light. Function ruled over form.

Over the past 30 years, builders, architects, designers and real estate sales representatives have realized the importance of curb-appeal when the time comes to sell a home. The introduction to a home is through the front door, which creates an all-important first impression. Today, it is not unusual to find a builder lavishing $10,000 or more on the entry to a new home. Some of the highest quality doors (with matching sidelights and transom) can cost that much alone.

Such costs seem staggering when contemplating the updating of an older home and all the items usually on the "wish list" of improvements. The good news for homeowners planning to remodel is that there are many energy-efficient, secure and reasonably priced front door replacements on the market today.

Because of their flexibility in fitting existing openings in older homes, replacement wood doors remain the standard in the remodeling and home improvement markets. Some new front door replacement products use a formed wood exterior made from wood fibers and resins, allowing complete use of the wood resource.

With few or very simple changes to the door framework, a front door replacement can add dramatic change with a few hours’ time and less than a thousand dollars in materials and labor. Handy homeowners can even "do it themselves".

The installation of a replacement front door with matching sidelights can dress up the exterior of a home, provide a more welcoming feeling for homeowners and guests alike, and a new source of natural light for interior spaces.

One manufacturer of wood, steel and formed wood doors, Jeld-Wen, advises homeowners and contractors to follow the handling, installation and finishing instructions that come with a replacement front door, no matter its type or its manufacturer. Following provided instructions will help ensure proper installation of the replacement front door and will also keep any warranties in effect.

Courtesy: Home Improvement News and Information Center