[E272]Entry Doors With Sidelights

Home entry doors cost more than interior doors for several reasons. To ensure home security, entry doors must be much thicker and more durable than doors on the inside of a house. In addition, if entry doors are not solidly constructed, they rattle in poor weather and windy conditions and also reduce your homes energy efficiency. But getting a quality entry door doesnt have to cost you an arm and a leg. By following a few simple ideas when speaking with your contractor, you can get an energy-efficient, durable entry door at a reasonable price.

1. Determine the design of your entry door. Do you want an entryway that is traditional? Modern? Rustic? Mostly glass or mostly wood? Do you want the door to have beveled, decorative glass or something simpler? A hinged door or sliding glass? Since replacing your entry door will be a large investment, choose a design that reflects not only the look and style of your home but also your own personality and how you want visitors to feel when they arrive. Your contractor will provide you with many designs of entry doors; you will be surprised at the beautiful collections that are available.

2. Determine which features are most important to you in an entry door. Do you prefer an entry door that is beautiful but may not be as energy efficient as other doors on the market? Or is energy efficiency your most important factor? Fiberglass doors usually provide better insulation than wood doors but may not have the look and feel you would like. Does your doors finish need to withstand moisture from rain and snow? Keep these questions in mind as you shop for your new entry door.

Also, make sure the door you choose offers the security features you are looking for. Does the door include a deadbolt or inside chain latch? Does the lock only latch when you insert a key from the outside? Make sure you thoroughly inspect any entry door before purchasing it, keeping these questions in mind.

3. Determine whether your home also needs a storm door. Even if the entry door you choose is made of steel, a storm door can reduce wind and cold penetration in the winter and promote ventilation during hot summer months. If you are unsure whether your home needs a storm door, your local utility company can be a great resource. Most utility companies offer literature some of which they may publish online that discusses ways in which customers can improve the energy efficiency of their homes. Even if your utility company is unable to answer your specific questions, they will be able to point you toward resources that can help you determine whether you will improve your homes energy efficiency by installing a storm door.

4. Do your research. As with most products, you can find thousands of entry doors and their prices online. Shopping for an entry door online can save you a great deal of money. When determining your final cost, however, always be sure to factor in sales tax and any applicable shipping costs, as well as the cost of installation, should you choose to hire someone to do the job. In addition, always make sure your measurements are exact, as this will save you time and energy when your entry door is installed.

5. Purchase an energy-efficient door and receive a $500 tax credit. Through the Energy Policy Act of 2005, a federal income tax credit of up to $500 is available for homeowners who purchase energy-efficient entry doors. Ask your entry door manufacturer about whether the door(s) you have in mind qualify. Eligible products are denoted with an insignia with red-and-blue stars. This tax credit is only available in certain climate zones in the U.S., so be sure to check with the IRS to determine, based on where you live, whether you are eligible to receive the credit.

6. Save money by installing your entry door yourself. Most entry doors, including sliding glass doors and French doors, are difficult to install yourself, and most hinged entry doors are may be somewhat easier to install. Many times the door itself will come with step-by-step installation instructions. Should you hire a contractor to supply and install your new door, do your research first. Ask friends and coworkers to provide you with referrals for companies who have installed their entry doors. If you are unsure about a companys reputation, contact your local Better Business Bureau, which, in most cases, will be able to provide you with a report on the companys track record and history of client satisfaction.