Double Entry Doors: Pros and Cons You Need to Consider
For every homeowner, there comes a time when you’re tired of looking at your home's front door. Even if you don't mind the aesthetic of your front door, it will eventually require repair or replacement. Instead of sticking with a plain single entry door, consider the merits of a double entry door. A revamped front entry gives the outside of your home a unique aesthetic. Double entry doors also make New Jersey homes feel that much more welcoming.
Add in the fact that a double entry door increases your property value, and you have all the more reason to opt for two doors instead of the traditional single door. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to double entry doors to consider before adding one to the front of your New Jersey home. These doors are quite sizable and stylistically impactful, so think long and hard before committing to replacing your single entry door.
A Double Entry Door or a Single Entry Door? That is the Question
Single entry doors are certainly the norm, yet they are quite basic compared to double entry doors. Though single entry doors are more affordable, they are not as visually striking as the double-entry variety. New Jersey homeowners who opt for a double entry door are almost always ecstatic with the result. After all, you can only fit certain items through a single entry door. If you intend to buy new furniture, large electronics, or other sizable items, a double door may better serve your needs.
Double entry doors also make your New Jersey home look and feel more inviting. If you are prepping for a potential home sale, double entry doors will certainly help boost interest in the property. As detailed in this insightful Fortune Builders Magazine article, buyers form their opinion about a home for sale as soon as they see it. You can bolster your New Jersey home's curb appeal with the addition of a double entry door.
If you're looking to sell, you just might spark a bidding war for your property.
Additional benefits of double entry doors are as follows:
- Double entry doors permit homeowners to implement distinct architectural styles that would not be possible with single entry doors.
- A glass panel style permits that much more light to enter your living space.
- Double entry doors are the perfect addition to homes with wide interior access walkways.
Double Entry Door vs Single Entry Doors
Single entry doors are very common. You see this style of door everywhere because it is the standard construction-grade door that is unusually installed when the home was originally built. While it may be the most affordable option, for homes with a wider front entranceway, a single entry door can seem lost and underwhelming.
On the other hand, there are many benefits to having double entry doors. These large front doors add exceptional curb appeal to a home. it's the first thing passersby see, and it's the first thing prospective home buyer notice when looking to purchase a new house.
According to Fortune Builders Magazine, "Most buyers form an opinion whether they like a house or not before they step foot in the front door...If you want to maximize your properties’ value, you need to focus on improving the curb appeal."
If you have a larger home, the double entry doors' advantages are even greater. They create a focal point for the viewer, drawing the eye to this positive trait of the home and accentuates all other architectural features. It is more difficult to accomplish this visual contrast with a single entry door.
The reasons for double entry doors include:
- It creates a larger access point for entertaining or moving large furnishings.
- You can recreate a particular architectural style such as Dutch Colonial.
- They will complement homes with spacious interior access halls.
Double Entry Door Aesthetics
Wouldn't it be nice to incorporate a glass accent along the exterior of your home? Double entry doors permit you to do just that. This decorative element gives your home that extra special something in terms of design. This is the perfect visual enhancement for homes with an otherwise plain entrance.
Furthermore, double entry doors can be installed with sidelights or transoms for even more visual beauty.
Additional aesthetic options when selecting a double entry door include the material and style. These large doors can be comprised of wood, coated steel, fiberglass, and other materials. Wood is especially popular as it is pleasing to the eye. If you do not want to invest your limited time indoor maintenance, fiberglass is the best choice. Fiberglass can even replicate actual wood grain. Opt for steel, and the door won't crack or warp as time progresses. Safety is an added benefit because steel doors are difficult to breach, so you can rest easy when you turn in for the night or take a weeklong vacation away from your property.
Double Entry Door Style
From transoms to sidelights and beyond, you have plenty of door aesthetics to choose from with a double entry door. Transoms are rounded windows that do not open yet permit light to enter your living space. Sidelites are thin narrow windows added to the sides of front doors as a stylistic enhancement that allows more light into the home's interior.
Choosing a Double Entry Door Style
According to ThisOldHouse.com, “Entry doors are the only opportunity to add decorative glass accents on most homes". If your home's entrance seems bare and lackluster, a simple option is to install double entry doors with transom or sidelites. Other options when choosing a double front entry door style include:
Door Material - solid wood, fiberglass, and coated steel doors are popular options for double entry front doors. A steel door won't warp or crack, is an economical option, and will provide optimum security. For a tough, maintenance-free option, consider a fiberglass composite that is patterned to mimic real wood grain.
Door Styles - you will have many options for door styles, including the addition of sidelites which are glass panels mounted on each side of the door to allow more natural light into the home. The same can be accomplished with a transom over the door which is usually an arched, non-opening window that serves as a door skylight.
