While we are committed to our principle that restoration will always be better than replacement, sometimes, people would just prefer a fresh start for their front door. Most homeowners, especially those planning to sell, think that a new front door may increase their home’s curb appeal and value. In this article, we will tackle just that, and we will discuss the factors that come into play when it comes to the value.
Overall look
This one is very important for your home’s curb appeal. Your front door welcomes guests and potential buyers to your home, so it is important that they do not find faults right off the bat. If it looks loose and not well-maintained, then buyers will tend to expect more damage inside the home itself.
Can restoration solve the problem? Yes, in most cases, restoration is possible. It can even make it better than the last.
Should you buy a new one instead? For this factor alone, it is easier to have your door restored, especially for period properties. Modern doors are not as durable as the old wood used for period houses, and this is an important factor for the value.
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Security and Energy-efficiency
These are two separate factors but can easily be merged into one solution. Sealing doors is very important for both security and energy efficiency. In this case, loose hinges or frames will not be good for both considerations.
Should you buy a new door? Modern restoration solutions are available for both factors. However, this will be based on your preference. Metal doors provide better security but have poor energy efficiency. Doors with glass panels should be double-glazed for better energy efficiency.
Cost
Restoration methods will surely be cheaper if you want to have the same type of wood and design for your door. While cheaper doors are available, this will definitely be less durable and will not help add value to your door.
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Maintenance and Lifespan
It is also important to purchase doors that have a longer lifespan, and can easily be maintained. While uPVC or aluminium doors have lesser maintenance and even cost less, bespoke doors will have a better value for their cost.
Conclusion
Can purchasing a new front door add value to your home? Yes, it can. However, it is important to note that it improves some factors more significantly than others. There is a compromise for the balance of the factors, and you should definitely weigh out which ones will surely serve your home better.
Pieter Boyce
Wooden Window and Door Specialist
This article was written on behalf of The Wooden Door Company by Pieter Boyce. Pieter has an intense passion for English Architectural history and has been specialising in the conservation of original wooden windows and doors for decades. His exceptional knowledge of timber windows and doors, both listed or non-listed, is attributed to his hands-on approach to learning all aspects of the complete restoration of original features as well as having personally surveyed thousands of items throughout his long tenure as a head surveyor for one of the largest window and door restoration companies in the UK. He now runs a boutique wooden window and door consultancy and fervently champions the retention of original windows and doors. To learn more of Pieter’s services, visit his website at www.boultonboyce.co.uk.