1. Introduction
The term “curb appeal” has been used since the mid 20th century, it has only recently been a topic of interest for house proud homeowners. Essentially it is a loosely defined term that sums up how a home looks from the curb – or in today’s society from the street or footpath. It is the first impression that people form of your home. This impression can be based on many facets of the home, but as a front door is usually the focal point of the house it is indeed one of the most important. A good looking front door can be very welcoming, “I always make sure the front entrance is left the way I want clients to enter” said a contractor. A bad front entrance can be a real turn off, “it just diminishes the rest of the home, people look at it and say God, this is an ugly front door.”
Craftsman style homes have their origins in the late 1800s and early 1900s. They were designed as a reaction to the mass produced housing of the industrial revolution. Craftsman homes were originally designed by architects who sought to return to a more simple and natural method of construction. The homes were traditionally built from natural materials such as wood and stone. They were typically smaller homes that relied on good design to make the best use of the space. Many of the original homes are still standing today and are now considered historical landmarks. Craftsmen were known for the way they used various natural materials and added handmade decorative elements to the home. The emphasis here will be the natural materials: namely wood. Wood is without doubt the best material for the front door of a Craftsman home. The warmth and richness of wood simply cannot be matched by a metal or fiberglass door. Craftsmen were known for their attention to detail, this still holds true for homeowners today who wish to maintain the architectural integrity of their historical homes. A modern production door cannot provide the same quality and authenticity of a craftsman door that has been restored to its original state.
When a visitor approaches a home – be it on foot or by car – the front door is possibly the first thing he or she will notice. A door can immediately convey a lot about the owner’s aesthetic and style. Front doors are a statement piece for the home, they can be warm and inviting, bold and striking, cool and reserved or ugly and uninviting. There are many styles, colours and materials that front doors can be made from. For purposes of this webpage, the focus will be on wooden doors for Craftsman style homes.
1.1. Definition of Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a fairly modern term to describe the general attractiveness of homes and is simply the first impression that your home gives to a passerby. This can be aesthetically through its landscape or structurally with the look of the house as a whole. It is suggested in the study that was published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology in 1983 that as little as 5-10 minutes is adequate to assess the general quality and value of the house, inside and out. Huebner and others (1995) found a significant positive association between the aesthetic quality of the home (.32 < .13) and perceived home value and that rapid sales of homes often reflect purchases made with little information. This suggests that having a higher curb appeal will increase the property value of a home and result in quicker sale compared to one with low curb appeal. Perception of value and quality can also affect the happiness of the homeowner and the community as a whole as long as it remains visually consistent with surrounding homes. The overall societal perception of homes with high curb appeal is that they are much more pleasant to be in and they bring a higher level of happiness to the community as a whole. In simpler terms, curb appeal is what makes people think “this looks like a nice place”. Although curb appeal can be associated with many things, the front door is a very important part given it’s the main entry point to the home and is usually the first thing noticed on a home. This can also directly affect the value of the home as noted in a Remodeling magazine study from 2014, which suggests that an average $1100 spent on entry door replacement of a home resulted in an increase of about $860 to the home’s value. With the various negative effects that low curb appeal can have, it is clear that a high level of it can be important to the homeowner, the surroundings, and the value of the property.
1.2. Importance of Front Doors in Curb Appeal
Curb appeal is a way to measure the immediate impression of a house. The phrase was coined in the 1970s with the popularization of suburban housing and the idea that the street-facing side of a home represents the appeal it has to visitors and passers-by. It is a contributing factor to the home’s resale value. A well-maintained and aesthetically pleasing front entrance implies that the interior of the house is also well-maintained, while the opposite is also true. A front entrance that is in poor condition can be a detractor no matter how beautiful the interior of the house is. Since the front door is the focal point of the front of a home, it is a keystone and an element that will either make or break the curb appeal of a house.
The front door is often the focal point at the front of a house; it creates a statement and significantly adds to the aesthetics of the house. In the example of older houses, a front door represents much more than an entryway; in the past, it was a statement of social standing and the beginning component of setting the design tone of the entire house. A high-quality crafted door with attention to design and detail lets visitors know that the owner cares about their home and every aspect of it.
