Replacing Your Entry Door on a HistoricHome in New Orleans

Introduction

As a homeowner in New Orleans, preserving the charm and integrity of your historic home is a top priority. Replacing your entry door is one of the most impactful ways to enhance your home’s curb appeal, security, and energy efficiency. However, New Orleans’ humid climate and strict historic preservation regulations present unique challenges. Choosing the right material for your entry door is critical to withstand the local weather while maintaining the architectural character of your home. In this blog post, we explore the best materials for entry doors in humid climates, address common maintenance concerns, and highlight the importance of adhering to historic preservation guidelines. At Grace Home Construction, we specialize in trim carpentry in New Orleans, ensuring your door replacement project balances functionality and historic charm.

The Challenge of Humid Climates

New Orleans is renowned for its high humidity, warm temperatures, and occasional storms, which can be harsh on traditional door materials like wood. Wood doors, while aesthetically pleasing, are prone to moisture absorption, leading to expansion, warping, and eventual deterioration. This is particularly concerning for historic homes, where preserving the original character is essential. For example, a wood door exposed to New Orleans’ muggy climate may swell, making it difficult to open or close, and over time, it may rot or require costly repairs.

Selecting a door material that can withstand humidity without compromising on style is crucial for homeowners seeking durability and low maintenance.

Best Materials for Humid Climates

When replacing your entry door in a humid climate like New Orleans, Fiberglass and composite doors are the most suitable options due to their resistance to moisture and minimal maintenance needs. Below, we detail why these materials are ideal for homeowners.

Fiberglass Doors

Fiberglass doors are highly durable and specifically designed to resist the challenges of humid climates. They do not absorb moisture, shrink, warp, or rust, making them an excellent choice for New Orleans’ weather conditions. Fiberglass doors are a top pick for humid environments because they maintain structural integrity even in high moisture. Additionally, fiberglass doors

can be crafted to mimic the look of wood, offering the aesthetic appeal of traditional doors

without the associated maintenance issues. They also provide excellent insulation, helping to reduce energy costs by keeping your home cool in the warm New Orleans climate. The average cost for a fiberglass door ranges from $2,000 to $3,500, depending on style and features, making it a mid-range investment with long-term value.

Composite Doors

Composite doors, made from a combination of materials such as glass-reinforced plastic, foam, and uPVC, are another top choice for humid climates. These doors are highly resistant to humidity, offering superior thermal performance and security. Like fiberglass, composite doors can be styled to resemble wood, ensuring they blend seamlessly with the historic architecture of your home. While they can be more expensive, with costs up to $1,500 or more, their durability and resistance to fading make them a worthwhile investment for New Orleans homeowners.

Composite doors are also less likely to swell or expand in humid conditions, ensuring smooth operation year-round.

Comparison with Other Materials

While wood doors are a traditional choice for historic homes, they are less suitable for New Orleans’ climate. Even hardwoods like cedar or redwood, which are less prone to warping, still require significant maintenance to prevent moisture damage. Wood is subject to rot and insect damage in humid climates, necessitating constant upkeep. Metal doors, such as steel or wrought iron, are durable but can rust or become hot to the touch in direct sunlight, making them less ideal for tropical climates without shade. Wrought iron requires annual rust prevention sprays, adding to maintenance costs. In contrast, fiberglass and composite doors offer a balance of durability, low maintenance, and aesthetic versatility, making them the preferred choices for New Orleans’ humid environment.

Maintenance Concerns

One of the primary advantages of choosing fiberglass or composite doors is their low maintenance requirements, which is a significant relief for homeowners concerned about upkeep. Unlike wood doors, which require regular staining, sealing, or painting to protect against moisture, fiberglass and composite doors are designed to withstand humid conditions with minimal care. Below are key maintenance tips to ensure your entry door remains in excellent condition:

• Cleaning: Clean your door periodically with mild soap and water to remove dirt and prevent buildup. Avoid harsh chemicals, as they may damage the protective finish.

• Weather-Stripping Check: Inspect the weather-stripping around the door to ensure it provides a tight seal, preventing moisture and air leaks. Replace damaged

weather-stripping to maintain energy efficiency and protect against water intrusion.

• Finish Protection: For fiberglass doors, ensure the finish is intact. If signs of wear appear, apply a hard polyurethane or acrylic topcoat to protect the surface, as recommended by NAHB.

• Inspect for Damage: Although rare, check for any signs of swelling or expansion, particularly after periods of high heat and humidity. Composite doors are less prone to this, but regular inspections ensure long-term performance.

