Author: Jennifer Voshell

Small Projects to Improve Life at Home

Though we are known for our full custom homes, you may be surprised to learn that we do quite a lot of smaller projects as well.  Small projects are often the ones that make the biggest impact on the measure of joy we experience living at home.

Some of the most popular small projects right now increase the practical use of our home. Perhaps you want an outdoor shower for when you return from trips to the pool, boat or beach, or a garage addition to keep your car out of the weather? What about a shed to corale yard equipment? Or maybe with the mountains of laundry you have to tackle, you dream of expanding your laundry room? How about a dedicated home office so you can take conference calls in peace!

Other small projects may increase the enjoyment of relaxing at home such as a sunroom or family room addition, or creating an porch or patio for outdoor entertaining.  Now that we are spending more time at home, your needs have likely changed somewhat. Below are some photos to get your home improvement juices flowing. Just imagine what your home could be and let us do the rest!

Your custom built outdoor shower awaits you. Ahhhh!
Screened in porch to capture amazing water views.
How about a screened in patio that’s perfect to enjoy a summer rain and some evening cocktails around the fire!
What about a guest bedroom oasis or in-law suite?
And don’t forget about a home spa. I know a lot of you are missing going to the salon and spa right now. Create one at home!
Home office with custom built-in shelving. And, also windows galore to capture those Bay views
Maybe your deck railings are spoiling the view because they are in need of repair? Don’t despair! Lundberg Builders to the rescue and we care!

What project are you dreaming about that would make your life at home even better? We’d love to hear from you. No project is too big or too small. Call us at 410-643-3334 and tell us about it!

Modern Farmhouse Design Details

 

Modern Farmhouse – Courtesy of James Hardie

American Farmhouse home design has always been a common, classic style in our architectural history, originating with the first American colonists. However, with the rise in popularity  of HGTV’s Fixer Upper show starring Joanna Gaines and her husband, Chip, farmhouse style has enjoyed a significant revival and further evolved with a new twist now known as “Modern Farmhouse”.  Below we review what builder elements you can use to design your new construction or remodel with quintessential Modern Farmhouse style. (Main photo above – Modern Farmhouse, photo courtesy of James Hardie).

Vertical siding

Vertical siding – Courtesy of James Hardie

Applying  vertical lap or Board and Batten siding in a light (typically white) monochromatic exterior color is unmistakably Modern Farmhouse. It also helps accentuate the rectangular shape of the home while drawing the eye to the standing seam metal roof. This often will often also make the house appear taller as well.

Black window casings

Lundberg Builders custom home with black window casings

Black windows are the height of chic right now.  Black casings help add drama and modernity that defines today’s Modern Farmhouse. When black windows are paired with matching furnishes in the room they really make a room pop.  They also add stunning contrast to the light colors typically associated with the farmhouse aesthetic.

Standing seam metal roof

Standing seam metal roofs are more expensive initially, but the cost pays off in the long run as a more durable and long-lasting roofing material.  This type of metal roof system will less likely cause roof leaks in the future. Also, with not having the hardware exposed, it leaves the roof with a clean hard line finished look.

Sliding barn doors

Photo credit courtesy of Sun Mountain Custom Doors (www.sunmountaindoor.com).

Sliding barn doors are everywhere right now as the Rustic Farmhouse look trend continues.  In my experience with clients, sliding barn doors are desirable over traditional pocket doors because they allow a homeowner to gain more room in a space with the bonus of adding character as architectural décor while still retaining their functional purpose as a door to separate and define spaces. We’re even seeing now riffs on the solid wood sliding barn door in new transparent “french door-esque” glass and frame versions which up the ante on fresh and modern. The image above is a double barn door (Sun Mountain Design SQ-0100-D001-HX), with crossbucks, made of Reclaimed Barnwood with Clear Coat finish.

Exposed Beams

Custom kitchen with exposed beams, Lundberg Builders

Having Exposed beams in your project also adds drama and character to your Modern Farmhouse home. These beams can be structural if you had an old barn that was then turned into a house, which would be called a Timber Frame. The most common construction now is Stick frame which includes smaller beams and metal fasteners. You can still achieve this beam look by adding exposed beams for purely aesthetic aim. These beams can either show off the beautiful raw wood grain, or showcase a  salvaged or reclaimed wood. You can also paint or stain them to match the ceiling or to provide a contrast. Exposed beams also do not have to be made of wood at all. Steel or other materials can also be used and either left as is, or finished with a wrap made from reclaimed barnwood or even hardwood flooring.

