Getting a new house built opens a world of structural potentials. Even with construction rules and standards, you can mold your home any way you want to. This freedom includes choosing your humble abode’s doors, windows, and siding.
Here’s the thing to consider, though: different styles don’t just vary in aesthetics. Each type of door, for example, has its benefits and downsides. The same goes for window and siding varieties. Talk to home exterior contractors if you need extensive help with your decisions. In the meantime, read on to learn about which factors you should consider when choosing your house’s doors, windows, and siding.
Deciding Your Doors
Doors stand guard at every entryway and serve functional and design purposes. The main entrance, in particular, serves as one of the focal points of your façade while providing security to your residence. Such features make doors essential to every home, so remember to keep the following criteria in mind when making your pick.
Design
Does your house need an elaborate entrance? Or will a simple option fit it better? It’s beneficial for you to put a lot of thought into which door aesthetic you’ll choose. A style that complements your house’s indoor and outdoor visuals elevates your entire abode’s beauty. For example, a dark mahogany door with an ornamental design can add a sophisticated atmosphere to your living room.
Material Construct
Doors provide privacy and security to your home, so make sure to choose one built with durable quality. Selecting a door tested for weather resistance also helps keep your home in good condition no matter the season. Nowadays, most doors are made from wood, steel, and fiberglass. Opt for one or a combination of these options to ensure your home’s total safety.
Placement
Where you need to install your new door helps determine which type you should choose. As various styles work for different spaces, some doors naturally fit certain rooms while others don’t. Interior or exterior placement is also good to consider. Sliding glass doors, for instance, are suited for rooms that lead outdoors, while PVC doors work well as shower enclosures.
Window Shopping
Windows are the eyes of the house. And just like your optics, windows provide significant functions for your home. It pays to be thorough when choosing the ideal panes and frames, so consider the following factors before finalizing your decision.
Functionality
Windows serve several purposes. One is to let air flow inside the house. Ventilation within your home is vital as it prevents a stuffy atmosphere. Another function is to allow sunlight inside your home during the daytime. Aside from the benefits of vitamin D, natural light also means less energy consumption and lower bills to pay.
Energy Efficiency
More homes are opting for windows made of double-glazed or triple-glazed glass. These variants help you maximize your house’s energy levels with up to 30 percent more efficiency. Energy-efficient windows are more expensive than traditional options, but they’re worth it in the long run. Better performance from these window installations also helps reduce your energy bills.
Siding Selection
Vinyl, wood, fiber cement, stucco, and veneer: these are a few siding options available in the market. The material that you choose ultimately affects the appearance and performance of your structure. Before you decide, here are some things to consider when you shop for house siding.
Durability
Over time, elements like sun, rain, wind, and snow can chip away at your home and damage your exteriors. The toughness of the siding you choose can be helpful or detrimental to your house. For example, fiber cement and stucco prove to be durable against weather and cracking. On the flip side, vinyl siding gets easily damaged from thrown debris or tree branch scratches.
Level of Maintenance
Depending on its material construct, your house’s siding can last from 20 to 30 years. Across that timespan, you have to perform regular maintenance to clean, repair, and repaint your home’s siding. Most siding requires maintenance, with varying degrees of upkeep.
Some siding, like wood, needs routine staining and washing every couple of years. Stone veneer and brick are resilient, and they only require a few checkups for structural cracks.
Ask Your Local Contractor
Making choices is tough, especially when you’re weighing multiple options. But if you know the right factors to consider, choosing your home’s doors, windows, and siding can be a smooth process. Remember that it all boils down to style, performance, financial costs, and personal preference.
If you need more help, you can talk to home exterior contractors in your area. Contact an expert today for extensive advice in your decision-making efforts.