Over the last year, economic uncertainty has had an impact on house prices. This has resulted in more homeowners opting for home improvements in place of moving house. According to a Checkatrade survey, nearly half of respondents were planning to upgrade their home in 2020.
Replacing windows and installing a custom front door can transform the kerb appeal of a property. Upgrading the kitchen, remodelling the layout and adding a wow factor, such as a bespoke wooden staircase can bring your home up to speed with modern tastes. Installing bi-fold doors and paying attention to the garden can boost light, views and space for socialising.
If your property looks tired, feels uninspiring and if the layout isn’t working for you, is a cause of frustration, home renovations could be on the cards in the New Year.. Often costing less than the fees associated with buying and selling, a few changes can help you fall back in love with your home. What’s more, these investments add value to your property. When the time comes to sell, you will reap the rewards.
Do Custom Made Front Doors Increase Kerb Appeal?
Kerb appeal is all about making the best first impression. We all make judgements based on our first impression, so you want a home that looks desirable and welcoming.
If you read Homes magazines, browse through Pinterest boards or keep tabs on the latest Home Renovation awards, you will see that uPVC windows and doors have fallen out of favour. Composite, metal or wooden front doors are seeing a renaissance.
There has also been a shift away from standard size doors in favour of oversized, custom made doors. As the front entrance to your home, Double doors, tall doors, wide doors and door styles influenced by history add a sense of grandeur. The same effects simply aren’t achievable with a standard door.
Why did Wooden Doors Fall Out of Favour?
Solid wood front doors were popular in homes until the middle of the last century. The introduction of new materials including uPVC contributed to this shift. In addition, post-war external doors were often built from low-quality, untreated softwood timbers. They were prone to expanding and contracting, which led to issues such as sticking after a damp spell, cracking and paint peeling. Keeping them in good condition required on-going maintenance.
Why are Contemporary Homes Being Fitted with Wooden Front Doors?
Things have changed. Contemporary timber front doors draw on the craftsmanship of centuries-old traditions, with the added benefit of modern technology and finishes. Even if you opt for a softwood front door, the treatment and finish options provide additional protection and resilience that make this a long term investment.
Custom wood front doors can be made from a variety of materials, however, a popular option is engineered timber doors. This is a quality product, formed from the best cuts of wood. It is stronger than a solid wood front door and issues with expansion and contraction are mitigated.
Another reason for the shift is environmental awareness. Timber sourced from sustainably managed forests, coupled with the option of wood doors being reused or recycled after use, makes wood a greener choice than uPVC.
Where uPVC come in a standard size, in off the shelf designs, timber doors can be crafted in a range of custom styles. If you live in a heritage cottage or barn conversion with an odd sized door, it is no problem. Bespoke timber doors can be made to perfectly fit the interior or exterior door frames in your home.
Then there is the finish. From varnished or charred wood to painted to exactly match your chosen colour, the wide range of options allows you to achieve the perfect look.
Where can I Order Made to Measure Doors?
Hinson Custom Made is an established family business, based near Milton Keynes in Buckinghamshire. We provide a specialist door service. It starts with a site visit to meet with you, understand your requirements and take accurate measurements of your door frames. For new builds, we can work from architectural plans.
In our workshop, we create tall internal doors for high-ceiling rooms or small wooden doors for storage cupboards and mezzanine rooms. We craft grand arched doors that enhance the entrance to your property and bi-folding doors to connect interior and exterior spaces. We have the joinery skills to exactly replicate heritage doors or to add character detailing.
All of our windows and doors comply with modern building regulations for security and energy efficiency. Our door services include applications of protective finishes, as well as the final finish that you desire. We will add door hardware and provide a trusted door installation service.
The end result is a stunning timber front door that adds to the kerb appeal and value of your property. With guarantees and advice on low maintenance care suggestions, custom made front doors are a quality investment that really enhances any home renovation.