Tongue and groove paneling, ship lap and Buttboard

When you walk into an old farmhouse,  you typically won’t see drywall, but rather wood planks on the wall. The Modern Farmhouse often comes with not only exposed beams on the ceiling, but the treatment of the ceiling itself is often a focal point, utilizing tongue and groove paneling.  Adding wood planks to either the walls or ceiling of  your Modern Farmhouse adds a rustic, cozy and crafted home feeling that adds dimension and depth of interest with the layering of building textures.

So what happens when you want to incorporate some Modern Farmhouse builder elements but also really love elements from other styles of home? This is often how new twists like Modern Farmhouse come into fruition in the first place. Styles marry and evolve into something new. This also is exactly why homeowners choose to work with us! As a custom builder, we aren’t boxed into a specific home design plan. We also know the rules of different architectural styles but are not afraid to break them to fulfill your wish list! We look forward to helping you design and build a home that is custom-made for YOU!

2019 Home Design Trends in Review

Award-winning custom home we built on the Eastern Shore.

Taking stock of research from home building and design industry experts, we’ve cherry picked articles from the past year to deliver you an overview of the hottest trends and most valuable features you can build into your new custom home, remodel or renovation. 

Most Popular Home Styles in 2019

Better Homes & Gardens reports that Cape Cod, Country French, Colonial, Victorian, Tudor, Craftsman, Cottage, Mediterranean, Traditional Ranch and Contemporary are the 10 Most Popular House Styles in architecture. 

Outdoor Living Gains Momentum

We receive a lot of requests for deck and porch additions from homeowners who want to enjoy more of the outdoors year-round.

The outdoor living trend is evolving with how we live. “Improved indoor-outdoor connections” top the Best in American Living’s Trends That Impress for 2019 and Beyond.

Screened porches off the kitchen and living rooms in this custom built home are designed with lift- and-slide glass doors that in an instant connect indoor kitchen and dining area with the outdoors for maximum enjoyment of the river views and breezes.

The article also lists “quiet but purposeful architecture” at the top of their trends in architecture list. Homeowners favor cleaner lines on both the interior and exterior and form with purpose, such as floor-to-ceiling windows.

White, Stone and Open Design Reign in the Kitchen

In a report entitled, What Home Buyers Really Want, 2019 Edition, the  National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) surveyed 4,000 home buyers who ranked 175 home features on which they based their home purchasing choice.  According to the survey, 86% of home buyers prefer their kitchen and dining room to be completely or partially open. Top finishes include stainless steel appliances (67%), granite or natural stone kitchen countertops (57%) and white kitchen cabinetry (32%).

2019 Most Popular Bathroom Feature: The Linen Closet 

Beautiful bathroom we built in Baltimore. This renovation project was featured in Home & Design Magazine!

Survey respondents chose a linen closet as their top desired bathroom feature! While it may not be the most obvious feature, it’s certainly speaks to homebuyers’ desire for ample storage. Contractor magazine covered the study, reporting also higher-end fixture installations in the bathroom, such as wall-mounted sinks, faucets and toilets.

2019 Top Renovations that Pay Off 

Remodeling magazine’s 2019 Cost Vs. Value Report compares average costs for 22 remodeling projects with the value those projects retain at resale in that region. Kitchen and bathroom remodels dominate, but upscale master suite additions, patios, metal roof upgrades and Age-in-Place accessibility features also prove a high return on investment.  Click here to reveal the Top 10 projects for highest resale value in the South Atlantic 2019 (that includes Maryland).

This year and every year, Lundberg Builders has worked closely with our clients to help them design and build the home, remodel, or renovation that honors the way they live. And while reviewing trends is fun and helps us to discover new ideas, ultimately, we know our job as custom builders is to help you realize your unique vision. We look forward to working with you on your next project!

Fall for Outdoor Living!

October is truly one of the most glorious months of the year. Heat and humidity have finally dissipated, replaced  by cool, crisp autumn air. It’s prime outdoor weather season, especially for enjoying your porch or patio to its fullest and taking in the beauty of the leaves turning orange, red and gold. The cool weather also signals a time to gather friends together and enjoy food, friendship and fall sports.  Here are three design innovations that will further enhance your enjoyment of fall outdoor living!

Lundberg Builders custom built this beautiful porch for clients who live on Kent Island, featuring a fireplace and outdoor kitchen.