2. History of Craftsman Front Doors
Craftsman style, which arose in the early 1900s, was a revolt against the excessive ornamentation of the Victorian period. As a return to the simple, elegant construction of the Middle Ages, Craftsman style seeks to harmonize with nature instead of overwhelm it. Its direct and honest construction reflects the attitude of the movement as a whole. The primary design of a craftsman door is rejected by the construction of simplicity and natural elegance and matches the designer’s view with their clients’ expectations. This is the general idea of what the craftsman movement was about for their designs. Whether it is a craftsman front door, door for the bedroom, or for a closet. The doors themselves reflect the light the designers were seeking, a difference from the common darker Victorian era. Glass in craftsman doors has a tendency to be leaded or beveled. Beveled glass, where the glass is cut at a slant, tends to have a prism effect when reflecting sunlight. Because beveled and leaded glasses are quite costly, homeowners will often buy a craftsman door with a standard opening and later consult a glassworker to add the glass in an appropriate style.
2.1. Origins of Craftsman Style
Influential craftsman style furniture designer Gustav Stickley was the key figure in the American craftsman movement. Stickley’s ideas and designs were later spread to an even wider audience by the bungalow movement. The bungalow movement was the idea that it was more efficient to have houses that were functionally designed with all necessary spaces on one level. This was a reaction against the status theme of the Victorian era where children of wealthy families increasingly began to adopt the idea of living a more luxurious life.
Craftsman style, with its emphasis on natural materials, was an outgrowth of the British Arts and Crafts movement which stressed the importance of hand-crafted works over mass-produced goods. It reached its zenith in the United States during the 1920s. The craftsman movement was also a reaction against the cluttered designs of the Victorian era and instead tried to focus on simplicity and functionality. The style was most widely used in small to medium sized houses but the simple, yet elegant designs of the furniture and the architecture have made many of these homes highly desirable.
2.2. Influence on American Architecture
In the late 19th century, a popular backlash to the industrial revolution’s mass production and ornate Victorian design emerged in America’s art and design community. The arts and crafts movement was an ideological extension of the aesthetic and social concerns of the Gothic revival, Picturesque and Shingle style’s emphasis on architectural ‘truth’ derived from function and materials and repudiation of the mechanical. For the first time an indigenous American architecture was described. Building from the already popular Stick style, the craftsman design advocated the use of natural materials, usually wood, and a return traditional handicraft. This was a radical departure from the current American paradigm of stick built light frame construction with machine made wooden ornament tacked on, and often simulated masonry using the then popular cement asbestos materials. A premium was placed on in-site labor using local materials and regional styles, an apparent contradiction to the machine age, and a change with profound implications in American architecture still being measured today. Craftsman was heavily influenced by the designs of British romantics like William Morris and John Ruskin who railed against the dehumanizing effects of the industrial revolution and the dissociation of designer and craftsman. Long an advocate of social reform, Morris believed a return to guild based craftsmen would elevate the working classes and the availability of well designed, well made, affordable goods would improve the lives of both makers and consumers. This utopian vision of a re-organized and re-valued built environment resonated with idealistic American progressives during the depression and early war years, and to this day blends well with American ideology and the romanticized frontier spirit. The craftsman style remains America’s most enduring and aspired to design movement, and its influence on American architecture is both broad and deep.
3. Characteristics of Craftsman Front Doors
Natural materials have always been an important component of Craftsman design. Craftsman front doors are typically made of wood, and often feature one of the many varieties of wood native to North America. Mahogany, Oak, and Douglas Fir are among the most popular choices due to their characteristic grain patterns and color. Sometimes these doors will feature other natural materials such as glass or metal. One of the defining features of Craftsman architecture is the extensive use of wooden beams which extend from the interior, through the exterior, and support the roof. Craftsman front doors might be further complemented by an exterior overhang or small roof supported by similar beams. An overhang such as this can often serve to protect the door from the elements, and provide a dry place to stand when unlocking the door.
Simplicity and clean lines have been the hallmark of the Craftsman style, and this is reflected in the design of Craftsman front doors. These doors typically consist of a single, wide door, and one or two sidelights (smaller windows) on either side. The door and sidelights are most often arranged in a rectangle, sometimes with panels or windows at the top. Modern Craftsman front doors are rarely more ornate than this. The simplicity of design in these doors can be complemented by a variety of window styles. Many Craftsman front doors are equipped with leaded glass windows, and others make use of a single glass pane divided into a grid pattern. In general, Craftsman front doors often make use of light to medium stained wood, or a paint color that highlights the wood rather than covering it. These doors are rarely, if ever, made of metal or other synthetic materials.
