It can be overwhelming choosing new doors and windows for your property. It’s a big decision to make, and you don’t want to end up making the wrong one. After all, by choosing well you can actually increase the value of your property. There’s also an almost limitless number of products to choose from, which is both exciting and daunting. However, if you are organised and plan out what you hope to achieve before beginning any work, you can go a long way to considerably simplifying the process. Here are some top tips to help you if you’re thinking about replacing your doors and windows:
- Look around as much as you can. You could visit a dedicated showroom, or you could go for a walk and have a look at what the neighbours have got! It’s always important to know which styles appeal to you so that you have a starting point. Have an idea in mind before starting your search, or it’s easy to get muddled up.
- Consider buying through a tradesman. Many retailers sell to the trade only and will give excellent discounts. There will often be just as much choice available, but you’ll be able to find yourself a bargain. Trade retailers also tend to run incredibly good value promotions at certain times of the year, such as in the lead-up to Christmas, so keep up-to-speed with the latest offers.
- Think about getting a door which you can paint. This will give you far more choice of colours and finishes to really individualise your property.
- Research the most energy efficient options for your windows. There are types of glazing which use gas between two panes of glass, such as argon, xenon or krypton. These will be highly energy efficient and are the best way of making sure that your property retains as much heat as possible. If you live in a period or listed property, it may be more difficult to replace the windows, but you’ll still have options for improvement.
- You’ll need to know whether you need a left-hand or right-hand door. Stand in the doorway facing outside – a lock on the left indicates a left-handed door and a lock on the right indicates a right-handed door.
- Choose the material which you want for your front door. Different materials will all have their own advantages, so it depends entirely on personal preference. Steel is cheap and hard wearing, though it could dent. Fibreglass is a little more expensive but doesn’t expand or contract, making it a good option for longevity as it will need little maintenance. Wood tends to be the most expensive, but it can give a sophisticated, high-end look, and can be selected from environmentally-friendly sources.
- Decide whether you want a pre-hung door. It will make life easier and you might even be able to fit it yourself. However, if your current door is an unusual size you may have to order one instead.
- Think about the finishing touches. If you’re replacing windows, put some consideration into decorative features like curtains and sills. If it’s your front door, make sure you invest in good quality hinges which will match the door and the hardware. Attention to detail will give you a stylish, premium finish.