Outdoor Fireplaces

The desire for more outdoor living options is driving innovations in outdoor fireplaces. Today, a homeowner can choose from single-sided, multi-sided or see-through;  contemporary, traditional and linear styles; gas or wood fuel types, and surrounds featuring stone, brick or concrete. Create a cozy living room feeling with an outdoor fireplace that provides warmth, glowing light and camping but better ambiance. The fireplace featured in the photo above is a Heat & Glo Courtyard Gas Fireplace.

The Courtyard has multiple configurations. It’s all about options for homeowners, and with 54 different combinations of accessories and two different sizes to choose from (36-inch or 42-inch widths), there is sure to be a fit for everyone. 

  • Multiple interior options: Stainless steel to magnify the flames, traditional brick for a classic look, or premium stacked or herringbone brick for a unique look in neutral tones.
  • Multiple looks: From logs to contemporary glass media and three different brick options or stainless steel, every home’s unique style can be captured.

Outdoor Kitchens

Celebrate Oktoberfest! Get outside and grill some brats! Whether you want to grill meat or seafood,  smoke a turkey, boil crabs, fry chicken, boil some pasta, bake cookies or even make banana pancakes on a griddle, the sky’s the limit. How about an al fresco gourmet pizza party in your pizza oven?You’ve got the options to do it.

You have the power and products to configure your outdoor kitchen to work just as hard as your indoor one. Perfect for entertaining any dining theme you can dream.  Wolf has an extensive line of built in outdoor grills and accessories to choose from.

Wolf Outdoor Gas Grill – Outdoor Party in progress

How about hosting Fantasy Football each weekend, replete with an outdoor keg refrigerator! Check out the U-Line Outdoor Collection to keep beverages and food cold and at your fingertips.

U-Line Outdoor Keg Refrigerator

Outdoor Heaters

Like being enveloped in a warm hug, outdoor heaters are the perfect solution for extra chilly fall days.  And today, there’s no more clutter or clunky freestanding heaters. InfratechheatersUSA offers toasty flush mount ceiling heaters, perfect for warming up after a dip in your outdoor jacuzzi! We installed this beauty below on the Kent Island outdoor deck remodel we did last spring.

Dual Element 5,000 Watt Electric Patio Heater with Infratech Accessory – Flush Mount Frame

We at Lundberg Builders look forward to assisting you in creating your ultimate dream outdoor living space.  Call 410-643-3334 to set up your consultation with us today, or stop by 314 Main Street anytime. We promise to have a cold beer, or at least some hot chocolate waiting for you!

Away on Vacay? The Best in Protect-Your-Nest Options

If you’re getting ready for that cherished family vacation, you no doubt have much to do to get ready and much on your mind. Fortunately, you need not worry about your home when you are away.

Here are four great options, including the latest in technology, that will keep your most prized investment—and perhaps even your second home—safe and sound when you can’t be there.

The In-Home Hide Away

If you have ever seen an old movie where someone pulls a book from the bookcase and a secret panel opens to another hidden room, you already have an idea about what a safe room within your home looks like. While this may seem like an old or perhaps “out-there” option, it does have many practical applications for the way we live today.

A hidden security room affords discreet storage for important items like personal files, valuable jewelry and artwork, electronics and other items that are precious and irreplaceable to you. These rooms can be added on or provided for in your home’s floorplan if you are in the home-building process. Talk to your builder about what you would like to store in your safe room and a custom design can be created just for you.

Ring-a-Ling!

Some of the best benefits of the digital age are the ones that combine real-time video surveillance that can be accessed anywhere through your smartphone. If anyone comes creeping around your front door, you can be the first to know because you will have 24/7 access via mobile phone application. Google’s Nest Hello is an example of this type of capability, offering high-definition video that provides sharp images even in low-light or nighttime scenarios. It also offers a three-hour “look back” feature that allows you to see three hours-worth of surveillance footage from wherever you may be.

The Connected Home

To take security and accessibility to the next level you can opt for a system like Abode Gateway which provides total integration of surveillance, in-home monitoring and real-time alerts by communicating with all the wireless devices in your home. You will receive an automatic notification as soon as any sign of trouble is detected. (Should it be required a 93-decibel siren will be employed to ward off and would-be intruder.)  In addition to motion detection and its smart home features that allow you to control lights, locks and garage doors, etc., it also provides optional 24-hour security monitoring without the hassle of a third-party service contract.