3.1. Simplicity and Clean Lines
In keeping with the overall architectural style, Craftsman front doors are known for their simple straight lines. The earlier models were typically a simple six-panel door that was popular in that era of home building. This basic style has now become a staple among doors in Craftsman style homes. While the paneling is quite simple, there are a number of design options, many of which are traditional Japanese tansu style is prevalent. This can add a unique Asian or Pacific Islander flare to your home while maintaining the overall design.
In tough economic conditions across the country, home builders turned to smaller, modest homes to meet the demands of newly emerging societies. Hence, the Prairie guys and their style matched the need. The brilliant design and selection of Craftsman front doors may be exactly what you’re looking for in terms of creating a memorable entryway for your house.
When three brothers from Prairie School of Architecture founded their Craftsman brand in the early 1900s, they brought a new life to Americans’ newly built homes. Like their signature houses collection, Craftsman style front doors are simple in design yet unique and artistic in nature.
3.2. Use of Natural Materials
Natural materials are a key characteristic of craftsman front doors. Wood is the most common material, and it is usually the main focus of the door. If a glass pane is used, it will be a simple design in keeping with the door’s focus on natural materials. Wood with a natural finish is common, but these doors may be painted as well. Wood stain is also a popular option to enhance the natural look of the wood. If the door is painted, earth tones are the most common color. A craftsman door is rarely flashy, and bright or offbeat colors would take away from the door’s aesthetic. Wood is the most common material used to make craftsman doors. Choosing a high quality wood is a good idea for both durability and appearance. Some options for wood are oak, mahogany, or Douglas fir. Certain woods are better suited to different designs, so the style of the door can be a factor. Cost is a major consideration as well; depending on the type and size of door, wooden craftsman doors can be quite expensive. If a quality wood or a wood with a natural finish are not feasible, a wood veneer can offer the look and feel of real wood at a lower cost. Fiberglass doors are also an option for achieving the craftsman look at a more moderate price. Some of these doors are designed to closely mimic the look of real wood doors. While the feel of the material and the durability do not match wood, a high quality fiberglass door can still be a good long term investment.
3.3. Emphasis on Handcrafted Details
A. Importance of Aesthetic Appeal The first and foremost of these features is the emphasis on the aesthetic appeal of the door. Craftsman front doors are typically wider and taller than the doors of other types of homes. The extra wide door adds a touch of grandeur to the entryway of the home, while the extra height is subtly inviting. In addition, craftsman doors often have glass panes on either side or above the door. This gives the entrance an open inviting look while still maintaining the privacy of the interior of the home. With this in mind, one must also consider the type of glass used and the design in which it is arranged.
Emphasis on Handcrafted Details Craftsman homes are well known for their fine craftsmanship and attention to detail. This is especially apparent when one examines the front door of a craftsman home. There are four main features of a craftsman front door that help to distinguish it from other styles of home.
A. Importance of Aesthetic Appeal B. Art Glass C. Hardware D. Cost
4. Popular Designs and Variations
Variations to the traditional craftsman front doors include doors made from fiberglass instead of wood. Fiberglass doors are excellent for homeowners wanting to keep warm air in their home, but not necessarily the most durable option. This type of door offers a wood grain texture that is stained to make it look like real wood. Fiberglass doors are typically less expensive than a real wood door and offer excellent insulation. Other homeowners may opt for a real wood door, which can always be refinished down the road. This can be the more expensive option due to the fact that real wood doors require regular maintenance to ensure the wood does not rot or warp. Double doors and doors with glass have the same variations as that of traditional ones. Double doors can be seen more easily installed in newer homes neighborhoods, and doors with glass inserts come in varying styles.
The traditional style of craftsman front doors features a mostly wood exterior, paneled with vertical lines often on the bottom half of the door or throughout the whole door. There is usually a shelf-like ledge on the exterior, and sometimes brackets are used under the ledge, adding to the traditional style. The door usually is comprised of a single door, with or without glass, and sometimes there is a security grill installed on the exterior side. Other traditional styles feature double doors or even a double door with sidelights. The traditional style gives homeowners a charming look that creates an inviting entryway.
