When it comes to your home’s aesthetics and functionality, doors and their trim play an important — yet often underappreciated — role. If you’re considering ways to transform your home, don’t underestimate the power of re-trimming and replacing your doors. This relatively simple improvement can refresh the look of your home and even improve energy efficiency. 

In this blog post, we’ll explore the benefits of re-trimming and replacing your doors and the benefits of working with a professional remodeling company for your next home improvement project.

Reasons to Re-Trim and Replace Doors

Re-trimming and/or replacing your doors can be a surprisingly effective way to refresh your home. The benefits of this simple improvement include:

Aesthetic Upgrades

Outdated styles or damaged trim can certainly detract from the overall appearance of a room, drawing negative attention. Whether you prefer classic charm or contemporary sleekness, choosing a door and trim that align with your sense of style is a great way to elevate your interior — and exterior — designs. The possibilities are endless!

Consider the following trim styles:

• Traditional styles: Crown molding, fluted casing, etc.
• Modern styles: Sleek, minimalist designs with clean lines.
• Custom trim: Unique profiles to match your home’s character.

These door styles are sure to boost your home’s appearance:

• Interior: Choose from panel, pocket, barn, or French doors.
• Exterior: Materials include fiberglass, steel, or wood with various finishes and decorative glass.
• Custom: Tailored to your specific dimensions to bring your vision to life.

Improved Functionality

You take your doors for granted — that is, until they stop working properly. Sticking, creaking, or poorly sealed doors can be annoying, disrupting your daily routines. New doors, on the other hand, provide smoother operation and better sound insulation, ensuring seamless use.

Energy Efficiency

Gaps and worn-out seals around exterior doors can lead to air leaks and heat exchange, affecting your home’s comfort. Replacing them with modern, insulated options helps reduce energy consumption, which can save you money in the long run.

Increased Home Value

All of these benefits add a polished, high-quality touch to your home that is sure to appeal to potential buyers, making your property stand out in the real estate market.

Steps in Re-Trimming and Replacing Doors

The first step in any home improvement project is planning and budgeting. Assess which doors and trim need replacing and set a realistic budget for materials and labor. It’s a smart idea to seek an estimate from at least one remodeling company to help you make informed decisions.

Like with any project, there’s always a chance for unforeseen challenges and expenses. Structural issues like uneven walls or doorframes, for example, may necessitate adjustments and reinforcement, and you may need to repair or touch up surrounding areas. Include a bit of leeway in your budget to account for these unexpected costs.

Once you’ve come up with a solid plan, it’s time to select materials and styles that match your home’s aesthetic. Don’t forget to take into account durability and maintenance requirements to ensure they fit with your lifestyle. 

The final step is installation. If you want the most reliable, long-lasting results, working with a professional remodeling company is the way to go. From removing the old doors to taking precise measurements to the installation itself, professional services ensure precision and efficiency, helping you avoid DIY pitfalls.

Maintenance Tips for Doors and Trim

The journey doesn’t end after installation is complete. To ensure your doors and trim stand the test of time, regular maintenance is key. A few simple steps will go a long way in protecting their longevity. 

Prevent dust buildup with regular cleaning. This can look different depending on the materials — for example, you’ll want to use a microfiber cloth and glass cleaner on glass, while wood polish can be a good choice for rejuvenating unpainted natural wood. 

Periodically check for signs of wear, including peeling paint or warped materials. Addressing these issues promptly, whether through DIY fixes or professional repairs, prevents them from escalating. 

Why Choose Rosewood?

At Rosewood, our expertise and experience ensure high-quality results. When you work with us on your next remodeling project, you don’t just get access to a wider range of materials and design options — you can save valuable time and effort compared to doing it yourself.

Whether you’re considering re-trimming and replacing your doors or another home improvement project, the expert team at Rosewood is here to help. Contact us today to learn more about how we can bring your vision to life.

So, you’re the proud owner of a historic home, every square inch filled with memories of the past and oozing with character. The only problem is that your home isn’t quite suited for modern life and requires some renovation to become comfortable and functional. As you plan your projects, keep these principles in mind to ensure you strike the right balance between honoring the past while embracing the present.

1. Explore Your Home’s History

Before beginning your renovations, do everything you can to learn about your home’s history. Search public records to learn about previous occupants, check whether the city has the original blueprints on file, talk to local historians, and take note of any physical clues that could help you understand the journey your home has taken thus far. This knowledge will guide you as you work to preserve your home’s history.

2. Check Local Regulations

Depending on the age of your home, its significance, and whether it’s on the National Registry of Historic Places, it may be subject to certain restrictions when it comes to renovations. Before making any changes, check with your local government and see whether you need special permits or approvals for your project. If you proceed without permission, you could be subject to costly fines, putting your renovations on hold.

There’s also the obstacle of building codes. Your home must meet certain requirements to be considered safe, whether it’s from earthquakes, fires, or asbestos exposure. These requirements have evolved over the years, so if your historic home hasn’t been updated in a long time, you can expect to need to do some extra work to get it up to code and ensure your family is safe.

3. Prioritize Preservation Wherever Possible

Preservation experts agree: If you wanted a modern home, you should’ve bought a modern home. There’s no shortage of new builds out there, but there’s a finite number of historic homes still standing. Every old house that gets transformed beyond recognition is a tragic loss of historic knowledge.

They don’t make homes like they used to, which gives you the incredible opportunity to enjoy the craftsmanship and charm of days gone by. This means that as the owner of a historic home, you have a responsibility to respect the past and prioritize preservation. Unique details, structures, and materials should be treated as precious windows into history, and keeping them around is typically the right thing to do. 

However, not everything can be preserved. Decay and extensive damage sometimes necessitate the removal or replacement of certain elements. In these cases, changes are okay, as long as you respect the home’s original aesthetics and structure. The National Trust for Historic Preservation gives these guidelines for rehabbing historic homes the right way:

• Make every effort to use the building for its original purpose, when possible.
• Do not destroy distinctive original features.
• Recognize that all buildings are physical products of their own time.
• Recognize and respect changes that have taken place over time.
• Sensitively treat and preserve distinctive stylistic features or examples of skilled craft work.
• Whenever possible, repair rather than replace worn architectural features.
• Clean facades using the gentlest methods possible.
• Protect and preserve archaeological resources.
• Compatible contemporary alterations are acceptable if they do not destroy significant historical or architectural fabric.
• Build new additions so they can be removed without impairing the underlying structure.

4. Work with an Expert

Don’t underestimate the value of working with an expert. Historical preservationists, local history buffs, and architectural historians have a wealth of knowledge that can help you determine the best course of action for your home. They can guide you through the renovation and restoration process and help you make the right decisions. 

Whenever possible, work with expert artisans who understand the nuances of your home’s architectural style and know how to imitate historical craftsmanship. It may be more costly in terms of time and money, but the end result is worth it. When you invest in quality, you’re likely to save money in the long run by avoiding frequent repairs and replacements.

5. Upgrade Building Systems

We’re used to our modern conveniences and comforts, from air conditioning and insulation to outlets on every wall and hot water at the turn of a knob. You want your historic home to fit your lifestyle, which means you’ll likely need to upgrade certain building systems. Work closely with electricians, plumbers, and HVAC technicians throughout your renovation to ensure your historic home is functional in the modern world.

Your Partners in Preservation

At Rosewood, we would be honored to partner with you as you tackle the challenges of historic home renovation. We promise to treat your home with the respect it deserves as we help bring your vision to life. Contact us today to get started!