Clever Indoor Cams

With models starting at just $29.99 per unit, the Wyze Cam Pan offers amazing real-time in-home views via app that you can access through your phone or tablet device. Designed to work with Google Assistant, you can ask the Wyze Cam to show you what’s going on in any room you have the device installed. 360-degree live views are available using the camera’s pan, zoom and tilt options. The device can also detect motion and alert you to it when the feature is turned on via app. Along with its smart sound recognition and push notifications, the Cam Pan offers 14-day cloud storage so you can access what has been going on in your home over the last 14 days. This is an especially nice option for families with second homes that are empty for long periods for monitoring of service personnel or even weather events.

So no stress; you can leave the nest and be worry-free this summer, or whenever you just want to get away from it all. Just research to see which option fits your family best and go for it!

Want to find out the most innovative ways to build security into your home? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334, Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

Reasons Why Architectural Details Matter

If you have ever driven through a great neighborhood and remarked about the quality of it, most likely it’s because you recognized the beauty and the appeal of the homes built there. We are fortunate to have many such neighborhoods here on the Eastern Shore and in neighboring Annapolis. Was it an awesome front door and window package, the presentation of a front porch, or the proper use of decorative corbels that caught your eye?

Like separating the men from the boys, homes that possess architectural details-are usually the best homes on the block—or at least they have the potential to be the best. Here are three reasons why and four examples of homes that hit the mark. (All photos courtesy of Lundberg Builders)

  1. When building or remodeling, careful consideration of the level of detail is essential to create a template for consistency throughout your home.
  2. Well-conceived architectural details ensure that your completed home project is authentic.
  3. Value. One little word that says it all. Detail helps build value into your property from Day One—and working with a custom builder will not only help ensure your home is built to last; your builder can work with you to maximize its value over time.
In size, in scope, and in limitless detail, this custom Lundberg-built home delivers appealing visual impact. This architecturally well-detailed home exterior fits well in its surroundings and uses specific materials to create details that meld the interior and exterior beautifully. Note how the exterior stone plays off the natural outdoor elements and then appears again inside the home.
This classic 18th century townhouse remodel by Lundberg Builders provides a perfect example of authenticity in architectural detail. While it has been updated to provide modern convenience, it remains true to its historic roots inside and out.
This amazing home on the Wye River (top) and the Bay traditional home (below) proves that no matter the style, period, or type of home, its specific architectural detail will stand the test of time and no-doubt continue to grab the eye of passers-by for many years to come

In summary, by choosing the right materials and methods, keeping an eye on aesthetics, quality, and livability over the long-term, then balancing that with your home’s long-term life cycle cost, you will gain not just pride of place, but peace of mind.

Come and share your love of architectural details with us. Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334, Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

 

Inside, Outside & All Around the House…Paint Colors Popping Off the Trend Palette this Year

 

If you’re considering a color re-work for your home’s interiors this spring, you will have plenty of intriguing options on a spectrum from subtle to sublime shades. The two main themes in color can best be described as Muted and Deep.

The spectrum of color can best be seen in this palette prepared specifically for 2019 courtesy of The Creativity Exchange.

Muted

There’s something very romantic and relaxing about the muted approach to color for bed, bath and main living areas. Another plus about employing a muted color is the way it enables you to embrace what’s trending without having to go too bold if that just isn’t your style.

This contemporary living room design pulls from the Ash and Soltice colors in the palette above. While the room exudes a sleek and sophisticated vibe, it does not lack warmth and is clearly very inventive, and inviting.

A soothing bedroom and bath is the ultimate retreat from the real world. A slight hint of mint on a bedroom wall, which pulls Misty from the palette above, is like aromatherapy for the eyes.

The most subtle of aqua tones creates an easy, even breezy feel in the bathroom, and gray transcends boring when it is combined with a bolder vanity and backsplash option, yet it maintains the subdued vibe of a place of refuge.

Deep

Trending down this year’s palette are richer, thicker color statements for those who easily embrace and must have change.

A deeper green for main living areas and kitchens is about the most popular color out there right now. With the proper balance of lighter elements like this sleek white table and chairs, a color like Nightwatch from the palette exudes the confidence of your design style.

Personal spaces like home offices can become havens for creativity when a darker hue is infused into the design. While Charcoal Blue may never have been top of mind when choosing a paint office color, it clearly can provide inspiration and inviting sight lines.

And don’t forget your home’s smaller spaces like hallways and entryways. When added as an accent wall color, these deep hues help convey your home’s color story.

