First impressions are everything. Buyers will drive by and make an instant decision on whether they want to step inside.
The exterior of your home, including landscaping, has the ability to make or break that first impression.
To gain the viewpoint of the potential Buyer, stand across from the front of your home and give it a critical look. Is there something that is less than appealing? Does it look neat, clean and most of all is it inviting? Take notes and decide where your improvement dollars might be best spent.
Whether you replace your front door, or spruce up the one you now have, the improvement will be noticeable. Depending on your home's exterior finishing, you might consider painting the door a color that complements the color of the trim, rather than matching it. Consult a color wheel, and consider the colors located adjacent to the trim color, or directly opposite.
If you have a solid wood door, consider refinishing it. If the wood is particularly beautiful or interesting, you can simply oil or seal it to show off the grain. Talk to someone at the paint store or the home improvement store about the best way to enhance the appearance of your wood door and protect it against the elements.
You can also freshen up the entrance by polishing or replacing the hardware on the door. If the doorknob, lock, and kick plate are shabby, buy new ones. Measure what you have before you go shopping.
New doors range in price from about $100 for a steel door off the rack at the home improvement store to a custom designed wood door, which can cost thousands. Because of durability and affordability, steel doors are very popular. Steel holds up to the elements better than wood, which can expand and crack after a few years' exposure to sun and rain.
A steel door must be painted regularly to prevent rust. If you are feeling artsy, you can apply a gel coating to a steel door and use a graining tool to create a faux wood finish. Some steel doors include decorative glass and cost a bit more but they add unique style.
Fiberglass doors are popular for special orders. Special order fiberglass doors cost a little more than twice what you would expect to pay for a steel door. Fiberglass doors do not dent or chip, and are impervious to the weather.
Steel and fiberglass top the list of popular door choices, but wood doors continue to do well. Wood surfaces must be refinished and varnished every few years, depending on how much they are exposed to the elements. Mahogany is a popular choice, especially in wet or humid climates, because it does not expand or contract much. Oak is an excellent wood for a front door but is very hard and does not accept paint well. Keep this in mind should you decide to paint it later on.
Whether you paint, refinish, or replace the door, freshening up the entrance is sure to enhance your home's curb appeal.
