Expert: Jessica Bryan - 7/20/2005

Question
We are remodeling a 1950's, 3-bedroom bungalow located in a moderately-priced, working class neighborhood in Decatur, Georgia where a lot of remodeling and new in-fill development is going on. We already did the logical things, like put in a new kitchen, added a half-bath,  new carpet and paint, refinished hardwoods, mowed the weeds. We are getting ready to have the exterior painted, and need some tips to improve the entryway of the home w/o spending a fortune. We'd like your opinion on what we're considering:
1. NEW FRONT DOOR. My husband says the old wood door is fine; it's old and just needs to be painted. Yes, it's old, and I say for  $150.00 we could buy a door with the upper part divided-light, (nine-lights) and paint it, and it would look fresh and inviting and add a since of openness to the cramped landing of the small entryway. Your thought?
2. ENTRYWAY RAILING. There are five steps up to the front door, lined with wrought iron balustrades and railing. Should we keep the wrought iron? And when we paint it, should we keep it black, or paint it the same bright color as the door or the steps or the light, fresh body color or the trim of the house? (The house is brick and frame.) OR, should we replace the wrought iron with a fresh new wood balustrade and railing, painted in the trim color?
3. STEPS AND LANDING COLOR: Currently, the steps and landing are a black-gray. (Yuck!) Should we paint the cement steps the same, light color as the body of the house to make the house look bigger? Or, paint it in a clay color to match the brick? Or keep it black to hide dirt?

THANKS!

Answer
Hi Ellen;
Well you have me at a disadvantage not being able to see the house but with your excellent descriptions I think I can picture what you have now and what you want to achieve.  The front door will be the best improvement since it will not only affect curb appeal but the interior light as well. You get two benefits for one price!  However, if your husband thinks that the new door is unnecessary make sure to paint it and add some ornamentation either with a welcome wreath or  perhaps some glue-on molding to give it definition and a more contemporary look if the door is a flat panel.  Fresh and sparkling hardware will enhance its look as well.  Make sure to have adequate lighting  (front porch light) that is clean and polished as well.

Railing that is light and bright is a nice feature especially if it is white which adds definition to the house--but only if you have some white trim elsewhere.  If not, then paint it the color of the trim you have on the house.  It may not be necessary to change out the wrought iron--I would do that last after you have made the other improvements.  See how the front looks and if it doesn't seem balanced add new railing then.  It is all about balance and definition.  It is possible that the wrought iron is just fine and if you put in heavy wood rails you might overpower your entry and take away from the light fresh new look.

As for the steps and landing: for safety and looks, the steps and landing should be a light color matching the body of the house and easily seen at night.  By brightening the front entry you will add good deal of curb appeal. Also...don't forget about some potted plants for bits of color. These can be changed regularly to reflect seasonal color and are much easier to maintain than exterior landscaping.This is not to say that the front landscaping isn't equally important but can be simple and low maintenance as long as there is some color by the front door.  By the way...to save money on your home improvements, check to see if there is a Habitat for Humanity store in your area where you can purchase building supplies at a fraction of their cost.  These are overages and donated items that help raise money for Habitat and saves the consumer lots too!

I hope that this helps you with your decision.

Sincerely,
Jessica Bryan
Managing Broker
House to Home Realty Services