Your house’s front door is not just the entry to your home, it’s the gateway to your sanctuary from the world. It also links you to the community by being a part of your street and when it comes to renting or selling your property, it’s your advertisement of what people can expect the inside to be like.
When choosing the right front door for your home there are a few things to think about. We have put together a handy guide of what those are to help you with your decision:
Security
First and foremost is the security of your home and your loved ones. When you set your budget this should be at the top of the list so that you can get the best value for your money. Things to consider are the materials the door is made of, the locks – which should be anti-drill, anti-pick, anti-snap, and anti-bump – and letter boxes that don’t let hands through, as well as door viewers so you can see who is on your doorstep. Consider a Secured by Design door if you can afford it as these have been put through rigorous safety testing.
Style
Your individual style will influence your choice of front door. It should complement the design and style of your home which will also add kerb and street appeal. Your style may be traditional or contemporary which will help you narrow down your choices as a start. Remember that if your home is listed or if you live in a conservation area your options may be more restricted.
Material
Your style will also help you determine the type of door material to opt for. The architectural style of your home will also be a deciding factor – pairing a contemporary door with a Victorian building design for example could look out of place. The typical materials for front doors include: timber, uPVC, aluminium, solid wood, and composite doors. Keeping in mind the tie-in with your house style, a timber door would be better suited to a traditional home, while composite and uPVC versions would work with both traditional and contemporary styles.
Energy efficiency
As well as keeping you safe, your front door can help keep the warmth inside your home rather than letting it seep out through gaps and cracks. Designs must comply with minimum requirements, called U-values, which determine how airtight or energy efficient they are.
Finishes
This is where you can add your final flourishes. From choosing a colour, which could be as traditional or as contemporary as the door itself, to the handles, bars (if you choose to include any), glass panels, locks, and automatic opening options, there is a lot that you can play with to add your mark to the door.
Feeling a little overwhelmed at the options? Just give us a call at 1st Scenic and we will help you work through them to find the right door for you. Give us a call on 01689 829 600 or send us an email at info@1stscenic.co.uk and we’ll be happy to help.
