If you’re renovating or moving into a new home, then your front door may be the last thing on your mind. However, your front door can not only make a huge difference to the exterior of your property, but also can provide safety, functionality and protection from weather exposure. In addition to this, your front door is essential in creating that first impression for your house and its kerb appeal, especially if you’re planning on putting your property on the market. So, if you’re wondering “how can I sell my house fast?”, perhaps replacing your front door is a great idea. Here at We Buy Any House we have compiled a simple guide on how to choose the perfect front door for your property.
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When is the Right Time to Replace Your Front Door?
If truth be told, there is never a ‘right time’ to replace your front door- it all depends on how you feel as a homeowner. If you’re renovating your house, or moving into a new property, then you may want to replace your front door for design purpose, as the current one may not suit your style. However, if the front door you currently have is causing disruption to the function of your house, such as making your home less energy-efficient, or causing security issues, then it’s important to replace the door.
What is Important to You?
Our homes are an extension of our personality, and therefore are just as unique as we are. When choosing a front door, it’s important to figure out what is important to you. Working out whether you want a more stylish or practical front door, (or perhaps both!), in addition to how things coincide with your home’s entryway should give you a good indication of what you wish the result to look like,
Materials:
There are plenty of materials to choose from when choosing the design of your front door. Each has their own unique flare which comes with subjective safety and durability. A few options are:
- UPVC Door: These are a low maintenance option that can come in diverse designs and cover a wide range of price points. The high end UPVC doors also come fitted with the latest locking mechanisms. They are high thermal efficient and don’t cost as much as other materials. However, they are not the most durable material, and are inflexible in terms of changing handles.
- Wooden Door: Traditional, solid and reliable, wooden doors are beautifully crafted- and their aesthetic will fit with any home. They are thermally efficient, secure and can be easily repaired, however they tend to be quite pricey.
- Composite Door: Made by blending glass-reinforced fiber with hard foam and a steel or timber core, some homeowners use these doors to optimise security entrances as they are heavier than regular doors. Although they are extremely secure and energy efficient, they are a lot more expensive than regular doors due to the installation process.
- Glazing: One of the most popular styles is glazed panels, which could be clear, frosted or opaque glass. It’s a great way to bring in light and use a decorative feature. However, you need to ensure that the glass is strong, as you don’t want it to be an easy access point for intruders.
Security:
One thing you need your front door to be is secure. Although you may be focused on the aesthetic on the front door, you also want the door to be optimised for safety. If the material, you have chosen isn’t great for its sturdiness, then you need to ensure that the lock system matches the latest recommendations for home security. This is also a great time to pay attention to other details. For example, is the letterbox and door handles designed to keep your home safe. Equally as important are door frames, as you don’t want your door to be easily removed from its frame and hinges.
Attention:
When it comes to a knocking system, the options are endless. There are multiple ways for your visitors to get your attention, from stylish and classic door knockers to discreet doorbells or a functional buzzer. All of these can be fitted into your front door, so it’s important to think about which will grab your attention when someone is at the door. You can also opt to have a camera installed, which will provide additional safety features for your home and provide you with access to see who is at your front door.
Drafts:
In a typical cold British climate, drafts are a common problem for homeowners. Windows and doors tend to let heat escape and let cold air in, so it’s important that you ensure your home isn’t less energy efficient. A great way to do this is by installing a secure and well-fitted front door, which will ultimately save you money on your heating bills and reduce the need for a draft excluder.