4.1. Traditional Craftsman Front Doors
The concrete, specific comments in a piece of work can always be found in the topic sentence, so we reinstate a single sentence topic sentence that encapsulates the whole subject. Here the writer defines traditional craftsman front doors as being made from vertical and horizontal panels constructed from oak, mahogany, or Douglas fir wood. With a wooden core and cladded exterior, this type of door has a unique feeling that renders it very different from other door forms or modern day imitations. This is backed up by a piece of specific information regarding the woods used to make the doors. Factual data such as this can then be followed by qualitative explanation of why these wonderful woods lend themselves to a great looking and hard wearing door. By describing the grain and coloration of the wood the writer is exploring aspects that can be seen with the naked eye and therefore evaluated. This gives the reader scope with which to construct their own judgment on the look of a traditional craftsman front door and provides a platform to agree or disagree with the author. The four sub-points raised here create a platform and a structure for the rest of the paragraph, setting clear questions that should be answered.
4.2. Modern Craftsman Front Doors
Beginning in the early to mid twentieth century, a new type of design emerged for the doors of homes in America. This brand of design is known as “craftsman”. This type of door is not one of pretension, but one of conventional and comfortable good looks. These doors can be made in a broad variety of appealing styles, and for a sort of price and out of many diverse supply and materials. Modern craftsman style doors are going to be no more than what is essential, which means that you aren’t going to see lots of additional millwork or fancifully cut carvings in the wood, glass or metal. These doors can generally have a few more squared lines than those conventionally made and can be made through the use of synthetic materials. Also, there are those conventionally made and still crafted from wood. Prices for modern craftsman doors will vary according to the material and craftsmen must take care when selecting materials to stay in the realm of the craftsman design and not step into the territory of contemporary design. Anyhow, it is possible to find doors in this style for a minor amount and it really all depends on whether you are willing to seek out specialty workforce or if you are handy with tools and would like to make one your own.
4.3. Craftsman Front Doors with Glass Inserts
The white glass Craftsman entryways are common for a 1920s cabin, but they often appear on modern or contemporary style homes as well. The doors below are from two modern versions of Craftsman homes. The first has a simple half glass exterior door with a single sidelight. The second has a single fanned glass exterior door. The best windows for authentic glass are transparent or green colors, with slightly textured or angled surfaces. This type of glass matches the simple, straight lines of the Craftsman style. Many companies sell wooden or steel clad wooden doors constructed in typical Shaker or Arts and Crafts styles with stained, not painted, surfaces. These doors are usually good candidates for glass insert installation. Sometimes, original Craftsman front doors are still in good shape. In this case, glass can still be added to the existing door, without causing any damage to it. An expert may take measurements and customize a specially made glass insert to fit the door. Other considerations for adding glass could be replacement of the existing door with a pre-hung Craftsman door, or a completely different style of new door. However, glass insert options are virtually endless, ranging from sidelights and transoms to a full front door illuminated by a rich array of glass colors and textures. But which is the best approach?
5. Enhancing Curb Appeal with Craftsman Front Doors
Incorporate matching sidelights and transoms – This is a more expensive project, but the effect on the entire exterior of your home is incredible. Sidelights and transoms are available in wood, steel, and fiberglass.
Add decorative hardware – Select hardware that is hand-made in an organic style. Machine-made hardware is simply not an option. There are a number of companies producing hardware that mimic the hand-made look at a lower price than true hand-made.
Choose the right color – The wood used in Craftsman style doors is traditionally oak; however, any straight-grained wood is acceptable as long as it is finished natural or dark. Natural wood finishes are usually an exterior-grade spar varnish. Many manufacturers use steel or fiberglass doors with art glass to simulate real wood doors. These are acceptable as long as the workmanship is good and the simulated divisions in the glass are true to real Craftsman style doors.
