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Updating A Door On A Budget

By
Home Stager with Look Group

ugly door

Knock Knock! Who's There? No One!

Alright, I'm not going to preach on staging by telling you that people buy on emotion, or that buyers like move in ready homes.  I'm not even going to tell you that first impressions count when it comes time to sell.

Let's assume that in the existing economy money is too tight to make the "ideal improvements" needed to sell a home.  What's a seller to do, in this case with the front door?  Let me explain:

Remove the lock set and surface hardware. Leave the door hanging and protect the ground beneath with drop cloths. Otherwise, if the hinges are corroded or covered with paint, remove the door and either replace the hinges or soak them in paint stripper then polish.

If you have purchased a new lock set and the holes do not match the new lock set purchased, the old hole may show.  You have to 'build back' wood into the off-center holes.  One method is to use toothpicks and carpenter glue.

Check for cracks, other indentations or holes that will not match up to new hardware, and fill with vinyl spackling compound.  Refinish the door by sanding or stripping any peeling paint and sand the entire surface. Apply a couple coats of primer, making sure it is compatible with both latex and oil-base topcoats.  (This can be tinted to match the topcoat, for ease of coverage).

Remember when painting to brush in the direction of the door's wood grain. When working with a flat door, apply paint with a fine enamel roller, and then use a brush to stroke paint into the surface.

Make sure to use long, vertical strokes and brush toward the middle of the door. If you have a panel door, apply paint in this order: first to the panel moldings, then to the panels, the horizontal rails, and finally to the vertical stiles.

When paint is dry, dress up your front door with "jewelry"; new hardware, knocker and kick plate can update the look of an old door.

P.S.  I think I reduced the door making it too skinny, but I think you get the idea!  Make it a great day

Comments (2)

Melissa Zavala
Broadpoint Properties - Escondido, CA
Broker, Escondido Real Estate, San Diego County

Nice (unappealing door). Great ideas for making it more appealing! You should do a "makeover" blog post, too! That'd be fun!

Oct 09, 2009 03:00 AM
Mick Michaud
Distinctly Texas Lifestyle Properties, LLC Office:682/498-3107 - Granbury, TX
Your Texas Lifestyle is Here!

You've got to grab them at the curb.  Do that and half your battle is over.  If they aren't drawn in at the curb, you're running up-hill.

Good suggestions.

Oct 09, 2009 03:09 AM