You may not even think about it, but the front door to your home is the first impression people get – as they say you only have one opportunity to make a first impression! One of the benefits of a great front door, according to many real estate sites, is the return on value some say as much as 101%! 

Your front door needs to be functional, fit the aesthetic of your home and be able to withstand the elements.  So how do you go about choosing the perfect front door and installing it? 

Start by choosing the right material for your needs, the most common materials are wood, fiberglass composite, and steel. Wood is often the product of choice, going with a wood veneer over a wood core will help stave off warping while keeping the costs reasonable. If you decide to go with a wood door remember to keep up the finish and protect it as required. Fiberglass composite doors will offer you the luxury of little or no maintenance at a very affordable cost. Steel doors are the least expensive choice but often have a lesser life than wood or fiberglass as they are prone to rust. 

It is now a good idea to choose the design style, you wouldn’t want to put a colonial style door on your ultra-contemporary home. You will also want to consider whether or not you want any glass details, or perhaps a trim or panel feature. A great idea is to look at homes similar to your homes’ aesthetic and see what doors work well or perhaps not so well. 

Now that you have chosen the material and the physical look you want to use, you can have some real fun with the color! Do you want to make a statement with a bright color, or a more subdued statement with a luxurious stain? In some cultures red is considered to denote good fortune and as such many paint their front doors red. 

You have chosen the material, the look and even the color – now what! It is time to remove the old door and install the new one. Before you consider doing this yourself, remember this is the main entrance to your home not only does it beautify your home, it provides protection from the elements and safety to you and your loved ones. This is perhaps not the best time to DIY, instead call in a professional who will be able to properly fit, key and weather seal your new front door; providing you the peace of mind and protection you deserve. 

Have fun picking out your new door, and sit back and enjoy while the professionals install it!