NEW YORK, April 5, 2006
First Impressions Count
Give Your Front Door A Face Lift
-
Play CBS Video Video Sprucing Up Your Home Home improvement expert Danny Lipford shows Harry Smith how homeowners can upgrade their residence whether they're doing it for kicks or if they're thinking about selling their home.
-
-
Danny Lipford spruces up a dingy front door (CBS/The Early Show)
-
Front door after renovation (CBS/The Early Show)
-
-
News Tools Danny's Home Improvement Tips Get advice from the host of "Today's Homeowner"
-
In The Spotlight Danny Lipford's Web Site Danny's site is full of home improvement ideas for do-it-youselfers.
Home improvement expert Danny Lipford visited The Early Show with tips on how to make your entrance look most inviting. Lipford is the host of the syndicated show, "Today's Homeowner," and has a Web site with useful tips and information.
SPRUCING UP THE FRONT DOOR
Renewing the finish
Front doors take a lot of abuse. If yours is painted, it will need a new coat every five years; a stained and varnished door needs re-finishing even more often. But be ready to invest the time. First you'll need to thoroughly sand down the existing finish, brush on a primer, and follow with two thin top coats, while sanding in between each application. It's best to use top quality exterior paint and consider trying a bold primary color.
Kick plate
These are usually made of brass and attached with small brass screws. The kick plate offers protection against scuff marks and gives the door a little bit of pizzazz. They range in price from under $20 to more than $50; look for thick solid brass, protected with a clear finish to hold off tarnish and corrosion.
Lockset upgrade
The lock is generally the most expensive piece of hardware because it's worth making an investment in good security. But these days a wide variety of good looking locks can also dress up your door aesthetically.
Locksets come in a number of configurations: a door handle with a keyed lock, a door handle with a lock and a separate deadbolt, and a handle and deadbolt that are connected visually and mechanically. Styles include a "D" handle, a round handle that you grip, and a lever handle.
First, make sure to choose a lock that offers the level of security you need, but then take some extra time to pick out something you find attractive. Finishes can make the biggest difference, and include satin nickel, hand-rubbed pewter, hand-rubbed bronze and bright brass. Prices range from less than $50 to $300 and more. It is usually possible to install a new lock in the edge and face holes already drilled in the door.
New light fixture
There are lots of choices under $100 at home centers; higher quality fixtures can be double the price. You can find a real conversation piece to enhance the architecture of your home, like a hand-crafted fixture in iron or copper. In any case, remember to match the finish of your lockset, and make sure to pick a fixture that's in scale with the other elements around your front door. Light output is also important; you might do well with smaller fixtures on either side of the door or a pendant light hung from the porch or entry ceiling. Be sure to turn off electricity before replacing a light fixture.
Doorbell button
Because doorbell buttons are sold separately from the chimes they actuate, it's easy to upgrade this decorative feature. It will cost you from $5 to $25, and installation is very straightforward because it involves low-voltage wiring or, in the case of wireless chimes, no wiring at all. You can also choose a door knocker, for a different sort of look and sound. Most are die cast and brass plated in traditional styling at $5 to $20, but you can often find solid brass examples at flea markets and antique fairs for the same price.
Mailbox or slot
Even if you have a mailbox at the curb, a flush-mounted mailbox or a mail slot have a traditional appeal and can be a convenient way for neighbors to leave things for you when you're not home. Mailboxes range in price from a few dollars for a thin sheet metal version to several hundred for a detailed architectural casting. Mail slots can be purchased at home centers in a brass or nickel plate for under $20.
House numbers
This is another way to put some gilt on the lily, and serve a practical purpose at the same time. Thin brass or nickel house numbers can run under $5 a piece; thicker examples may be double or more in price. Numbers are usually applied to the wall or door with small matching screws that are included or you can use plaques, which frame the numbers in a matching metal.
Door trim
Many homes built in the 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s have ordinary or dull door trim. Replacing it with something more decorative is a way to dramatically alter the look of your entry area. Don't go overboard or you can end up with a style that doesn't work with your home or front door. Some of the most impressive looks are available in materials like urethane, rather than plain wood. Replacing door trim does require some moderate carpentry skills or a careful handyman. The materials range from $75 to $250.
Other effective "curb appeal" upgrades:
©MMVI, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.
CBSNews.com On Digg
More From Danny Lipford
Gen. Ray Odierno, head of multinational forces in Iraq, on progress there and plans for Afghanistan.
