Special offer

Botox for An Aging Front Door in Redmond

By
Real Estate Agent with Dove Realty Inc.

If you own a house built in the seventies you know what I'm talking about. Don't despair! A piece of plywood, a few feet of molding, a rich color (red is the new black), and you have a stunning yet inexpensive transformation!door before

INSTRUCTIONS 

1. Remove the door & door hardware and place across two sawhorses;

2. Have Lowes or Home Depot cut a piece of plywood the exact size you need to cover the twirly carvings and the four lengths of molding to place around the panel;

3. Nail the plywood over the carved portion of the door; trim it out with molding; offset the nail heads and fill with a little wood putty;

4.  Sand and clean the door; apply at least three coats of high gloss paint. Replace the old hardware with new and hang the door!door after

Comments (49)

Kristina Leone
Lionheart Home Staging, LLC - Minneapolis, MN
Great transformation!  I love the red door
Dec 01, 2007 01:06 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Wendy: I like the red accessories you used in the picture on your profile. It's funny, I don't use red in my own house but I love it for staging. Thanks for stopping by.
Dec 01, 2007 04:23 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Terrlynn: It's great to meet another Staging Realtor and if you like Realtor/Staging Specialist please feel free.
Dec 01, 2007 04:24 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Kristina: I actually like black doors but in some cultures they are considered bad luck so red is my next favorite color for doors.
Dec 02, 2007 04:57 PM
Terrylynn Fisher
Dudum Real Estate Group - BuyStageSell.com - Walnut Creek, CA
HAFA Certified, EcoBroker, CRS, CSP Realtor, Etc.
Thanks Susan.  Don't mind if I do.  You are full of good advice and aggressive and well thought out comments.  I've enjoyed reading your blogs.  Terrylynn:-)   Realtor/Staging Specialist
Dec 02, 2007 05:16 PM
Theo Shaw
Baird & Warner Residential Real Estate - Evanston, IL
Serving Evanston, IL & Beyond

Susan: You did a beautiful job! Kudos.

I would have thought that adding any thickness to the door would change where the latch hits the strikeplate and where the hinges would mount.  Adding to the front didn't affect any of those things? 

 

Theo

Dec 03, 2007 02:38 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Theo: The raised panel doesn't cover the entire door it's actually about 4 or 5 inches smaller than the door and doesn't interfere with the latch or the door jam. 

Dec 03, 2007 05:50 PM
Theo Shaw
Baird & Warner Residential Real Estate - Evanston, IL
Serving Evanston, IL & Beyond

Susan,

You are a gee-nee-us!  Not only does your technique do the job, it looks fabulous.

 

Theo 

Dec 04, 2007 06:45 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Theo: Thanks, I should have included more close up pictures as you weren't the 1st to ask that question. 
Dec 04, 2007 09:23 AM
Theo Shaw
Baird & Warner Residential Real Estate - Evanston, IL
Serving Evanston, IL & Beyond

Susan:

Love your choice of new outdoor lamps, too!

 

Theo 

Dec 06, 2007 02:27 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Theo: I got them at Lowes and I think they were only about $35 a piece.

 

Dec 06, 2007 04:45 PM
David Helm
Helm Home Inspections - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp
I have to say that as a 3 and1/2 decade builder/carpenter, I would take one look at this door and know it was amateurish.  If I was buying the house it would be the first thing to go.  Sorry to be so negative, but it looks like the stuff they do on the TV "reality" shows.  To me, the front door is the most important part of the house.  It is either welcoming or it says stay away.
Dec 06, 2007 05:39 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Dave: Since this house sold with 2 offers in our somewhat sluggish market I guess the amateurish door didn't scream "stay away" too loudly. I do agree with you that the front door is very important and I would have loved it if the sellers had installed a sleek contemporary glass door, but when faced with a $2,000 + price tag, we opted for this version.

I can't please all of the people all of the time but I do my best to come up with solutions that fit my clients budget. It will be interesting to see if the new buyers spring for a new door right away. If they do, I'll post that as well.

Dec 06, 2007 06:10 PM
David Helm
Helm Home Inspections - Bellingham, WA
Bellingham, Wa. Licensed Home Insp
Susan, I apologize for coming off so negatively.  The hour was very late, and I have seen soooo many poorly done excuses for cosmetic surgery on houses.  As a long time professional I am always leary of "I did it myself" people when it comes to home fixup.  As an inspector, I see lots of poorly done do it yourself things that would have been better (caused fewer problems) if left alone.  Again, I'm sorry for being so negative (It just hit a hot button for me) and I should not have taken it out on you.
Dec 07, 2007 04:27 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Dave: No offense taken. Everyone has a right to their own honest opinion.
Dec 07, 2007 05:19 PM
Julianna Hind
eXp Realty - Tacoma, WA
REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA

Susan, I love your savvy fix on that dated door!

I do want to let you know, although its a bit of a drive, there is a millwork outlet located close to me with reclaimed doors, mouldings, architectual embellishments, etc at fantastic prices. Let me know if you want more info!

Dec 07, 2007 05:39 PM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells
Julianna: I absolutely would like to know about your millwork outlet. Thanks for the reminder for the Round table, I've got the date saved.
Dec 08, 2007 07:15 AM
Julianna Hind
eXp Realty - Tacoma, WA
REALTOR, 206-679-4768, Tacoma Federal Way, Auburn, Kent, WA
Susan, You will find it on Maple Valley HWY 169 after leave Maple Valley going towards Black Diamond/Enumclaw on the left.  You can't miss it - it looks  like a salvage yard. I have a client who found a gorgeous mantle there, give me a heads up if you wish, maybe I can go with.
Dec 08, 2007 02:07 PM
Cindy Bryant
Redesign Etc. Home Staging - Houston, TX
"Houston Home Staging Pros"
I just suggested to a homeowner that had a faded green door to paint it red...can't wait to see how it turns out.
May 04, 2008 11:14 AM
Susan Peters
Dove Realty Inc. - Seattle, WA
The Better it Looks the Better it Sells

Cindy: Red is one of my favorite colors for a front door. It's classic, elegant and welcoming. I think it's going to look great. 

May 04, 2008 02:19 PM