Here at South Coast Home Improvements, we know that there will come a time when you, as a UK homeowner, have to decide whether the older door currently installed in your property needs to be repaired, or should be replaced entirely.
As specialists in the supply and installation of fine windows and doors, we would highly recommend that you have your front door replaced instead of simply repairing it. This is why we have created a professional guide, in order to show you what front door replacement can bring to your home.
If you are looking at having your older or damaged door replaced with a newer type, call or email us today and one of our team will be able to assist you in everything from answering questions, to talking you through your purchase and arranging a swift, efficient delivery and installation.
How a New Front Door Benefits Your Home
There are a number of ways that a front door replacement will benefit your home that may not be achieved by repairing your current front door:
Updating the Look, Increasing Curb Appeal
The first thing many people will notice about the frontage of a property is its door, and having the most modern, up-to-date type in the most popular colour may transform your home completely. Not only will it lend a newfound attractiveness and style that impresses friends and neighbours alike, but it may also increase curb appeal to the point where it adds value to your home. This puts you in a better position to receive a greater amount, should you ever choose to sell.
Better Energy Efficiency
If you choose to replace your front door with a new type that has a uPVC frame and double glazing, or even a composite door with triple glazing, you will be choosing to make your home more thermally efficient.
Heat from sunlight will pass through the glass and warm the interior space, becoming trapped behind insulation. This allows you to safely turn down the thermostat, saving yourself money on your energy bills. Doors with side panels may help you to make the most of this, as the extra glass can also be installed with double glazing.
Older doors often lack this feature, so imagine how much money you could be saving every year once your replacement door has been fitted!
Better Soundproofing
With a more efficient locking system and a frame designed for insulation purposes, replacement doors offer you a quieter home with increased soundproofing.
High Security
Newly manufactured replacement doors will be made of the most hardwearing materials, and uPVC frames are designed to withstand attempts at forced entry. Combining these features with shatterproof double or triple glazed glass, alongside an advanced locking system, and you will have levels of security for your home that an older or worn-down door could not provide.
Permission and Regulations for Replacing Doors
Planning permission may not be necessary if you are intending to repair a door, but it may apply if you are going to replace a door. You must have approval from the Building Control department of your local authority to say that all work has been carried out in accordance with the England & Wales section of the UK Building Regulations, if this is the case.
To comply with the regulations and to ensure that you have permission, you will need to get a certificate of approval that proves all regulations were followed. There are two ways to adhere to them:
- Apply to your local building control officer to get a certificate confirming your installation falls within regulations
- Get a competent person that has been registered to self-certify (under a scheme such as FENSA) to provide a certificate once the installation has been carried out
Doors which have more than 50% glazing must also be fitted to comply with the regulations set on thermal regulation, while all doors must comply with the disabled access regulation, which prevents replacement doors from having worse access than the type they are replacing. This includes ensuring the width of the frame is not reduced.
Repair or Replacement: A Cost Comparison
When considering between completely replacing or simply repairing your current front door, it is also important to consider how much each decision will cost you in the long term. For example, if you are looking at composite doors on an offer price of £995 (fully fitted, not supply only), then this is the price you should expect to pay for replacement. Once the door is fitted and paid for, you will not have to worry about paying anything extra.
Repair may seem the cheaper option at first, but this reduced cost will only be for the first time the door requires repairs. As time moves on and the damage returns and needs repairing again, you will have to pay the same amount to get it fixed, or perhaps even more if it is in a worse condition due to age or wear from general use. You may even have to pay separately for repairing different parts, such as the front door glass or side panels, or maybe even the frame itself.
The price of each of these repairs will add up over time, and attempting to repair a door by yourself without the correct equipment, materials or training may result in further damage being caused by accident. This could result in your door having to be replaced anyway, which we would recommend is done as a first resort to save yourself time and money that might otherwise be wasted.
Our Range of Replacement Door Types
At South Coast Home Improvements, we pride ourselves on having a wonderful range of door types which can offer your home everything it needs in a superior replacement. From durable, high security door designs, to thermally efficient double and triple glazed glass in the front and side panels, to the myriad of stylish and eye-catching colours to give it even more curb appeal, our doors combine to give your home the perfect new entrance.
The types of door we offer include:
- uPVC front doors and back doors
- Composite doors
- Glazed doors
- French doors
- Bifold and Trifold external doors
- Patio doors
No matter which door you need to replace in your home, you can be sure that we will have the ideal replacement ready and waiting for you. To find out more about the options we have, explore their pages on our website or get in touch with us via phone or email. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have, or go right ahead with assisting you in placing an order and setting a date for a professional installation.
Looking for a Replacement Front Door?
If you have been searching for a new, superior door to replace one which has become damaged or worn down by time and use, then you will not find a better selection on the UK market than the range we have here. We are passionate about providing our customers with the finest replacement doors when theirs need switching out for an upgrade, whether they are looking for composite styles, high quality glazing or fashionably modern uPVC.
We will be able to provide you with everything you need in a front door replacement, so contact us today and let us help you replace an old or worn-out model with your dream door.