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August 5, 2015

This easy fix can increase your home's value overnight

 
Believe it or not, the condition of your front door actually plays a big role in your home's overall value. Although it may not seem like much, replacing your front door can add value to your home, as well as cut your utility bills by 10%. According to a recent article by Houselogic, the project could cost you as much as $1,230, but will return 101.8% of the cost in the increase in home value it provides.

Before you actually take the plunge and replace your front door, it's important to determine what kind of door is right for your home. Houselogic breaks down the pros and cons for each of the three materials typically used in front doors.
 

Steel
As the cheapest option on the list, a steel door can be a good choice for those homeowners looking to increase their home's value for as little money as possible. Houselogic points out that if you can do the installation yourself, you could replace your current front door with a new, steel one for as low as $150.

Although the price is low, so is steel's lifespan. If you live in a place where your front door is exposed to salty air or heavy rains, your steel door may only last five to seven years, according to Houselogic's findings.

Fiberglass
A fiberglass door may be right for you if you want a low maintenance option that looks like you sprung for real wood. It's also durable. If not exposed to extreme conditions, Houselogic reports that a fiberglass door can last for 15 to 20 years. Furthermore, fiberglass can provide excellent insulation due to its foam core.

A fiberglass door will be a bit more expensive to purchase and install than a steel door, however. The door itself may range in price from $150 to $600. Houslogic sources estimate that the entire project could set you back almost $3,000.

Wood
If curb appeal is your main concern, look no further than a wooden door. A front door made of wood can lend a luxurious touch to your home's entryway, but this luxury comes at a cost. Wood is the most expensive of the three materials. Houselogic estimates that a wood door may cost anywhere between $500 and $2,000. It's also one of the more high maintenance options, as wood doors require repainting every 1-2 years.

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