Exterior doors are the hardest working part of your house. They provide you a way in, they can protect you from unwanted intruders, they are the first impression of your home, and they are a barrier against the weather. Unfortunately, because of the demands we put on doors, they are often the first place where problems develop in newer homes.
Making it even more likely that relatively new doors will fail is the practice many home builders have of cutting costs by using cheap, low-quality doors.
I understand why they do it – doors don’t sizzle. In other words, it’s much easier to sell a house by keying in on features like kitchen cabinets, hardwood floors, large closets, and plenty of bathrooms. Nobody asks “what kind of door does it have” when they’re shopping for a home. Maybe they should!
The good news is, replacement doors offer an easy fix for doors that leak, doors that stick, doors that won’t close, and just about any door problem you can imagine.
Even better news is that replacement doors offer the best return on investment of any home improvement, according to a recent report from Remodeling magazine (see Top 10 Home Improvements for more information).
But more than just plugging a hole, a new replacement door can enhance the appearance and styling of your home. When talking with homeowners about a new door – whether for the front of the house or the entry onto the deck or patio – I always encourage them to consider several options before making their decision. Many of my customers confess to being surprised by having so many choices in the look of their new door and the available materials.
The important thing to keep in mind is that nothing says your new door has to look or operate just like the original door. Maybe you’d prefer a French Door where the slider is now. Or how about adding a sidelight to the front door? Is wood, steel, or fiberglass right for your house?
In all honesty, picking out a new door is an exciting thing for a homeowner. It’s a great way to put a very personal stamp on their home. It’s the outward statement of the family that resides inside. And yes, there are the benefits of security and efficiency that come with replacement doors, but the real satisfaction is finding a door that says “this is our home and we welcome our friends and family in.”
Maybe it’s good that so many home builders get the doors wrong, because it takes a homeowner to truly get it right!
When you’re ready for your replacement doors, give Buresh a call and let us help you make the best choice.