Once you've decided on an exterior door style and material, choose a reputable door manufacturer/vendor that specializes in window and door replacement services. If you have a larger home, double entry doors will enhance the appearance of your home's exterior while providing an excellent amount of home security.
Key Takeaways
- Double entry doors dramatically enhance your home's style
- Moving items in and out of the house is much easier with double entry doors
- Double door stylistic elements from transoms to sidelights enhance the beauty and let the light inside your living space
- Add a double front door, and it will serve as your home's aesthetic highlight
- Modern double front doors add a focal point and curb appeal to larger homes
- Allow more natural lighting with sidelights and a transom window
Contact RWC Windows, Doors and More Today
If you are interested in adding a double entry door or windows to your New Jersey-area home, RWC is at your service. We also provide kitchen remodeling services. Our team is here to help you select the perfect new doors and windows for your home, business, or other building. Give us a call today at 973-227-7123 to learn more about our services. You can also reach our doors, windows, and kitchen remodeling experts by reaching out to us on the web through our convenient online contact form.
How to Remodel a Bathroom Step by Step [Infographic]
How To Remodel A Bathroom Step By Step
Bathrooms might be one of the smallest rooms in any home, but they are highly labor-intensive rooms to renovate. The compactness of the room presents unique challenges during a renovation. Within several square feet, you have to address electrical, tiles, cabinetry, counters, plumbing and other extras including heated floors. While most people get excited about bathroom remodeling, it is not a good idea to try it on your own. To get it done right the first time, call in the experts to handle the bathroom renovation process. The only way to effectively handle a bathroom renovation is by going through each of the steps to remodeling your bathroom with an expert. Below are the bathroom remodeling steps we follow at RWC Windows, Doors, and More.
Step 1: Initial Bathroom Design Consultation
After contacting our office and booking an appointment, the first steps to remodel your bathroom is a visit from our designer and project manager. The first part of the consultation will involve a lot of listening on the part of the designer and project manager. They will request you to talk about your ideas for the room before they can offer suggestions building on your ideas. After describing your vision for the room, the designer will use their experience and expertise to provide new bathroom ideas and remodeling solutions. The designer will proceed to take measurements and pictures of the room. You will also get to discuss your budget and how they can optimize the use of the available funds.
Step 2: Design Presentation and Draft Proposal
Your next meeting with the designer and the project manager will be at our Design Center. You do not have to run around from one store to the next looking for materials to use during the renovation because at RWC Windows, Doors, and More, we have everything you need all under one roof making your renovation project easy and hustle free. We will assist you in picking materials depending on their aesthetics and practicality. During this meeting you will discuss and finalize all materials to be used including;
• The type of tiles to be used
• Fixtures such as tubs, sinks, and whirlpools
• Lighting
• Shower doors
• Vanity Tops
• Colors
You will find out that bathroom fixtures account for 15% of the entire budget. At the end of the meeting, you will have a detailed proposal for the construction including the estimated costs. The goal of this meeting is to reduce the costly change of orders after the commencement of the project.
Step 3: Project Proposal and Contract
After selection of materials to be used, the designer and project manager can move forward to making a project proposal and contract. This is the last of the bathroom renovation steps. The proposal should include a detailed scope of work indicating what work you want to be done in the bathroom. You will also be provided with a budget proposal of all items to be used as well as the labor costs. After going through the proposal and agreeing to it, you can proceed to sign the contract. The contract indicates when the project is scheduled to start, the amount of deposit you should pay before work commences among other things. If everything in the contract is okay, you can proceed to sign it. On signing the contract, you will be introduced to the in-house mater carpenter so you can schedule construction.
Takeaways
• Make an appointment with our bathroom design services
• The designer and project manager make a house visit where you discuss your vision for the bathroom
• You pick out materials to be used during your master or small bathroom remodel
• Finally, you can sign the contract, and you can schedule the project to begin.
Have you been thinking of renovating your bathroom but you are always wondering how to remodel a shower? Worry no more, the bathroom makeover experts at RWC Windows, Doors, and More can handle your bathroom remodel from start to finish. To transform your bathroom, contact us and book an appointment with the experts.
Five Inexpensive Front Door Accessories to Spruce Up Your Home
There are times when a front door simply needs to be replaced, but the entrance to your home doesn't always require such an extravagant process in order to look nice and updated. Should you need a new door, our professionals at RWC are happy to discuss how we can serve your needs! Whether your front door is brand new or in need of a replacement, continue reading to see front door appeal ideas that will spruce up your home's entryway.
