Common Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Replacement Front Doors
Common Mistakes to Avoid when Buying Replacement Front Doors
There’s no denying that traditional front doors have a certain aesthetic charm; however, security and energy efficiency always take priority over appearances. This isn’t to say that high-security front doors can’t look great, particularly when you avoid some of the most common mistakes encountered during front door shopping. Not only is your front door the primary gateway into your safe space, but it also shapes your visitors’ first impressions of your home. Therefore, the research stage shouldn’t be taken lightly; here are some of the most common mistakes we believe people make when shopping for modern front doors.
Relying on Price Points
It’s a widespread belief that the option with the highest price tag is the best quality. After all, why else would it be so expensive? You will be pleased to know, though, that this isn’t always the case. In the world of front doors, Gerda provides affordable options that are of a significantly higher quality than extortionately priced premium composite front doors. So, you don’t have to break the bank to secure your home with a stylish front door.
Trusting Falsified Energy Efficiency Certification
After security, energy efficiency tends to be the second priority for homeowners searching for a new front door. Not only are energy-efficient front doors better for the environment, but they help you cut costs when it comes to heating and cooling your home. Front door manufacturers know this better than anyone, which is why some may be sneaky and make some fraudulent claims about the energy efficiency certification of their front doors. With Gerda, you can rest assured that your new door is energy efficient, recyclable, and fully manufactured in Europe, making it the ideal carbon-neutral solution.
Selecting Unapproved Installers
Every manufacturer will have a different process, producing different results, and requiring a different installation method. Front door installation isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, and it’s not something that just anyone can do seamlessly. Therefore, when looking for an installer for your new front door, you should make sure that they are approved by the manufacturer and have gone through the necessary training. This way, you can relax in the knowledge that they are familiar with your chosen front door and know just how to install it without any hiccups. At Gerda, we have a number of partners throughout England who can install your new front door without a hitch.
Neglecting Local Planning Regulations
In most cases, replacing a front door on a typical house in a standard area falls under permitted development and doesn’t need planning permission. That said, this isn’t to say that there aren’t exceptions to this generalised rule. Listed below are some instances in which you may need planning permission to replace your front door:
- If your home is in a conservation area, altering the building’s appearance in any way may need planning permission to preserve the area’s character.
- If your home is a listed building, you’ll usually require Listed Building Consent to replace your front door, as alterations could impact the historic or architectural significance.
- Some councils use an Article 4 Direction, which essentially removes permitted development rights in certain areas.
- If the appearance of your new door is drastically different from your old one and alters the external appearance of your home considerably, some areas may require you to get permission for such a change.
- Typically speaking, flats and maisonettes don’t benefit from the same permitted development rights as houses, meaning planning permission may be required for replacing a front door for these properties.
To be on the safe side, before purchasing a new front door, you should check with your local council’s planning department, review the property’s status (listed, in a conservation area, etc.), and get written confirmation, especially if you plan to sell the home later down the line.
Buying Online
Online shopping has become the norm, and for most products, this is okay, but there are simply some things that you would never buy online without seeing the item in person. You’d never buy a car without taking it for a test drive, and your front door is exactly the same. Online shopping just doesn’t provide the experience you need to determine whether a front door is right for your home. You need to visit a showroom to see, feel, and hear the door for what it is.
What sets Gerda Doors apart is their distinctive “Thunk”; the soft but firm closing sound that signals you’re home. The sound of closing your front door can calm your nervous system, thanks to the connection between physical protection and emotional safety. The “Thunk” of the Gerda Door is very purposeful; the aluminium and steel construction is designed to create a balanced weight that moves smoothly but firmly. The seals compress perfectly, allowing the locking mechanism to quietly and confidently click into place. Gerda promises zero squeaks and no shifting, just an assertive close. Find a showroom near you to experience the “Thunk” firsthand.
Composite vs Aluminium Doors – Gerda Comes Out on Top
If you’re keen to avoid each of the above mistakes, then Gerda is the way to go. These aluminium front doors boast affordability, energy efficiency, and an innovative design that places them well above composite doors in almost every aspect. What’s more, there are a number of Gerda-approved installers across England, making it easier than ever to find a reputable fitter. If you’re still not convinced by the many benefits of Gerda Doors, we invite you to browse our online range before visiting a showroom near you.
