When winter comes, we naturally expect temperatures to drop even further–which is why it pays to invest in a door replacement project during the fall. A newer, better door installed in the early fall can keep cold drafts and other issues at bay. Today’s door options are designed with energy efficiency in mind, allowing for superior insulating properties that ensure costly energy remains in your home. You can keep your living spaces cozier and more comfortable, without worrying too much about heating costs.
You’ll find that improved energy efficiency is just one of the many reasons to invest in a door replacement this fall. Here are some additional compelling reasons:
1. Enhanced Curb Appeal. Your roof and siding take up a large portion of your home’s exterior, but it’s your doors that are the real standouts. Doors are among the first things your guests notice when they visit your home. Entry and patio doors don’t just connect your interior living spaces with the outdoors, they also help your home make a bigger impression from the curb. Pick out the right style, color and hardware for your new units so that they match with your home’s other design elements, and you’re sure to have a winning combination.
2. Greater Safety and Security. Broken glass, faulty hardware and moisture damage on your exterior doors make them a hazard to your home’s safety and security. But this will cease to be a problem when you invest in a door replacement. Newer units come in sturdier materials and sport hardware with more enhanced features, including multi-point locking systems for your greater peace of mind.
3. Better Functionality. Exterior doors serve as an opening to and from your home, but they can be much more. With the right door style, you can help maximize your home’s viewing area and available space, save on lighting costs, or even make entertaining guests on a weekend much more enjoyable. Just like that, a door replacement can improve the overall functionality in your home.
4. Worry-Free Maintenance. With a new entry or patio door, you won’t have to worry as much about cleaning and maintenance. Some new units are even specially designed to withstand any type of damage so you don’t need to constantly deal with repairs and can make better use of your time.
What makes fall a great season for home improvement? The busiest time for most home upgrades is in the summer so, not surprisingly, that’s when many contractors have full schedules. In the fall, however, contractors may not be in demand quite as much. This means you can more easily hire the contractor of your choice and have your project done sooner. They’ll also have an easier time of completing the work because cooler temperatures can be a welcome respite after the heat of summer.
Replacing your exterior doors is an easy and effective way to spruce up your home. While it’s a seemingly straightforward project, however, door replacement does require some careful decision-making. One of the things you need to decide on is your choice of door style, which can affect the overall aesthetics and functionality of your home. In today’s market, the most popular door options include:
1. Hinged French Doors. A classic choice for many homes, hinged French doors are recognizable by their two panels, which are designed to swing both inward and outward. Each panel has several smaller glass panels along the entire length of the door, with an often intricate door handle. Hinged French doors are known for their timeless beauty. In fact, they can easily serve as a focal point in any room. These doors go well with more traditional home styles.
When opened, these doors create a wide opening that allows for smoother flow of movement. This makes entertaining easier because there will be no crowding when going to and from your home. When closed, hinged French doors keep an airtight seal because its panels press firmly against each other, ensuring that heating energy doesn’t leak out. Even if its glass panes are divided by muntins, hinged French doors can provide enough natural illumination for your home, while also providing an extended view of the outdoors.
2. Sliding Glass Doors. If you prefer something sleeker, you should consider sliding glass doors. Their thin frames and expansive glass area make them a staple in modern and contemporary homes, which typically focus on bright, open spaces and neat, simple designs. Sliding glass doors provide effortless operation. Instead of swinging in or out, they glide smoothly along a track. This also makes them great space-savers–they fit neatly to the side, which means they won’t interrupt furniture placement or hamper your preferred room layout.
Even when closed, sliding glass doors can create a stronger, more seamless connection between your interior and outdoor spaces. Not only that, their large glass areas let in a considerable amount of natural light and, with the right glass, you can keep a brighter home while also drawing warmth from the sun. This is especially useful during the colder months.
3. Gliding French Doors. This option successfully blends the elegant look of French doors with the effortless operation and space-saving benefits of a sliding glass door. Customize your doors further with your choice of color, door hardware and finish. With this door option, you can add a unique yet functional touch to your home.
When choosing a door style, relate its features to your specific needs. This way, you can make the most of your investment.
Proper door installation ensures your new unit can provide the exceptional performance you expect. That’s why it’s important to hire a reliable contractor for the job. Here are some handy tips:
1. Ask family and friends for local referrals. A bit antiquated, maybe, but referrals are still the easiest and most effective way to get an accurate idea of what your experience will be like with a given contractor. Are they professional and experienced? Will they do quality work? Questions like these can be easily answered with a referral. This also means you can avoid the time-wasting task of poring over contractor listings online.
2. Check for the necessary credentials. Protecting yourself and your investment is crucial in any project. That’s why you should always check your choice of door company for the applicable licenses and insurance, plus workers’ compensation and liability coverage. Worker injuries and property damage aren’t uncommon, even with something as seemingly straightforward as door replacement. With a licensed and insured contractor, you can be sure you’re covered should anything go awry during the course of your project.
3. Look for manufacturer certifications. Working with a certified door company provides you access to high-quality door materials, glass and accessories. You’ll also benefit from the superior warranties included with them. Having a manufacturer-certified installer assures you of work done to quality specifications.
4. Consider bids. Be wary of contractors who offer prices that are significantly lower than their competitors. When it’s too good to be true, it usually is. A lower bid is a red flag that could end up with you spending more to remedy unsatisfactory work, have low-quality materials replaced, or make up for sloppy workmanship. For this reason, make sure to work with a contractor who offers quality door options at a reasonable price.
5. Gauge their character. There are a couple of easy ways to do this. First, you can visit their website and read the reviews from previous clients. Most customers are unlikely to hold back when provided with subpar service. Second, look the contractor up on prominent trade sites such as Better Business Bureau®️, Angie’s List or HomeAdvisor. Check if they’ve earned satisfactory scores and reviews. Finally, schedule a face-to-face interview with your choice of door company.
Do you feel comfortable talking to them? Do they seem trustworthy? Make sure to choose someone you feel comfortable with, who can answer any of your questions or concerns in a polite, professional manner. A noncommittal reply and a shrug doesn’t establish confidence at all–if they do this, drop them quickly.
By working with a door contractor who fosters clear communication and trust, you can ensure your replacement project’s success. For more information on our window and door replacement services, contact Renewal by Andersen online today!
