Open the Door of Possibilities

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Doors

A door is the access way into a home.  But doors do more than provide access.  Doors announce a grand entrance; they insulate our houses; they provide safety and security by shutting out the world; and they can add exquisite beauty.

As a real estate sales agent, we understand the importance of doors.  We inspect doors as part of our AVID report.  Secure doors ensure our listings are protected.  And for our marketing ads, we learn how to describe unique door features that make our listings stand out.

Exterior Doors What’s better than a door that declares “Welcome to our home!”  An exterior door secures the inside of a house and protects its residents from weather and intruders.  Exterior doors include front entry doors, protective doors, patio doors, and back doors.
Entry Doors Front doors lend character to a home’s architectural style.  They can offer stunning curb appeal that improves the property value.  Our front door, adorned with a door knocker and a mat, welcomes guests to our home.
Standard Door Larger and heavier than an interior door, a standard front door size is the rectangular 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall.  It’s usually constructed of solid wood and may feature “lights” (glass window pane inserts), a brass door knocker, or a peephole.  Homes built before 1960 often have a mail slot in the door.  Heavy-duty metal doors are a good alternative to solid wood construction. “Single Door” means there is 1 door, and “Double Doors” means 2 doors side by side that swing open in the middle.  Quality doors feature raised panels and glass lights arranged in a pattern.
Tops Door tops can be curved or arched for ambiance, or may boast an elegant gothic top.  Above the door of luxury homes, look for a transom (non-opening) window, a fanlight, or gorgeous decorative wood panels.
Sidelights Sidelights are the tall, narrow glass panels on each side of the door that add aesthetic value and highlight a beautiful entry way.  Doors may feature just 1 sidelight, or a set of 2 (on either side of the door).  Sidelights often reflect the patterns on the door.
Oversized Door An oversized door is taller, and often wider, than a standard door.  Intricate carvings, a wrought iron grill, and wood straps can make a front door the focus of a home’s architecture style.  For example, a Mission style home may be enhanced with a beautiful solid oak door of 8 feet or taller.
Wicket Door A wicket door is an oversized door with a standard-sized entrance door inside of it.  The purpose is to grant access to the building easily without opening the entire oversized door.
Cultural & Custom Styles A luxury home will feature imported hand-crafted solid wood, custom-made doors, and may borrow its architectural style from a far-flung culture.  Look for interesting designs that grace a building by drawing on cultural inspirations such as: Arabic Arts & Crafts Barcelona Barn Door Celtic Egyptian Gothic Irish Italian Renaissance Japanese Ledge & Brace Medieval Mediterranean Shaker Spanish Colonial Tuscan
Protective Doors Protective doors are installed in front of entry doors and offer another layer of protection or security.
Screen door A screen door has a fine metal or fiberglass mesh that allows air circulation and light, but keeps insects and pests from entering.  Screen doors can be hinged on the side, or they can slide back (such as patio doors).  Retractable screen doors, which “disappear” out of sight, operate with spring-loaded rollers and a magnetic clip closing.
Metal Security Door Security doors are a first line of defense to shield residents.  When buyers see a home with traditional steel metal bars on the doors and windows, they may question the safety of the neighborhood.  So, newer door designs complement the home’s style, rather than detract from it, with gorgeous wrought iron charm.
Storm Door Popular in areas with hostile weather, storm doors are made from metal and tempered glass.  Some also include a sliding glass window with a screen for ventilation.  Besides guarding against rain and snow, they help increase energy efficiency.
Patio Doors Patios perfect for entertaining are often framed by glass French doors, sliding / gliding doors, or folding doors.
French Doors A set of 2 doors, opening on the inside and hinged on the outside of each door.  Glass panel inserts provide natural light for French doors that open into a back yard, patio, or garden.  Fancy doors may flaunt an arched top, leaded glass inserts, or carved wood patterns.  French doors add a romantic touch when opening onto to a balcony (think: Romeo & Juliet).
Glass Doors A standard glass door is simply a standard size back door in a wooden frame with a large glass panel insert.  Newer version are insulated, dual paned glass and may include blinds in the middle of the glass.
Gliding / Sliding Door Sliding doors, also known as gliding doors, lead from a bedroom, dining room, or family room out to the patio in the back yard.  This is a set of 2 wide doors, usually glass door panels framed in aluminum, wood, or vinyl.  The standard height is 80” to 82” and common widths are 6 feet (72”) or 8 feet (96”).  A sliding door set usually includes a sliding screen door.
Folding Door A 2- or 3-door system that folds up accordion-style.  Often the door sections are wood-framed glass panels.  Contemporary designs can be beautifully finished to highlight the architectural style of the house.
Sliding Folding These amazing doors allow full indoor/outdoor living by blurring the line between them.  2 or more door sections (on each side) fold up accordion-style and disappear into the side of the house.  This stunning design is popular in luxury homes.
Back Doors Standard exterior doors accessed from the back (or side) of a house are known as “back doors”.  Just like front entry doors, back doors are usually 36” wide x 80” tall and made of metal or solid wood.
Window-in-Door Many back doors have sliding windows in the top half of the door.  This allows parents to watch their children playing in the back yard.  Look for easy-care inset blinds, sandwiched in between the 2 glass sides.
Pet Door A pet door is simply a regular door with a small rubber flap inset near the bottom of the door.  Popular for residents with cats or dogs, these “doggie doors” can also be a glass panel that’s aligned with a sliding glass door.  Popular tech doors include a pet collar that restricts access, and a door that slides up to open.
Cellar Door Also known as a bulkhead, this is a set of heavy steel (or wooden) doors that face the ground.  Actually, the doors lead downstairs to a weather-proof underground cellar that keeps residents safe from extreme conditions.  Cellar doors are popular in the South and Mid-West due to hurricanes and tornados (think of Dorothy from the Wizard of Oz) and are rare in California.

