The front door to your home can be a design feature and a functional door that allows access from outdoors to indoors while keeping the house safe and weatherproof. But when the door does not perform these features or functions, a front door replacement is needed.
Replacing a single door can seem like a simple, DIY home improvement project that can be completed with a quick trip to Lowe’s or Home Depot. Measure the door, order a new one, pop the pins out of the hinges, and hang it. But not so fast — as it turns out, there is much more involved in replacing a front door than the old door itself.
How to Choose a New Front Door
The issues with an aging front door are usually a mix of aesthetics and function. As the entry door, it should look good inside and out, fit in with the overall design of your home, and keep cold air out in the winter and hazy, hot and humid New England air out in the summer.
You’ll have plenty of front door styles to match your personal aesthetic. Doors come in various materials beyond wood, such as steel doors, fiberglass doors and aluminum doors.
Wood doors are common and can be aesthetically a great choice. Wood doors lack energy efficiency unless made of a veneer with an insulated core. Wood requires more upkeep than other materials. Especially if the front door gets direct exposure to sun and rain, wood will need to be treated regularly and watched for signs of damage.
Fiberglass, on the other hand, is a more durable option if your front door is not under a porch or portico out of the direct impact of the elements.
Next, should you choose a slab or a pre-hung front door? If you are simply swapping one door for another, a slab — meaning the door itself — can be the right choice. But having the door pre-hung in a jamb will give you more style and size options.
Beyond the door, multiple other factors impact the look and overall functionality of this primary entryway into your home.
Front doors, especially in older New England homes, are set on wood and without insulation. Often, the door frame’s trim and jambs have water damage, causing warping. The damaged wood needs to be replaced, and a protective seal, like a polyurethane foam, needs to be applied to create an air and water barrier between the door and the framing.
An excellent exterior door will have insulating properties. Many come with energy ratings and information on how they can help reduce heating and cooling costs.
Skilled Trades Needed for a New Front Door Replacement Project
Replacing an existing door is an excellent time to assess the entry of the home, inside and out. What other maintenance and improvements might be done while this task is accomplished? Those projects will require expertise in multiple trades. Here are a few considerations.
Electrical
The exterior entryway light is as old as the door. This is an excellent time to assess the lighting design in your entryway and walkway to the front door.
Finish Carpentry
Replacing the door might involve replacing the trim work around it. Here in New England, the fronts of homes are typically trimmed in wood with a unique wood grain and trim profile. Today, PVC trim can be used instead of wood, integrating with the other trim details while making it water-resistant.
Interior Trim
You will want to find a milling company with the capability to match the existing trim profiles found in many older homes.
Painting
Removing a door, damaged framing, and trim means repainting the interior and exterior. An unfinished wood door would require stain and sealing.
Alarm System
A front door is often connected to the alarm system. Depending on the door, a wireless switch may be required if the new door's mechanical connection cannot be reinstalled.
Siding
Siding may need to be replaced, especially if the door size changes and the siding needs replacement for weather or pest damage.
Masonry
Stone or brickwork on the front of the home may need to be altered or repaired if the door size changes. This can be an ideal time to repair and replace steps and walkways to the front door.
When the job involves more than swapping out a door panel, you want knowledgeable tradespeople on hand to get things done right the first time.
Other Details to Consider When Replacing a Front Door
Security Features
When looking at options, consider the door's security features, such as the type of locks, the strength of the material, and whether it is reinforced.
Style and Design
A wide variety of styles, colors, finishes, and hardware are available to match your home's aesthetic. You may want to choose custom sizes, shapes, and features to fit unique entryways or personal preferences, such as a transom or sidelights.
Whatever type of door you choose, you should look for an exterior and maintenance expert who can help with selecting the right materials for your home. Customization costs money, but it can provide greater enjoyment and energy efficiency.
Scope of Work
The work needed beyond the actual front door replacement will determine the project's likely duration and impact on daily life.
Cost and Budgeting
When the project involves more than swapping one door for another, you'll want a total cost breakdown. This will include the door cost, installation and any additional services and features called for in the scope of work.
Maintenance Requirements
As you inquire about door materials, get information on how to care for and maintain the door to ensure its longevity.
Warranties and Guarantees
Will your front door installation come with any warranties? Ask for details on the warranty provided for the door and related services. You want to know what is covered and the length of the coverage period.
Impact on Home Value
Replacing the front door and improving the entryway can enhance the home's curb appeal and overall value.
Why a Home Exterior and Maintenance Company Should Replace Your Front Door
When you realize everything that goes into replacing a front door and refurbishing your entryway, it is easy to see why you should forgo this as a handyman project and call in a team of professionals instead.
Here is what you can expect from the Mitchell Exteriors and Maintenance team. We will:
- Assess the door opening at the home, examining the framing, trim, siding, and other materials to see how they tie into the house.
- Select the material that is best for the location of the door as it relates to sun and weather exposure. We'll offer lots of options and source the materials and hardware.
- Provide an accurate price for the materials and all trades needed to complete the project. We set the timeline, schedule the tradespeople, and provide an estimated completion date. This attention to planning, project management, and scheduling ensures the project is implemented efficiently.
Understanding all that goes into such a project, you can see a lot is behind the door. Expert help makes all the difference. To learn more about front door replacement.
To learn more about home maintenance, please download our FREE eBook - Home Maintenance: This is How Professionals Do It. And if you are ready to speak about your next home renovation, please schedule a home renovation discovery session. Looking to replace your front door? Reach out to our Exteriors and Maintenance division for that and other upgrade jobs you have for your home.
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