Dos and Don’ts for Doors
November 15, 2013 
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They say when one door shuts, another one opens. And what better opportunity to showcase your investment than snazzy new doors?
First the basics. We want to of course look at interior and exterior doors. There are a wide range of types, materials, and styles. Understanding each type and where it will work the best will assist you in choosing the ideal doors for your flip.
Interior doors are typically lighter and thinner than exterior doors because they don’t have to provide security or resist weather. There are several types of interior doors available. Some of these include hollow-core doors with wood veneer or hardboard faces, embossed panel doors to look like panel, louvered doors– used for closets or laundry areas, but most types can be installed as hinged doors, pocket doors, bypass sliding doors, or bi-fold doors.
Detail of front red door.
Probably NOT the best color for your flip’s front door.
An exterior door is usually designed to make a statement. Take for example this RED front door we used to finish out “That 70’s Home.” Quite an eye catcher to the passer-by.
Since it is the first impression a lot of folks will have on your flip. Of course it is the age old conundrum of form vs fashion as the primary function of an exterior door is security and energy efficiency. Types of exterior doors include front entry doors and back doors, which may be paneled, flush, or have glass inserts and/or designs in them. Materials include: wood, fiberglass, or steel. Wood can be very versatile, but pricey. You will need to decide if this will match the look of the rest of the neighborhood
Solid-core wood-veneer flush doors are going to cost you less. Fiberglass is also a good pick since it is durable and flexible enough to be installed in any climate. It will not warp or rot and is low-maintenance. Steel is practical and long-lasting. All of these can normally be painted too.
Here’s a look at the most common door types and their main function.
Door Types
Single-acting doors are hinged on one side and open in one direction. These are the most common and standard doors you find on the interior of houses.
Double-acting doors open in either direction. Double-acting doors work well between a kitchen and a dining room, but can pose a hazard if two people try to go though at the same time.
Closet bi-fold doors
Bi-fold doors have two panels that fold to one side. They are often used on closets or pantries.
Bypass doors have panels that slide past each other. They are often used on closets where there is not enough space for a swinging door. Only one side of the closet can be open at a time.
Exterior sliding doors usually have one fixed panel (glass) and one panel that slides normally used on a baloney, patio, or deck.
French doors have rectangular glass panes, or lights, from top to bottom. They are often hung in pairs, opening from the sides, as exterior doors to a garden, patio, or deck.
Bathroom pocket door
Pocket doors actually slide into the wall. They are perfect for a space where there isn’t room for a door to swing open like a pantry or an enclosed toilet in a master bath.
Erik Hitzelberger has been Real Estate Investor since 2007. While learning the ropes in the market down-cycle, he now teaches others how to use his systems and leverage other people’s expertise to achieve their own goals.
Erik Hitzelberger – who has written 194 posts on Part Time REI.
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