Aesthetics, curb appeal, and increased home value
Part of keeping your home in top shape is updating, maintaining, and replacing features over time. You may be considering updating your front door because you know it can dramatically change the look of your home. Or, perhaps your current door is worn down, drafty, or has outdated hardware. If you’re in the market to sell, you might be looking for ways to increase your home’s curb appeal or overall value with a more modern look.
Regardless of your reason, updating an entryway is a significant investment, and it’s a good idea for prospective buyers of a new front door to understand their options. If you’re thinking about this, contact Clark Hall to learn more about design options and the custom design process.
We’ll help you weigh the benefits and drawbacks of updating your entryway to determine if a new front door adds value to your home.
The Benefits of Updating Your Front Door
The front door is the home’s focal point from a curb appeal standpoint. The entryway draws the eye and invites you in, often setting the stage for the aesthetic of the overall home. Updating your front door can benefit homeowners in multiple ways.
- Enhanced Security. Steel doors are the most secure option on the market. Steel itself is virtually impenetrable, and the weight and durability of the door make it a top choice for protection against extreme weather as well.
- Increased Curb Appeal. Our custom doors are handcrafted to suit your unique vision — no other door will be exactly like yours. As the focal point of the exterior of your home, a personalized front door design will enhance the home’s curb appeal and overall aesthetic.
- Energy Efficiency. All of our doors and jambs are insulated with high-density polyurethane foam and then weather-stripped (sealed) with professional-grade material.
- Aesthetic Appeal. Create a cohesive visual impact with an updated front door that complements your home’s architectural style.
- Higher Resale Value. Beyond curb appeal, a new front door signals value to buyers and generates a high ROI.
Factors That Influence Door Quality
Not all doors are created equal. At Clark Hall, we take our quality to a level above the industry standard. Several factors can determine the overall quality of front doors, and it’s a good idea for prospective buyers to be informed.
- Material. Front doors can be made from wood and fiberglass, but Clark Hall only utilizes iron/steel or aluminum in our projects to produce one-of-a-kind entryways.
- Installation. Clark Hall sends their experts to install doors with white glove service. Glass and hardware are included in the price of the door, and professional installers will take care of every detail [Disclaimer: Clark Hall’s professional installation is only available in areas we service].
- Warranty. We believe in our craftsmanship. That’s why we have no problem offering the longest warranty in the industry, covering each piece of the door and finish.
Have questions about front door replacement and your home’s value? Contact us!
What’s the ROI of Replacing My Front Door?
Replacing your front door is an investment, and cost is, of course, a factor for most people. It’s possible to replace a front door in such a way that the homeowner gets no ROI. Low-quality, prefabricated doors can warp or crack and require frequent maintenance. In this way, a homeowner could end up losing money in time and upkeep costs. The higher the quality, durability, longevity, and design of the door, the greater the return on investment for the homeowner. The Journal of Light Construction’s 2024 Cost vs Value Report uncovered these statistics:- Steel: Steel doors deliver an exceptional 188% ROI.
- Fiberglass: A grand fiberglass entryway with sidelights, decorative glass, reframing, electrical work, and matching trim results in 97% ROI.
- Wood: Wood doors range widely in costdepending on quality and design, and result in an average ROI of 55%. The wide price range reflects the variety of wood types available.
| Material Type | ROI | Durability |
|---|---|---|
| Steel | 188% | Very High |
| Fiberglass (with sidelights) | 97% | High |
| Wood | 55% | Moderate |
What Do These Percentages Mean?
In short, the cost you put into your door replacement project will return a percentage back to you. Typically, that return is in the increase in the value of your home as a result of adding a new door. Added value can come from increased security, curb appeal, overall aesthetic, longevity, or a combination of those things. The amount that a homeowner recoups from the money spent on their door project is their ROI.Where You’ll See a ROI
A new door, like any renovation, can increase the property value. While that speaks volumes to many homeowners, not everyone centers their upgrades around prospective buyers. Some people are more interested in making home improvements to enhance their environment for themselves, and that still returns a healthy ROI.Improved Security
Neglecting your front door is more than an aesthetic issue, it’s a security concern. Doors that aren’t properly maintained can peel or crack, making them susceptible to further damage. Plus, damaged doors are no longer a secure barrier to the outside world. Steel doors are the hallmark of security. Our doors surpass the highest level of rating and restriction for extreme weather conditions, making them the obvious choice for homes in high wind, snow, or stormy environments. As a material, steel stands on its own feet for durability, but we don’t leave it at that. Our 14-gauge steel door panels and steel barrel hinges are carefully considered and built with integrity with every weld.Save on Maintenance Costs
The cost of maintaining a wood or fiberglass door over time can include refinishing, painting, and repairing dents, dings, and scratches. Steel door maintenance includes occasional drying and bi-annual cleaning. Homeowners who live in an environment with saltwater air, heavy rain, or snow can maintain their steel doors by wiping them down with a dry towel when needed. Cleaning is straightforward and doesn’t incur extra costs – only wiping down with water and diluted dish soap, then drying with a clean towel. Clark Hall gives all customers a touch-up kit with their paint color in case of any accidental marks or stains. Make sure to always use ammonia-free glass cleaner when cleaning your glass windows. That way, if any overspray were to get on the door, it wouldn’t harm the steel.Signs Your Front Door Needs to Be Replaced
- Gaps. Air leaks around the door indicate it isn’t sealing properly, possibly due to warping.
- Trouble Opening. Difficulty opening or closing may point to structural issues, worn hinges, or misalignment.
- Rising Energy Bills. If heating and cooling costs are going up, a front door with poor insulation or improper sealing could be the problem.
- Visible Damage. Cracks, dents, warps, or rust compromise the strength of your entryway door and security. Replacing a damaged door improves home safety and curb appeal.
- Water Damage and Rot. Water damage can cause doors to rot and swell. If accompanied by a musty smell, water may be an issue that can weaken the door and lead to mold growth.
- Outdated. A dated door detracts from curb appeal and can lower value.