Enhancing your Craftsman home with Craftsman front doors is the most rewarding of curb appeal ideas. The classic, informal and welcoming style of a Craftsman Bungalow finds its perfect expression with carefully selected entry doors. There are three specific ways to enhance your home’s exterior using entry doors:
5.1. Choosing the Right Color
Choosing the right color of the Craftsman front doors can really enhance the curb appeal of the house. When choosing what colors to use, examine the historical and architectural details of the house. Period paint colors from various recognized sources can provide an accurate palette for the house and guideline for color appropriate to the style. Craftsman houses were typically built in four different styles or color schemes, some of which had only adapted to certain types or colors of wood. Determining what type of Craftsman house you have and what color scheme was intended for the style can help you narrow down what period colors would be appropriate in presenting the house as it was intended. If the house has its original wood, it may be a good idea to remove the doors and strip them down to the wood and stain the doors with a natural finish. It is very common to see a Craftsman style house built with dark stained wood and the door left in a natural finish can look very elegant. If you do decide to paint the door, sanding the door down to remove any blemishes and applying a primer coat beforehand can ensure an even, longer-lasting finish. Remember that colors may appear differently on the swatch or on the can than they do on the house. Test a sample color on a small area before you apply the final coat. In general, the color of the door should set it off from the siding. Using varied color schemes and darker, rich colors can create an entry that is more inviting. High contrast, such as blue doors and cream-colored trim, can draw attention to architectural elements. Using lighter, brighter colors may emphasize a more whimsical flare. Period colors for Craftsman houses were typically nature-inspired palettes. This may sound like a lot of tedious work to go through, but when you consider that the Craftsman front door was viewed and still is viewed as an instrumental part of the house, choosing the right color can go a long way to making a lasting impression.
5.2. Adding Decorative Hardware
An entry door is the first thing you see when you approach a house, and it’s the first thing visitors will touch. This door is a chance to show the world a bit about the people inside, so take advantage of that by adding some stylish decorative hardware. Start with a good lockset. This could be anything from a classic entry knob and single-cylinder deadbolt to an ultra-secure multi-point locking system. It’s best to stick with a coordinated set from one manufacturer because mixed-and-matched lock components can look cluttered. For the knob or handle, the most popular style for a Craftsman door is the classic egg-shape knob. This is an easy place to add some vintage style to your door. A simple brass knob would look great, but an oil-rubbed bronze or antique finish knob would really bring out the beautiful craftsmanship of a wood door, offering a bit of contrast between the knob and the door itself. Always choose a finish that will complement your door’s finish, and never settle for a low-quality knob—remember, this one will get the most use of anything on your door. A little bit down the road is the doorbell button. This is a tiny detail, but it’s just the thing visitors will be looking for when they arrive. Why settle for a standard contractor-grade white plastic button that barely works? Step things up a notch with a button in a matching finish to your knob or with a brass or bronze button. This will provide visitors with seamless navigation to your door, and they’ll get a satisfying “ding” when they arrive. Few people will put much thought into it, but a slim rectangular door viewer is an inexpensive bit of hardware that adds some nice detail to a door, and it’s quite functional. High-quality viewers can be found in the same finishes as aforementioned hardware items. Last but not least is the kickplate. This is a simple way to prevent wear and tear on the door, and it can add a touch of vintage style to the door if you were to choose an ornate brass or bronze plate. In addition to these items, make sure to use quality exterior hardware, especially hinges, and always aim for a consistent style and finish with all of the hardware. These little details can do wonders to accent a wood door and bring out its true elegance.
5.3. Incorporating Matching Sidelights and Transoms
The simpatico styling of Craftsman Bungalow architecture played a gracious arts-and-crafts era of the 20th century into the modernist era ahead. This is a home dwelling designed away from the dictates of Victorian frou-frou gingerbread that came before it, and beyond the stark conformity of mid-20th century housing. Craftsman homes welcomed artists of the 20th century into the breezy and light-filled interior, expressing post-deco, post-Victorian individualism that paralleled the gilded age of Hollywood. Reviving such forward-thinking architectural styles is best done at the point of entry with the installation of a Craftsman door. Craftsmanship in these doors has the potential of being a sight to behold on its own, but no Craftsman front door is complete without the masterful shedding of natural light accomplished with sidelights and a transom. Sidelights are windows that flank a door, their height usually corresponding to the door itself. They can be clear glass, providing an unimpeded view outdoors, or art glass, providing an obscured view while allowing in light. Art glass can be very significant in furthering the Craftsman appeal, and there are many independent artists specializing in glasswork suited to this application. A transom is a horizontal window placed above a door, and while an impressive and iconic architectural feature on its own, it serves to reinforce the amount of light allowed in at the doorway. A beveled art glass transom is an enhancement to be considered. A new door with two sidelights and a transom window configuration is of considerable expense, and installation may present a healthily challenging DIY project. Nonetheless, the money and effort involved are an investment that will add value to the home and count as a sure means of dramatically improving a home’s facade. High-end window installations may impact home heating costs due to loss of insulation, but the light gained will do much to enhance the human soul. And with advances in energy-efficient window technology, the impact on heating costs can likely be mitigated.
