What Should You Know Before Buying a New Exterior Door?

What Should You Consider Before Buying an Exterior Door?

Before buying a new exterior door, consider the condition and dimensions of the existing opening, door material, style, glass, security, energy performance, maintenance, warranty, installation, and total project cost. A professional measurement before ordering can also help prevent expensive mistakes, particularly when your home's opening requires a customized door.

Start With Your Home, Not the Door Catalog

It's easy to start shopping for an exterior door based entirely on appearance.

That's understandable. Your front door is a major part of your home's curb appeal.

But appearance should be only one part of the decision.

Before choosing a door, understand what your existing opening requires and what you expect the new door to accomplish.



Consider How You Use the Door

Think about your current door.

What don't you like about it?

Maybe it feels drafty. Perhaps it's difficult to operate.

Maybe you want more natural light, greater privacy, less maintenance, or simply a completely different look.

Identifying the problem you're trying to solve makes shopping much easier.



Think About Material and Construction

Exterior doors are available in different materials and construction types.

Each can offer different advantages depending on the homeowner's priorities.

Rather than choosing based on one feature, compare the entire package: durability, appearance, maintenance, performance, warranty, and price.

Don't Forget About Glass

Glass can completely change the appearance of an entrance.

Depending on the door, homeowners may have options ranging from small glass panels to larger decorative glass configurations, sidelites, and other designs.

Think about both appearance and privacy when choosing glass.



Measure Before You Order

This is one place where guessing can become expensive.

Not every exterior door opening is standard, particularly in older homes or homes that have been modified.

Having the opening professionally evaluated before ordering can help identify sizing and installation requirements early.



Compare Installed Price, Not Just Door Price

A lower advertised product price doesn't necessarily mean a lower finished project price.

When comparing estimates, find out what's actually included.

Consider the door, hardware, customization, removal of the existing door, installation, trim requirements, and other work needed to complete the project.

An apples-to-apples comparison is far more useful than comparing two numbers with completely different scopes.



Don't Let Anyone Pressure You Into a Decision

A new  exterior door is an investment.

You should have enough information to understand what you're buying and enough time to make a comfortable decision.

The Window Guyz takes a no-high-pressure-sales approach and helps homeowners compare their options before ordering.