The Fixer Upper's New Barn Door + 14 Inspiring Doors

March 21, 2017

Hello Lovely Fixer Upper: Alder Front Door

March 12, 2017

Before and After - Front Door Upgrade

It may have taken a little while to address
the front door here at the Chicagoland fixer upper,
but good gracious, this baby was
definitely worth the wait.

It's rustic,
it's chocolate-y,
it's solid alder,
it's knotty yet nice,
it's lovely,
and it's by Pacific Entries.

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

We chose rustic v-groove doors for our prior home's
front entrance, and learned the value one would
add here, both in terms of enhanced daily living
and also for resale when that time comes.

Here's the rustic knotty alder wood door we chose:

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

Replacing the front door of this fixer upper was

kind of a no-brainer since the existing door was

dented, old, and not helping the curb appeal

or our pretty neighborhood at all.

If you're on the fence about whether it makes

sense for you to invest in a new front door,

here is some food for thought.

(Speaking of food...just try to not

think of chocolate as you peruse the

3 thousand pics posted of our new door...ha!)

Why invest in a new front door?

To be energy efficient and reduce our energy bills.

To increase our home's value and protect our investment.

To add architectural interest, charm, and style.

To catch a buyer's eye and make a good first impression.

To welcome guests warmly.

According to the National Association of Realtors, window and door projects mostly pay for themselves: homeowners can expect an 81 to 88 percent return on window upgrades at closing. Increased energy efficiency provides additional monthly savings. (NAR)

Before

Here's where we began.

The old door was painted the color of a bruise
and kept the rain out...so it DID have that going for it.

After all the attention every inch of the interiors
have received and are receiving, it was time
for love where you enter.

A new front door instantly enhances your home's appearance, and what's more, it can greatly increase resale value. A recent study by door manufacturer Therma-Tru found that upgrading the front door of a house increased the perceived value of a $190,000 home by almost $8,000. Estimates for new entry doors start around $2,500, so you could actually make back triple the money you spend. (BHG)

(Our door costs about $1,200, so if you do the math...

that's a pretty lovely return.)

Before

The new door truly gives the entry presence.

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

We love the operable speakeasy, and it's
at a very human height so I can actually use it.
The clavos are beautiful as well.

Knotty Alder Wood Door with Walnut Finish

The door came pre-finished (Hallelujah, thank you, Lord)
and has almost a glass-smooth feel which made me
very happy since it just begs to be touched.

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

The handleset is also from Pacific Entries and is called

San Jose Bronze, and even though it looks like a

million bucks, if you have shopped for these,

you will recognize it comes with a friendly price tag!

It's still a little ugly outside with the trees being bare
and the courtyard in front not quite ready for its closeup,
so in this post I'm showing you lots of up-close shots
so you can appreciate the construction, finish, and
luxuriant features.

Before

So long, neglected weedy house with multiple personalities.

San Jose Bronze Handleset

Hello, Lovely.

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

Knotty Alder Wood Door with Speakeasy

Knotty Alder Wood Exterior Door with Walnut Finish

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

Knotty Alder Wood Door with Speakeasy

Pacific Entries Rustic V-groove 2 Panel Knotty Alder Exterior Door

Before

San Jose Bronze Handleset

Operable Speakeasy

Pacific Entries Knotty Alder Rustic Door

I dug out this "before" picture, but do bear in mind,
we were pretty darn happy when we got the place
to this stage of the "before" since it was way
nastier in this entry with its bruise-hued tile
to match the exterior door color.