These maintenance tasks are straightforward and far less demanding than the annual treatments required for wood doors, which may need penetrating oil stains or varnish to prevent cracking and warping. By choosing fiberglass or composite doors, homeowners can enjoy peace of mind knowing their entry door will remain functional and attractive with minimal effort.

Aesthetic Considerations for Historic Homes

Preserving the historic look of your home is a key concern, and you may worry that choosing a non-wood door will detract from its character. Fortunately, modern manufacturing techniques allow fiberglass and composite doors to be crafted with intricate details that closely resemble traditional wood doors. Homeowners can select from a variety of styles, finishes, and textures that mimic the grain of wood, ensuring the door complements the historic architecture of their home. For example, a fiberglass door can be stained to resemble oak or mahogany, blending seamlessly with the Italianate or Creole architectural styles common in New Orleans. This versatility allows you to maintain the historic aesthetic while benefiting from the durability and low maintenance of modern materials.

Historic Preservation Guidelines

In New Orleans, particularly in historic districts like the French Quarter, Garden District, or Marigny, there are strict regulations governing changes to historic properties, including door replacements. The Historic District Landmarks Commission (HDLC) oversees these changes to ensure that the architectural integrity and historical character of homes are preserved. The HDLC’s guidelines emphasize maintaining the original style, material, and design of doors to respect the home’s historical context.

Before replacing your entry door, consider the following steps to comply with historic preservation regulations:

• Check with the HDLC: Determine if your home is located in a historic district and review the specific guidelines for door replacements. The HDLC provides detailed documentation on acceptable materials and designs, available at NOLA.gov.

• Obtain Necessary Permits: Secure the required permits before beginning any work. Failure to obtain permits can result in fines or the need to reverse changes, adding to project costs.

• Match Original Design: Whenever possible, choose a door that closely matches the original in style, material, and design. If the original door must be replaced, provide documentation to the HDLC demonstrating how the new door will preserve the home’s historic character. For instance, a fiberglass door designed to mimic a traditional wood panel door may be approved if it aligns with the home’s architectural style.

• Consider Repair First: The HDLC often prefers repairing original doors over replacing them. Consult with a professional to assess whether restoration is feasible before opting for replacement.

By adhering to these guidelines, you can make necessary updates to your home while respecting its historical significance. Working with a contractor experienced in historic renovations, like Grace Home Construction, can streamline the process and ensure compliance with HDLC standards.

Additional Considerations

Beyond material choice and maintenance, homeowners should consider other factors when replacing an entry door on a historic home:

• Energy Efficiency: Fiberglass and composite doors often come with high-density foam insulation, improving energy efficiency and reducing cooling costs in New Orleans’ warm climate. Look for Energy Star-rated doors with a minimum rating of 34 for optimal performance.

• Security Features: Both fiberglass and composite doors offer robust security, with options for multi-point lock systems and durable hardware. Ensure your door includes features like deadbolts and reinforced frames to enhance safety.

• Cost Estimates: The cost of replacing an entry door varies by material and style. Fiberglass doors typically range from $2,000 to $3,500, while composite doors may cost

$1,500 or more, according to Ecoline Windows. Factor in installation costs and any additional features, such as decorative glass or custom hardware, when budgeting for your project.

• Installation Timeline: Professional installation typically takes one to two days, depending on the complexity of the project and the condition of the existing door frame. Ensure your contractor checks for an air-tight seal to prevent moisture ingress.

Conclusion

Replacing your entry door is a significant decision, especially for historic homes in New Orleans. By opting for fiberglass or composite materials, you can enjoy a door that withstands the challenges of a humid climate, maintains the beauty and character of your home, and requires minimal maintenance. However, navigating the historic preservation guidelines set by the HDLC is essential to ensure your project complies with local regulations. At Grace Home Construction, we specialize in trim carpentry in New Orleans, helping homeowners make informed choices

that balance functionality, aesthetics, and historical integrity. Contact us today at Grace Home Construction to learn how we can assist with your door replacement project, ensuring a

seamless blend of modern durability and historic charm.

Financing Options for a Kitchen Remodel Can Make Your Wish Come True

Kitchen renovation by Grace Construction

The last few years have been trying times for many and the thought of a kitchen remodel post-COVID may seem like a daunting task. It may also seem like an idea that can be put off until economic stability returns. But if it’s on your wish list let's talk about financing before you push it further down the list. There are several ways you can afford it through financing and you may only want to finance a portion of it. It will take some research and ultimately paperwork but building a plan and budget may work to make your wish come true sooner than you would expect.