Of course, when it comes to curb appeal, that’s a whole other story. We’ll leave you with a tease of a home we just love and we’ll explore more with an exterior home color “primer” in our upcoming newsletter—so be sure to check your inbox for that!

Are you in love with a certain paint color right now? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334 and come and talk paint with our pros! Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD. Visit us online at www.lundbergbuilders.com.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Focal Point Fix: Your Fireplace

So when Santa comes for his annual visit, will he shimmy down your chimney in style this year, or is your fireplace surround in need of a focal point fix?

Thanks to an abundance and versatility of materials, you can use your fireplace surround to help set the mood and style of an entire room or living space. If you’re building new or have a redux in mind, we found 5 fab looks that are on-trend and transcend traditional brick and stone options.

Trends in Tile

There are few limits to the façade looks you can create with today’s tile options. If you enjoy a bit of bling in your room, metallic porcelain provides a glow that complements those burning embers. The look is achieved by mimicking the appearance of antiqued metals. While this option is said to provide the strength and endurance of ceramic tile, experts caution it is more maintenance-prone. If you crave style, however, this option is often applied without the grout associated with tile to create a seamless and sophisticated vibe.

Wood-look porcelain tiles are a great workaround if you LOVE the look of wood and want it to embrace your fireplace. With real wood being a fireplace surround hazard, the ability to mimic this natural resource with a more durable and much safer option can speak volumes of not only your good sense, but your great taste.

Patterned tile really allows your creativity to flourish. Think about a pattern you’ve always loved and odds are you can duplicate that look with your fireplace surround. Options in this area are incredibly versatile, but be thoughtful of just how much space you have and how long you want to live with the pattern you choose. Choosing a too-trendy look here can have your whole room looking dated before its time.

Creating with Concrete

The beauty of a concrete façade is that it is highly customizable, durable, easy to keep clean and requires very little maintenance. This is also an especially desirable option if you prize the look of a floor-to-ceiling fireplace. For the safety-conscious and the practical, concrete can be the wise choice that affords the benefits of a stylish statement piece.

The Other White Marble

If you’re a fan of Carrara marble, experts say you might also want to consider a fireplace surround made or Naxian or Naxos marble, named for the area in Greece where it is sourced. This ultra-white and creamy looking marble is the ultimate option for the homeowner striving for a classy, upscale look. Described as lightly dappled and accented with shimmering crystal deposits, this marble is often seen in striated form for fireplaces delivering textured appeal and visual impact. Since marble is a form of limestone, it is a softer material and will require a regular, but simple maintenance routine to keep it looking beautiful.

Ready to build a better fireplace? Contact the home building pros at Lundberg Builders today at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

All Fall In! How Customization, Architectural Detail and 17 Kinds of Wood Created the House That Brad Built

If you’re a lover of the full, four-season experience that living in the mid-Atlantic provides, you probably embrace a wide-range of autumnal delights: apple-picking, cider sipping and fall getaways, where you can experience the warmth and ambiance of rustic living.

Fortunately, the owner of Lundberg Builders, Brad Lundberg, has the ultimate inspiration for autumn adventures; his own rustic retreat that blends inspired architecture with creature comforts. Let’s take a tour of his wooded West Virginia hideaway and perhaps even get inspired to build your own!


Brad Lundberg’s father originally chose this location on Alpine Lake in Terra Alta, West Virginia, decades ago. Building on the rustic retreat began in 2005.

Custom is the keyword of this cozy dwelling. The one-of kind live-edge front door was carved from one of the property’s black walnut trees.

The kitchen island was crafted from a four-inch thick slice of a spalted maple tree.

A soaring beamed ceiling in the living room is highlighted with a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace.

The home boasts two traditional bedrooms, an additional loft, lower level and screened porch sleeping areas; accommodating up to a dozen people in one visit.

The cabin is also a no-drywall zone featuring 17 different species of wood, including cherry, maple, wormy chestnut, pine, oak and hickory.

The screened porch is a favorite place for wildlife viewing. “The deer are plentiful and just about walk up to you if you have an apple or deer corn,” says Lundberg, who adds this family also spots and occasional black bear looking for bird feeders or garbage cans left out. “Turkeys, ground hogs, chipmunks and fox – all make it very interesting.”

