Easy & Affordable Ways to Add Character to A Builder Grade Home- Part 1: Doors
Antique Doors
Most times builders install the typical hollow-core doors in new homes. While it may take some time to get them all replaced it is definitely worth the effort to change out the ordinary with antique or solid doors. These beautiful relics can be found at most resale shops at a fairly good price. It might require some resizing of the older door to fit the jamb of newer model homes, but the investment will truly be worth it.
How to Cut Down Interior Doors
- How to Cut Down an Interior Door | Home Guides | SF Gate
Sometimes an interior door must be cut down to open properly. Installing new carpeting in a room, putting in a threshold or even buying a new door that is just too long for the doorway means that the ...
Painting
An even faster face lift, is painting interior doors with a dramatic color to give them that splash of charm that is usually missing with builder grade white. Be sure to select a color that reflects your home and family, and remember to stay uniform. Neutral colors like black and gray are great choices that also help to hide dirt and minor flaws. Encasing newly painted doors with wider molding makes the color pop.
Tips for Painting Doors
- 9 Tips for Painting Doors | The Family Handyman
Painting doors? Proper preparation, the right tools and materials and good technique make a huge difference. Use these pro tips to make an old door look new again.
Sliding Barn Doors
Barn doors will not be possible on all doorways, but installing just a few will increase the charm factor ten fold. The kits are fairly inexpensive and easy to install. These sliding doors are a great way to add privacy while not taking up much space. They are perfect for rooms such as offices, bathrooms, dining areas, or even closets.
Lowes- How to Install Barn Doors
- How to Size and Hang a Sliding Door
Customize a sliding door to fit your room. Then hang it using sturdy barn-door hardware to provide years of trouble-free use.
Hardware
Hardware is another small change that adds big character. Once again, this may make take a little time and some money, but a couple knobs and a set of hinges here and there will eventually get you there. Adding old knobs, collected from antique shops, to an old door is a little detail that makes a huge impact.