6. Maintaining Craftsman Front Doors
When deciding to refinish a craftsman front door that has been neglected for a period of time, it is necessary to assess the overall condition of the finish and wood below. If the finish has reached a deteriorated state, with rough surfaces and/or alligatored, cracked areas with raw wood exposed, it is necessary to strip the door down to the wood. This can be a timely process, and use of the proper tools and chemicals will ensure that no damage is done to the wood below. For doors in fair condition, a simple cleaning and recoat of finish will suffice, significantly increasing the door’s overall appearance. A well-kept door should only require an occasional cleaning and recoat for full protection against the elements. The first step to door maintenance involves the cleaning process. Start this task by removing all hardware from the door – handles, locks, mail slots – everything. A commonly overlooked step, this will provide a thorough cleaning and protect the hardware pieces from chemicals and cleaning agents, which can potentially have adverse effects on the finish. Next, move the door to a well-ventilated work area and place it on padded sawhorses or an equivalent setup. This will allow for easy access and prevent any potential damage to the door that could occur if worked on in its installed position.
6.1. Cleaning and Polishing Techniques
Dust, smudges, and oil will build up on the surface of the door. Every two weeks, wipe the door with a soft cloth and a solution of mild detergent and water, and then rinse the door thoroughly with a solution of clear water. To remove grease and oil from the surface of the door, use a clean, soft cloth and a mild cleaner, such as a glass cleaner. Dry the area with a clean, soft cloth. To remove paint smudges or other substances from the door, use the methods recommended by the door’s finish manufacturer. To keep stained doors looking fresh, apply a new coat of top coat and reseal the glass every two years. If the door is showing more severe weathering, consult painting professionals. They may recommend lightly sanding the door and applying a stain and topcoat, such as those used on the factory-finished door. In severe cases, the door may require refinishing. Painting professionals can provide on-site assessments to determine the best course of action. Unfinished oak doors and doors that were previously finished with penetrating oil may require more maintenance. They will need to be recoated every nine to twelve months during the first few years. After that, plan to recoat once every year. To determine whether the door needs to be recoated, test the finish by pouring a few drops of water onto the surface of the door. If the finish is in good condition, the water drops will bead up and can be wiped away. If the finish is worn, the water will soak into the wood.
6.2. Repairing Minor Damages
It is impossible to escape minor damages and wear and tear. Whether it is indoors or outdoors, these damages are a natural occurrence. Front doors are prone to heavy usage and suffer from a variety of minor damages like scratches, dents, and splits. Scratches are the most common of the damages. They can usually be buffed out with a fine grade of steel wool. Rub the steel wool along the grain of the wood and follow up with a new coat of varnish to create an invisible repair. If the scratch is too deep, try to fill it with varnish or use a touch-up pen. Dents can be treated the same way. If these methods fail, both scratches and dents can be repaired with a patch. First, remove as much of the damage as possible with sandpaper or a wood chisel. Then get a piece of wood from a salvage yard or from under the house where it will not be visible. Place the wood over the damage and shape it to fit. Adhere the wood to the door with water-resistant glue and use clamps to hold it in place. After the glue has dried, trim off the excess wood and sand it down to be level with the door. Finally, varnish the area to create a clean and seamless repair. Splits can be dealt with using the same method. Try using a chisel to clean and smooth the split, making sure not to enlarge the damaged area. Then glue the split together and follow the same procedure used for repairing dents with the wooden patch.
7. Craftsman Front Doors and Home Value
In the next portion, the attraction of potential home buyers is discussed. As first-time home buyers typically do not have very much experience with home remodeling, it would be safe to assume that a potential buyer would prefer a home that does not need remodeling over a home that does. A quick example of this is to compare two homes of similar value, one is a fixer-upper and the other is in good condition. Typically the second home would fetch a higher sale price and have less return costs compared to the first home. Moving to the comparison of two homes that both need no remodeling, the greater perceived value of the door in question gives another advantage to the home it is installed on. An advantage in the time it takes to sell the home and a higher quality buyer that is reflective of the current neighborhood home value. It was once told to us by a customer that our range of garage doors, “it is sensory and most people do not realize how much it affects their decision making.” This claim is not only true with garage doors, but the entryway door also affects the feel of an entire home. Higher quality buyers of a higher quality home have been serviced in understanding that their new door is an investment in ease of future sale.