Conclusion

Doors set the ambiance for a home; and exquisite doors may even sell a listing!  Now that we know how to describe the exterior doors of our listings, we’re confident that we can meet more sellers and get more listings.

Article as published in The San Diego Realtor® magazine, pages 12-13.

Check-out Part 2 “Interior Doors”, The San Diego Realtor® magazine, page 12.

Read more in our "Learn the Lingo" series:

1) Backyard & Outdoor Structures: Learn the Lingo
2) View From the Windows: Learn the Lingo
3) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 1
4) Architectural Styles: Learn the Lingo - Part 2
5) Learn the Lingo: Luxury Bathrooms
6) Learn the Lingo: Fences & Gates
7) Learn the Lingo: Vintage Features of Historic Homes
8) The Kitchen: The Heart of the Home Can Be Gourmet
9) The Gourmet Kitchen: Everything and the Kitchen Sink
10) Open the Door of Possibilities (Exterior Doors)
11) The Difference a Good Door Makes (Interior Doors)
12) Tiles
13) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 1)
14) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 2)
15) Sustainable and Eco-Conscious Home Features (Part 3)
16) Roof Architecture – Don’t Let it Go ‘Over Your Head’
17) Let There Be Light Fixtures ... And There Are Many!
18) A Discussion of Ceilings Will Have You Looking Up
19) Fireplaces: Literally the Hearth of the Home
20) Learn the Lingo of Walls
21) Apply Your Knowledge to Major Appliances
22) Don't Be Floored By this Topic: It's Right Under Your Feet
23) HVAC / Mechanical Lingo
24) Rural Properties - A Sustainable Life "Off the Grid"
25) Land Usage, and Showing & Selling Rural Properties
26) The Dramatic Effect of Stairs and Staircases - A Flight of Fancy?
27) Electrical Components - Get Wired for Understanding
28) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 1 of 2)
29) Learn the Lingo: Plumbing Fixtures (Part 2 of 2)
30) Swimming Pool and Spa Lingo