Exterior Doors News and Trends
Add value to newly-constructed homes by keeping up with trends in exterior doors
Installing the right exterior doors into a home you've just constructed can, in some cases, add over $20,000 in value to that home. Exterior front doors are among the first things potential buyers see when looking at homes; a March 2008 Real Estate Agent Community Trends (REACT) survey shows that nearly 90% of agents state the appearance of a front entry helps them sell homes, and two-thirds say the overall appearance of exterior doors and windows is important.Today, external doors come in a variety of styles and materials. Doors made of wood, steel or fiberglass, with glass panels or without, or with stained glass windows or other decorative touches, are now widely available. You can also find commercial exterior doors, industrial entry doors or even custom exterior doors for sale through most retailers.
If you're building homes and want to attract buyers, rely on the following resources to stay abreast of exterior doors news and trends:
1. Find out what's new, and what's old news, with exterior doors;
2. Go for the "wow" factor with custom front entry doors;
3. Make the right connections to stay ahead of exterior doors news and trends.
Stay up-to-date on the latest in outside doors
From the growing trend toward textured fiberglass entry doors because of their affordability and energy efficiency, to wider front doors for easier access, exterior doors news and trends are ever-changing. If you're building homes, keep up with these trends so you can offer the latest in exterior doors.
Try: Read about the most recent trends, benefits, downsides and opinions on wood, steel and fiberglass exterior doors, as well as other product elements such as decorative glass and thermal efficiency, at Architectural Record. Consult “First Impressions: Trends in entry doors,” from BUILDERnews magazine, to find out what’s hot--and what’s not--in exterior doors. You’ll discover, for example, why doors resistant to extreme weather conditions and nickel exterior door hardware are in, and why brass door hardware and steel exterior doors are waning in popularity.
Go for the "wow" factor with custom front entry doors
You can impress potential buyers by offering things other newly-constructed houses won't offer, and a great place to start would be with custom doors. Equipping your homes with a custom exterior door can set them apart, add value and increase the likelihood of a sale.
Try: Check out Ebuild’s impressive collection of articles about exterior doors news and trends, including custom wood doors, outside doors with handmade art panels and made-to-order glass and wrought iron exterior doors. ReliableRemodeler.com explains how custom exterior doors can increase home value, and why builders should invest in high quality, eye-catching entry doors to attract buyers. Visit Custom Builder to stay current on the newest trends and latest news in custom-built exterior doors.
Make the right connections to stay ahead of exterior doors news and trends
One of the best ways to be on the cutting edge when it comes to outside doors is to surround yourself with key industry players, including manufacturers of exterior doors and outside door vendors, that have an active role in shaping exterior doors news and trends.
Try: Join the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) to take part in setting, rather than simply following, exterior doors news and trends, and to make valuable business contacts. To see innovative exterior doors and connect with industry professionals in the flesh, attend the National Association of Home Builders’ (NAHB) International Builders’ Show. Membership in the NAHB will also plug you into a network of professionals and other valuable resources that can keep you abreast of emerging outside door trends.
- Note the types of hardware being used on the most popular styles of exterior doors. Adding the right handles, knobs, locks and hinges will accentuate outside doors.
- Keep the environment and your customers' energy expenses in mind when selecting exterior doors for your homes. Many major manufacturers of exterior doors, as well as smaller companies that provide custom front doors, now offer energy-efficient doors that are constructed using eco-friendly processes and materials.
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