The Best Return On A Home Remodel Project

The Best Return On A Home Remodel Project

Okay, FishHawk Ranch homeowners here is a trivia question for you. What is the only home remodel project to have a positive cost versus value return for 2015? Time is up! Do you think you have the answer? The only home remodeling project to have a positive return on investment is to replace your front door with a new steel front door! Remodeling Magazines costs versus value 2015 remodeling projects for Tampa, Florida a steel door replacement costs on average $1167 and brings a return of $1318. That breaks down a recoup of your cost of 112.9 percent! This was the only positive return project on the list this year. The only other project that came close was a bathroom remodel that had a 99.9 percent return on your investment.

Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the different types of doors and how they affect your FishHawk Ranch home.

Steel Door

Steel doors have come a long way. They are not just your plain boring doors anymore. Steel doors now come in beautiful designs and some even come with decorative glass inserts. If you’re looking to save money and possibly even make money a steel door may be a good choice for you. Steel doors can range in price from $150 to around $650 plus hardware and installation.

Steel offers a slight advantage over fiberglass and wood as the strongest barrier against intruders.

The lifespan of a steel door can be a little shorter than fiberglass and wood. Especially in Florida, the salt air and summertime rains do seem to have an effect on the durability of the door.

There is a possibility that a steel door may dent and the damage can be difficult and expensive to repair.

While steel doors may be inexpensive and a good return on your money if your door will be heavily exposed to traffic or the elements, you may be better off choosing a different material.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors come in a large variety of styles. Many of these doors actually look like real wood doors.

These doors require very little upkeep. Fiberglass doesn’t expand or contract as the weather changes so it can go for years without needing to be repainted. They are also very durable and can last up to 20 years. The doors feel light compared to a steel door but they are tough and difficult for an intruder to breach. Fiberglass doors have a foam core offers that offers a considerable amount of insulation for our warm FishHawk summers.

The cost of Fiberglass doors generally falls between the steel door and the wood door price. You can find fiberglass doors starting around $400 to $1000 plus the cost of installation and hardware.

Per Remodeling magazine they list the cost of a fiberglass front door replacement project at $2842 and the resale value at $1827.  Although a fiberglass door doesn’t generate as high a return as a steel door, it recoups about 64.3% in home value.

Wood Doors

Wood doors are considered the high-end, luxury choices for doors. Its look and weight can’t be duplicated by fiberglass or steel doors. If your FishHawk Ranch home calls for a stunning entry statement with a handcrafted touch, wood may be the best material for you.

Wood is usually the most expensive choice of the three doors. The cost is roughly $500 to $2,000 plus hardware and installation. Wood doors do require the most maintenance but they are for the most part easier to repair than steel or fiberglass. Wood doors should be repainted or refinished every year or two to prevent splitting and warping.

If you’re concerned about the environmental impact of your door as well as its energy efficiency, you can purchase a solid wood door certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. They will assure you that the wood was sustainably grown and harvested.

Energy Efficient Doors

By choosing an energy-efficient door, you may be able to trim up to 10% off your energy bills. The typical FishHawk Ranch homeowner’s utility bill averaged over $2,200 last year so by adding a new energy-efficient door you may be able to save $220 or more a year. Remember that energy efficiency depends on a number of factors besides the material a door is made of, it is important to look for the Energy Star label to help you compare doors.

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