8 Questions To Ask Before You Get New Doors for a House

Replacing your home’s exterior doors can boost your property’s curb appeal and protect your investment. Choosing doors for a house is also a big decision. What colors should you choose? What styles best complement your property? Perhaps most importantly, what should you look for in an exterior door contractor? Here are eight questions to ask before you get new doors for a house.

4 Questions To Ask About Doors for a House

Are you in the market for new exterior doors? If it’s been a while since you looked at doors for a house, you might feel surprised at the staggering array of decisions on your plate. From style and color to hardware and material, there’s a lot to pick out. Here are four things to keep in mind.

1. Which Kinds of Doors Should I Choose?

If you’re just beginning your search for new doors, you may feel overwhelmed about your options. After all, new doors are an investment, and they’re not something you switch out very often. The sheer number of choices can make many homeowners get cold feet when it’s time to select new exterior doors.

Generally, you should keep three things in mind: style, energy efficiency, and security.

Style – Do you like a Craftsman-style door? Or do you prefer a traditional colonial look? Are you looking to make a bold statement, or would you rather go with something a bit more subtle? Choosing a new exterior door can be fun, as there are many styles and colors to choose from.

Energy Efficiency – If you want to lower your home heating and cooling bills, new doors are an excellent way to do it. Your home loses the majority of its heat and cool air through its windows and doors, and a new, high-quality door can stop heated or cooled air from escaping. Your energy efficiency goals will influence which type of material you choose.

Security – Your front door is the easiest entry point for thieves, so it’s important to choose a door that gives you the most protection possible.

2. What Type of Material Should I Use?

For most people, the front door is the most important door in their house — and for good reason. Your home’s front door is often one of the first things people notice as they approach your home. An attractive front door sets the tone for how visitors perceive the rest of your property.

If it’s time to replace your front door, or you need to replace all of your exterior doors, you have several options when it comes to materials. The three most common materials are wood, fiberglass, and steel.

Wood – Wood doors are classic, and many people are drawn to the rich look they offer. However, they are generally more expensive than other options, and they require periodic maintenance to retain their looks. They’re also generally a poor choice for homes that face east or west, as these homes tend to take a beating from sunlight, which can quickly fade and warp wood.

Fiberglass – Fiberglass doors are more affordable than wood, and they come with the added bonus of low maintenance. They’re also extremely durable and energy efficient. Best of all, modern fiberglass doors can mimic the look of wood at an affordable price.

Steel – Steel doors are incredibly strong, making them an excellent choice for exterior doors. They can also be painted in colors that complement the rest of your home. Like fiberglass, steel doors will save you money on your energy bills.

3. Which Types of Locks and Hardware Do I Need?

When you pick a new door, you must also select a lock and hardware to go with it. Understandably, most homeowners are concerned about security when it comes to an exterior door. In a survey of 86 convicted burglars, every single one said they would knock out a front door if possible rather than break in another way.

Locks range in price as well as the level of security. Your exterior door company can help you select hardware that looks great, fits your budget, and offers peace of mind when it comes to safeguarding your family and your property.

4. Will the Doors Swing Inward or Outward?

The majority of exterior doors are designed to swing inward. This offers better security, and most people are used to outside doors swinging toward the inside.

However, climate can also play a role in whether an outside door swings inward or outward. For example, areas of the country that experience tropical storms and hurricanes sometimes use outward-swinging exterior doors, as they are less likely to be blown in by high winds.

By contrast, homeowners in climates that receive heavy snowfall in the winter months typically opt for an inward-swinging door that won’t stop them from leaving their homes if snow piles up outside.

4 Questions To Ask a Door Company

Once you know which type of doors you want, it’s time to find a reputable door company to install them. Here are four questions to ask before you hire an exterior door contractor.

1. What Kind of Warranty Do You Offer?

When you speak to exterior door contracts, ask about their warranties and guarantees. Does their warranty cover installation, or is it limited to materials? What happens if the door breaks one month down the road? Or six months in the future? These are questions your door company should be ready to answer.

2. Do You Have References?

What do other homeowners say about your door company? Your exterior door contractor should be willing to provide you with a list of previous customers. Even better, ask if there is a third-party site where homeowners have left honest reviews. Be wary of a door company that offers you nothing but glowing reviews. If a company has nothing but five-star reviews that seem to repeat the same thing over and over, there is a good chance the reviews aren’t real.

3. How Long Have You Been in Business?

Does the door company have a long track record of installing exterior doors? Are they a recognized provider for a national door manufacturer? Are they able to provide custom doors that suit your style needs and preferences?

As with most major home renovations, you don’t want to work with a local handyman. Rather, choose an exterior door company that has spent decades installing new doors on houses.  

4. Are You Licensed and Insured?

Does the door company have all the proper licenses and insurance? Only work with companies that are able to provide you with written proof of appropriate licensing and insurance, including coverage for all of the workers that will be on the job at your property.  

Ask Us How You Can Save on All Door Materials

Contact Nu Look Home Design today to find out how you can save on all door materials.