Door knobs are an often overlooked renovation for investors. If you're flipping a house or updating a distressed property, though, decorative door knobs can add an inexpensive accent to the property. It's key, when renting and selling, to select good, new door knob hardware or make certain that any existing older glass door knobs are in perfect working order. While it may be a nice touch to get unique door knobs that add to your market value, it's more important to install door handles that are functional, attractive and hassle-free.

Walk through your property and decide which antique door knobs are in good working order and which ones might benefit from replacement with decorative door knobs. To make this decision, consider:

1. The pros and cons of each type of door knob.

2. Working condition of any antique door knobs.

3. Safety of any glass door knobs.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Save any antique door knobs and glass door knobs

An antique door knob is usually worth more than a new door knob, so if you have older unique door knobs, try to get them fixed. If you have a historic property, changing an antique door knob and other fixtures can change the status--and value--of the property. If older handles jam or come loose, contact a qualified contractor or tighten the handles yourself.

I recommend: The House of Antique Hardware stocks an array of antique door knob reproductions and hardware, perfect for repairing older door handles and door knobs. The Brass Knob ships antique door knob accessories and parts anywhere in the country. Landmark Services has a team of experienced craftsmen who complete repairs on historic homes.

Replace older door handles and knobs with decorative door knobs

If your property does not have a historic home status and your antique door handles and door knobs are rickety or unsafe, replace them with functional door knobs or decorative door handles. Be sure to keep any older wood door knobs, brass door knobs or glass door knobs. You can usually resell them to contractors.

I recommend: The HardwareHut.com has an array of decorative door handles and knobs. The Knob Gallery has a selection of door levers and door knob hardware. DirectDoorKnobs.com has a vast selection of discount door knobs.

Consider the pros and cons of various door knob choices

Some door knobs today are made of yellow brass with a coating of lacquer. This type of door knob looks better for a longer period of time, but eventually the lacquer wears off, making the handle look dull. The lacquer also prevents the door knob from gaining that mellow, rich color associated with antique door knob hardware. If you plan on flipping the house, the eventual dulling may not matter, especially if you can find a great door knob at a great price. Do avoid glass door knobs in your investment properties, as they're not very durable and child-friendly and tend to be expensive; you can use that money on other renovations. If the backset--the measurement between the edge of the door and the center of the hole drilled for the lock--is short, opt for a handle. Otherwise, your doors won't open smoothly during open houses. If your target market is elderly home buyers or tenants, door handles also tend to be more accessible.

I recommend: DoorKnobDiscountCenter.com allows you to shop by brand, finish or type of door knob. Search for hardware by function at Carlisle Brass--handy when only needing to renovate one room.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  If you need to buy door handles, knobs or parts for a door but are on a budget, check with local contractors. Many sell the used door accessories they have removed from homes they are repairing. Be sure to check factory outlets and classified ads as well as estate sales. All can be economical resources for finding new and used discount door knobs.