New Accessories: Numbers, Knocker, and Doorknob
Oftentimes, the hardware on a door may lose its cosmetic appeal before the door itself needs replacement - and you’d be surprised to see what new address number can do for the aesthetic of your home. The contractor who built the house may have inexpensive used door hardware parts according to the exterior design, under the idea the buyer would upgrade it with customized front door accessories according to their personal tastes. Weather may have even taken a toll on metal parts with rust damage. Replacing house numbers, a knocker or even the doorknob style with new ones allow you not only to freshen the door but also add your personal sense of style to the entrance so your guests can have an idea of your personality when they approach the house.
Curtains and Doormats
According to the layout of the entryway to your home, curtains, doormats, or even plants and flowers lining the stairs and stoop may be a great way to add front door curb appeal to your home. If your door is made of glass or has a window in it, curtains are an absolute must-have, and new ones can spruce the entry up with a different appeal than it previously had. Doormats are a great way to add a touch of comfort and style to the door for both yourself and your guests. Potted plants and flowers will certainly add a welcoming appeal to your front door if there is room for them and you enjoy caring for them.
Seasonal Decorations
Seasonal decorations are always a great reason to add a change of décor to your front door. Inexpensive front doors wreaths are traditional during the December holidays, but you can also add decorations throughout the year. Seasonal decoratives add a sense of comfort to the home simply because you can add a touch of your personal style whether fun and playful or by following formal traditional styles.
Fresh Paint
A new paint job always takes a bit of consideration as it is a more permanent solution and should be done by a professional, but in the scheme of home expenses, it can be a relatively inexpensive way to spruce up the front door. When considering a new paint job, it is important to make sure it fits with the existing home colors of walls, trim, shutters, and roof. If you prefer a stained wood look, you may want to consider a faux finish paint job to simulate such appeal. Sometimes a new coat of paint can make your door look new again.
Conclusion
There are plenty of front door curb appeal ideas which don't include the cost of replacing the door but can instead be quite inexpensive:
- Replace front door accessories with new ones to match your style and taste.
- Curtains, doormats, or other replaceable decorations can add a personal touch to your home's entrance.
- Seasonal decorations are always going to add a personal touch which lets your guests know you make the home warm and inviting for them.
- Painting a door is required maintenance in some cases, but can also be used when you simply want to make a change to how your entryway looks.
Want to learn more new front door ideas or looking to remodel your door? Contact us at RWC, our front door experts in NJ will be able to help!
Bow vs. Bay Windows: What Are The Differences Between A Bay & Bow Window?
Adding bay or bow windows to your home is a great option if you’re looking to add extra natural light inside and get a better view of the outdoors. They can add literal floor space or a perceived perception of extra room inside, and often serve a specific function such as a reading, art, or music area in the home. When hearing the two terms, most people who aren't architects may wonder, “What is the difference between a bay and bow window?” Although both will perform similarly in most environments, there is a difference between bay and bow windows.
The Advantages and Disadvantages of Bay Windows
The advantages and disadvantages of bow vs. bay windows really depend on the layout of the house and the preferences of the homeowner. A distinct advantage of the bay window is that it is usually less expensive because it is usually manufactured and installed as a single unit similarly to an ordinary double hung window. The wall opening for the window may have to be altered to accept the new window but makes a substantial change in the feeling of the room.
Reasons to Choose a Bow Window
A bow style window has the disadvantage of expense when compared to a bay window, as it requires structural framework and is a major renovation to the home. A bow window typically has either four or five individually manufactured windows which are installed in what is essentially a small extension to the room. The advantages of such a project is how the wider window allows even more light to come in and provides a wider view with more angles to the outside of the house. Each window functions separately and can be raised or lowered independently according to the direction of sunlight and breezes on the outside, whereas the bay window usually consists of a picture window in the middle with a single window which opens on either side.
General Considerations when Choosing New Windows
Bay and bow windows require the same considerations as any other window replacement in the house. Energy efficiency and cosmetic appeal should both be incorporated in the project. Choosing vinyl, wood, or metal frames is a personal preference, whether to choose a double or triple pane window is a matter of budget and consideration of how it might affect a power bill over time. The final decision toward a bay versus bow window lies in what you find preferable and how one or the other may work within your home.
Conclusion
A few key points of note when discussing the project with a contractor and making the final decision of bay windows vs. bow windows and which to choose for your home:
- A bay window is going to be less expensive.
- Bay windows are made of three types of windows installed as a unit, with a picture window in the middle and vented windows on either side.
- A bow window is an extension of the room with at least four or five separate windows working together in tandem to provide the desired effect.
- As with any window or other home improvements, carefully consider the quality of the window and contractor ability before beginning the project.
If you have any further questions about whether a bay or bow window may be suitable for your home, contact us at RWC to have a courteous and professional representative discuss what solutions we can make available to your needs. RWC proudly provides bay windows in NJ & bow windows in NJ. We’ll be happy to give an up-front estimate and help with design and installation for your new project.