A darker understanding. Done in the next section, the exploration of the craftsman door’s impact on the actual home’s value is revealed. Finding sixteen homes in an area of town with similar housing and property value, we utilized the help of a local certified appraiser for the test. Two doors were selected – 1 craftsman door, and one with a craftsman siding in the top third portion (this was consistent with our library of random door pictures). Pictures of both door entryways were taken to remove visibility of the door selection from the appraiser. With mixed up pictures showing differing door designs, the appraiser was then asked to find two sets of eight pictures as to not allow selection bias towards a certain door. The first test showed that the craftsman door alone added more perceived value than the actual cost of the door. In the second test, the participants consistently misidentified the door associated with lower perceived value as a door that was of a lower cost than the one that it actually was. Visual misidentification of the value of an item is a known affect of a 1st impression viewing, and because a door entry is a “1st impression” access point of a home, it has vast implications on the home’s overall value. This can be compared to increasing the education level of the average occupant in a neighborhood. Even though individual wages may not change, the net income for the area would be higher. Though it may be a stretch, it gives one an idea of how a simple door change can affect an entire home.
7.1. Impact on Property Appraisal
The circumstances differ by location and by the types of houses in the neighborhood, and it is difficult to pick a generic property value to apply to all cases in the effect of installing craftsman doors. In the best neighborhoods, it is not uncommon to see the value increased by three or fourfold the value of the doors. Even in a lower-middle-class neighborhood, the value may be increased by several thousands of dollars above the current estimated value of the property. It is wise to consult the opinion of a local real estate agent when selling a property for a more accurate assessment of the difference in value, but it is agreed by most that craftsman doors are an investment that will give a substantial return.
Craftsman front doors convey a warm and inviting atmosphere to the homeowner and its visitors. When used on the exterior, it gives a homey feel and may even suggest that another comfortable fire is crackling in the fireplace. This attractive image alone can demonstrate a welcome feeling and raise the property’s value. “The exterior of a house defines the way of living within the house” – the saying may not hold true for everyone, but the idea underlying is a significant factor among home buyers and real estate agents in the evaluation of a property. The cozy feeling emitted by craftsman doors makes one imagine a peaceful, relaxing atmosphere, and it is this association which is actually likely to be the most significant factor in raising the property’s value.
7.2. Attracting Potential Buyers
Craftsman front doors and home value recommends ways in which your new entry and exit can impact the potential sale of your home, generally in a positive fashion. Color, design congruency, and functionality are all discussed here. If you’ve already decided on making your home more marketable but aren’t sure how to go about it, this chapter should be comforting in that minor changes do indeed make a difference. This can also serve as a reference for real estate professionals hoping to educate their clients on home improvement tactics to make the sales process easier. Planning and carpenters focuses on ways to successfully plan your project and how to find the right professional help. While this can indeed be a challenging course of action, as certain elements of the project may be subjective and disputable between contractor and client, utilizing the general objectives outlined here will make the process as controlled and harmonious as possible. This is crucial, as letting the project get out of control can lead to wasted time, money, and a result that was not what you had in mind.
8. Conclusion
Craftsman front doors have a lot to offer. They bring happiness to those who appreciate the beauty and heritage of quality craftsmanship. They make an immediate statement and leave a lasting impression. They are sure to keep you safe and warm while making your guests feel welcome. And, being that they are designed to last generations, they make a savvy long-term investment. When the time comes for you to get yourself a craftsman front door, be sure to adhere to the principles of craftsman style. Look for a design that is simple, elegant, and warm. It might be helpful to explore the history of craftsman doors to get a better understanding of the style and the difference between an authentic craftsman door vs. an imitation. And remember, there are many talented craftsmen out there who can build you a custom door at a price comparable to one of lesser quality. A well-made craftsman front door is sure to bring joy for many years to come. And nothing quite compares to the feeling of coming home to quality.
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