Lundberg credits wife, Gail, and architect Bob Moreland with the execution of their rustic escape which he says is not just used for fall retreats. “All times of the year are great and very different. Gail and I can go for a quiet weekend – read and hike, or it can get wild with a bunch of grandkids running everywhere,” Lundberg says. With lots of snow in the winter, we have a variety of sizes of show shoes, toboggans, sleds, etc.”

The summer months, he adds, are perfect for canoeing, kayaking, hiking, and checking out the surrounding areas. Along with impromptu family gatherings, the cabin has also been the sight of numerous Fourth of July celebrations, and even a couple of weddings.

“Gail and I spent a lot of time working on the details together and we couldn’t be happier with the result.”

Ready to start building some family memories of your own with a custom-built, architecturally exciting home that reflects your personality and your lifestyle? Contact Lundberg Builders at 410-643-3334 or visit lundbergbuilders.com. Lundberg Builders, Inc. is located at 314 Main St., Stevensville, MD.

 

 

 

 

 

Curb Appeal Series: Adore The Door!

If windows are said to be the eyes of the home, your front door could very well be considered entry to the soul of your home. Your approach to and choice of a front door surely sets the tone for your home…and here, where the salt air and Bay breezes abound, you will also want that door to be as functional as it is beautiful.How can you make sure that happens? Consider the three primary aspects you will need to address: Safety, Durability and Curb Appeal. (Photo by Lisa J. Gotto)

Safety –the Number One thing your door needs to do is keep your family secure within the walls of your home and keep the criminal element out.

Durability –no matter the material you choose for the door, as a homeowner you need to make peace with the fact that it will require some amount of periodic maintenance to ensure long-term reliability.

Curb Appeal –Finally, the fun stuff! What’s great about today’s doors, is that you need not sacrifice form for function. So, go ahead-think about what the door on your dream home looks like and then talk to your builder and home design pro. They can help you choose the right material and craft the look you desire.

Answering the Wood, Steel or Fiberglass Question

 Like the door above, for many homeowners only the look of wood will do. It’s a warm, earthy material…and truly some of the most inviting entryways are those that are showcased in wood. Wood choices include oak, cherry, walnut, mahogany, maple, and fir.(Photo courtesy of Shabby & Charme)

Solid wood doors make an awesome canvas for color, especially softwood varieties, such western hemlock or pine. So if you are going for the wood look, keep in mind that these doors are best installed in areas that have a degree of protection like an overhang or a portico so they are somewhat shielded for the elements. If you are concerned about wood’s natural tendency to shrink or warp, you may wish to compromise and choose a stock wood door that offers a veneer skin over an engineered wood core.

There are ways to keep warping at bay. This includes purchasing a door that was stored properly prior to installation and treating the door with a minimum of two coats of a good quality exterior solvent-borne or water-borne clear finish. Adding a polyurethane sealant and polishing your door twice annually should be part of a regular maintenance plan.

Choosing a steel door is wise if maintenance is something you would prefer not to have to do as often. While just the word “steel” may sound cold, your front door and entryway does not have to look that way.

With a variety of colors, glass insets and detail work available, your steel door can say “welcome” just as well—and as warm—as any wood door. Steel also provides a step up in safety aspect department. Steel is the strongest of the three materials and the inner frames of these doors are generally constructed of wood or steel—again the strongest option. This is also a cozier option than you may think, as the interior cavities of steel doors are filled with high-density foam insulation, so they are energy-efficient, as well. (Photo courtesy of wanhaptoori.com)

While dings and dents can occur over time, they can be addressed with basic sand paper, a putty fill and a paint-over. Expect some paint touch-ups as part of regular maintenance with this option.

Fiberglass doors can also be warm and versatile.

The image above proves you can still make a statement and create tons of curb appeal with a dream door that also prizes practicality. A fiberglass door can do a great job of mimicking the look and feel of a solid wood door. Even in the harshest climates fiberglass does well requiring just periodic resealing. Most of these doors are made with a core of polyurethane-foam insulation over a framework of wooden stiles and rails, and then covered with a molded fiberglass skin. fiberglass door. This option is highly durable and virtually maintenance-free. So, if wood was your dream but that option is not a practical one for your home, fiberglass could be the answer. (Photo courtesy of Codel Entry Systems)

Remember, when choosing your door, the standard about making that all-important first impression, because curb appeal is still king! Look for more door tips in our upcoming newsletter and for the next blog in our Curb Appeal series coming in September!

If you’re ready to start your front door project, call us today to schedule a no-cost consultation (410) 643-4040, or feel free to drop-in at your convenience; we are open 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.