When it comes to home upgrades that offer both aesthetic and practical benefits, replacing the front door often tops the list. But a common question homeowners ask is: “Does replacing front door increase home value?” The short answer is—yes, it often does. While the impact varies depending on the home and market conditions, upgrading your front door can have a positive influence on resale appeal, perceived value, and even energy efficiency.
At Kelly Window and Door, we’ve worked with countless homeowners across the Raleigh-Durham area, including Wake Forest, Wendell, North Hills, Five Points, Hope Valley, and beyond. Whether you’re preparing to sell or simply want to boost your home’s curb appeal, here’s what you should know about how a new front door can affect your home’s value.
First Impressions Matter
Your front door is one of the first things people notice when approaching your home. Real estate agents and design professionals often emphasize that curb appeal can significantly influence how potential buyers perceive your home—before they ever step inside.
A worn, outdated, or damaged door may raise concerns about maintenance or overall care, even if the rest of your home is in great shape. On the other hand, a new front door in a color and style that suits the home’s exterior sends a message of quality, cleanliness, and pride of ownership.
In many cases, a high-quality, well-installed front door can help your home stand out in a competitive real estate market.
Potential Return on Investment (ROI)
While individual results vary, several industry studies and remodeling reports have shown that replacing a front entry door—especially with high-quality materials like steel or fiberglass—can offer a strong return on investment. ROI percentages differ year to year and by region, but it’s not uncommon to see return rates in the 60–90% range.
That means if you spend $2,000 on a new front door installation, you could potentially recoup $1,200–$1,800 in resale value—not to mention the additional appeal to buyers who may be drawn in by the fresh, updated look.
Of course, ROI isn’t guaranteed, and it can depend on factors like:
- Local housing market conditions
- Neighborhood norms
- Overall condition of the home
- Material and style of the door
- Professional quality of the installation
But in most cases, a stylish, durable, and secure new door is considered a value-adding investment.
Boosting Energy Efficiency
Another factor that can contribute to long-term home value is energy efficiency. Older doors—especially wood doors that have warped, cracked, or lost their seal over time—can allow drafts to enter the home, driving up heating and cooling costs.
Modern front doors, particularly fiberglass and insulated steel models, are built with thermal barriers and weather-resistant sealing systems that help keep indoor temperatures stable. This not only makes your home more comfortable year-round but also helps with energy savings, something future buyers may appreciate.
If your current door shows signs of air leakage, difficulty closing, or visible gaps, it may be time to consider a more efficient replacement. In regions like Raleigh-Durham, where summers are hot and winters can get chilly, energy efficiency is a real selling point.
Enhancing Security and Peace of Mind
Security is another priority for homeowners and prospective buyers alike. Older doors can weaken over time, especially around the frame, hinges, or locking mechanisms. Replacing your front door gives you the opportunity to upgrade to modern locking systems and reinforced frames that offer enhanced protection.
Many high-quality replacement doors come standard with multi-point locking systems, tamper-resistant hardware, and impact-resistant glass (if applicable). These security enhancements not only protect your home but also increase its overall appeal and perceived value.
When buyers see a solid, well-installed door, they feel more confident about the security of the property—something that’s hard to put a price on.
Aesthetic Flexibility to Match Any Style
Whether your home is rustic, modern, traditional, or transitional, the right front door can tie the entire look together. At Kelly Window and Door, we offer a wide range of customizable entry doors through trusted manufacturers like ProVia, giving homeowners the ability to:
- Choose from various colors, stains, and finishes
- Add decorative glass or sidelights
- Select from unique hardware options
- Create custom sizes or specialty shapes
This flexibility means you can match the architecture of your home perfectly—or use the door as a striking focal point to set your home apart from others on the block.
If you’re thinking about selling your home soon, a new door can serve as a cost-effective exterior upgrade that elevates your home’s appearance without the expense of a full renovation.
Real-World Curb Appeal Success
We’ve seen the impact firsthand. Clients in North Raleigh, Durham, Wake Forest, and Garner have shared how a new entry door installation gave their home an immediate facelift. Whether replacing an outdated 1990s-style door or adding glass accents for natural light, the transformation is often dramatic—and the satisfaction is real.
In some cases, homeowners who were preparing to list their home found that real estate agents highlighted the new front door in the listing description, helping attract more attention (and offers) from buyers.
Why Work with Kelly Window and Door?
When you invest in a front door, who installs it matters as much as what you buy. At Kelly Window and Door, we’ve been providing expert door and window installations in Raleigh-Durham and beyond for over 30 years. Our Stress-Free Guarantee means:
- Clear communication from start to finish
- Expert design consultants to help you choose the right door
- Professional installers who treat your home with care
- Follow-up support if you ever have questions or concerns
We take pride in eliminating the stress and guesswork that often come with home improvement projects. With Kelly, you can be confident that your front door replacement is done right—both functionally and visually.
Conclusion: Small Upgrade, Big Impact
While every home is different, replacing your front door is a relatively simple upgrade that can make a big impression—on buyers, neighbors, and even your energy bills. From boosting curb appeal to improving comfort and security, it’s a smart, cost-effective way to elevate your home’s value without taking on a major renovation.
If you’re thinking about replacing your door, don’t just settle for any option. Let the experts at Kelly Window and Door help you select and install the perfect entryway for your home and lifestyle.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and take the first step toward a better front door—and a more valuable home.