1. Consider Your Budget
Replacing an old front door doesn't have to break the bank. The average cost of new doors varies from around $500 to $2,000 (depending on the material used), but that includes materials and labor, so it really depends on what you choose to do with your front door once it's replaced. If you're working with a limited budget replace your front door by finding a well-used door at a reasonable price.
2. Choose The Right Material
If you choose metal, make sure it's well-made and made for exterior doors. You don't want to install a cheap door that will rattle or creak constantly. You can get aluminum, steel, and wood doors at varying prices to suit different styles of homes, but the two most popular choices are steel doors (which are often painted) and wood doors (which require additional finishing). If you're going for an antique look, use steel because it's a classic option. A double-pane wooden door can cost less than $500 on average, depending on the quality of the wood used and how expertly you paint it.
3. Consider The Style
Now that you have a better idea of how much you'll be spending, it's time to consider your style preferences. The design of your front door is really what makes or breaks your home. If you're looking for old-fashioned elegant front doors, there are lots of different styles to choose from, including Victorian-style brass or bronze accents and solid wood furniture, or traditional wooden doors. You can also go for an old-fashioned farmhouse look with clapboard, white doors, and dark stained woodwork.
4. Find A Professional Contractor To Help With The Installation
Whether you want to install new doors or fabricate them from scratch, you need to find a professional contractor to help with the process. The building code in most states requires that all exterior doors must have a doubleheader, which basically means that a door has two lugs at each side - one for the hinges and another for the bolt.
An interior upgrade like new windows doesn't require this installation. Instead, you can simply buy a quality used or new windows and replace your old ones without even having to call in a professional contractor.
5. Consider Replaceable Locks And Hinges
Some doors have replaceable locks and hinges. This may be your best option if you want to install a nice lock or replace a broken hinge. However, you can also look at installing a new door with a deadbolt depending on the size of your home and neighborhood.
6. Consider Purchasing A New Handle Kit
You can also buy individual handles to make the door look more custom and attractive, particularly if you're planning on painting the door or may want to relocate it in the future, plus you may want to buy interior knobs for cabinet drawers or dresser drawers that match the new doors better.
7. Get Expert Advice
If you're planning on replacing your front door installation in-house, consider visiting a home improvement store to see if you can get some advice from their experts or contractors before you make the final decision about what type of door to purchase for your home.
Most building supply stores only sell exterior doors and will have a limited selection. If you want to buy custom decorative doors, like glass or wooden ones, most stores that sell used doors also carry swing-set and pivot-style doors. You can also buy new wood doors if you're planning on painting them yourself or plan to hire someone to do the work for you.
If you're looking for a standard-size door with a ready-made design, consider looking online at local home improvement stores or order one online if your new door is not available in the store (which is pretty rare these days).
8. Get Creative With Your New Front Door
If you really want to make a statement for your home, consider taking the lead and making your new front door a focal point by installing interesting geometric stained glass panels.
Another idea is to replace the boring old door with a custom entryway, like an archway that has brick walls and stone flooring instead. You can also get ornate metal or wooden doors that might be more functional than decorative in nature.
9. Consider Options For Custom Design
This is a pretty popular trend as of late and can be quite affordable depending on the materials used, especially if you're planning on buying pre-made doors online or custom installing doors that can be customized with sizes and designs (replacing an old front door with one with cabinets or shelving also counts as remodeling).
10. Consider Installation As An Investment
The cheaper your door is, the more money it will cost you in the long run. Unfortunately, cheap doors are often very low quality, which will make them prone to frequent wear and tear. If you can spend a little more, look for a better quality door that will last for years instead of months, and also require less maintenance in the future.
Among other things that can be considered when deciding what to do with your old front door is how much maintenance it requires based on climate conditions, whether it's energy-efficient or not, and whether or not it needs any extra enhancements or updates.
Final Thoughts
Deciding whether or not you should replace your front door is a personal choice and most people have their preferences. Whatever you decide, make sure it's something that you feel comfortable with. If you are looking for new front entry doors or replacing your old ones, then remember to consider the style of your home and budget constraints too before making any final decisions.