Just to lay the groundwork and at the risk of giving you sticker shock, the average price to remodel a kitchen in 2021 ranged from around $12,500 to $35,000 and costs certainly went up during COVID when demand was at its highest. Now that demand is waning you may be able to negotiate a lower price which can offset higher interest rates. Ultimately, the cost will depend on your goal so don’t let the sticker shock linger.

Nerdwallet recommends first considering an unsecured personal loan, which is relatively fast and convenient. Qualifying depends on the price of the project, your credit, how much equity you have in your home, and again, your goal with the project.

Other options include

• Home Equity Loans

• Cash-out Refinance

• FHA 203k/Fannie Mae Homestyle Loans

• Construction Loans

Let's take a look at these in a nutshell:

Home equity Loans and Cash-out Refinance work well if you're established in your home and have built up some equity so they are not ideal for new homeowners as your options are based solely on your equity. FHA and Fannie Mae may be better options for new homeowners because they allow you to borrow against the value of the finished renovation. Unfortunately, they will always come with more hoops to jump through but if you have the fortitude it is worth it. 

If the above seems more involved than you would like there is always the option of using a credit card, but you should be aware of the drawbacks. Rocket Loans warns, "You may only have up to 18 months to complete your renovations if you’re planning to use a credit card during a promotional no-interest period. And to avoid the potential consequences that come with using a credit card, you should abide by a strict repayment schedule to avoid any late fees or mounting interest."

If the thought of sifting through all of the options and spending long hours researching and applying is already making you weary let's look at what you will end up with in the end. A kitchen remodel will not only improve your living situation but will add to the value of your home substantially. Remind yourself as you consider the options that if you're patient you will finish with an immediate recovery of at least half of what you spent. 

The industry's standard in 2021 for mid-range kitchen renovation falls between 50% to 60%. For instance, if you spent $70,000 redoing your kitchen, then you can expect to recoup around $35,000 to $40,000 upon completion of the project and that value will continue to go up.

The moral of the story is, don’t give up on your wishes just yet! There are a wide range of possibilities for financing a new kitchen and many are just a phone call away!

Build A Bridge Between Real Estate Agents and Contractors

Excellent Real Estate agents have great contractors in their pockets which is what places them a step above. You understand the need for a plumber, electrician and general contractor to make repairs and to give referrals.  By taking the time to carefully choose  general contractors, powerful collaborations can benefit everyone involved. So how do you find the best partner?

Keep reading to learn more about the benefits of partnering with contractors, including information on how to choose the best contractor for your needs.

Why Work Together?

Plumbing and electrical issues are often easy to tackle with a great plumber and electrician, but what about that pesky punch list and trim work?  That’s where you will be thankful for a reliable skilled general contractor to call. 

A general contractor can handle a multitude of large and small projects. They’re especially useful in helpful calculating estimates on kitchen and bath renovations. They are also a great resource for determining the costs of repairs and issues revealed during a home inspection.

Buyers and sellers may be hesitant when they don’t know the cost or timeline for  repairs and renovations. You can come to the rescue with professionals who can give you a quick estimate and reasonable timeline. It’s also reassuring if they know you can line up a reputable contractor before the sale. 

What To Look For

• How did they become a contractor?

• What ‘soft skill sets’ does the contractor have? 

• How can they be useful to you or your clients? 

• Are they responsive and punctual?

• Is all hired work accompanied by written contracts?

• Do they provide written estimates?

General contractors are easy to find, but you need an excellent one—one who is not just qualified but, fair and honest. A few things you can do to ensure you find someone a cut above the rest is check references about the quality of their products, their workmanship and their customer service. Inquire about their professional reputation and years in business. Look for someone who is easy to work with and will see projects through to completion. 

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How To Build the Agent/Contractor Partnership

Reach out to reputable contractors through colleagues or friends.  Another avenue is a quick browser search for contractors in your area who have good reviews and are willing and able to work with agents.

Once you have established a connection, make time to meet with them to get an understanding of who they are and what they do. Ask questions about their expertise and background and be open to understanding that their profession is often misunderstood. 

Clearly communicate your background and expectations.  This will be a communication bridge that avoids misunderstandings and paves the way for a successful professional relationship.  

Once you begin a project with them, communicate clearly throughout the process.  Even if you are sure you  conveyed exactly what you wanted you may find that the contractor still didn’t get it quite right. Check in often to review your expectations and to avoid misunderstandings. 

Benefits

Finally, let’s review the benefits of a solid partnership with a general contractor.

BOOST YOUR REVENUE

The primary reason to partner with a general contractor is to mutually boost revenues. Having a good relationship means you can recommend them to a potential homebuyer in addition to getting necessary work done quickly and easily.   It will improve your professional reputation benefiting you with future sales.

IMPROVE POST-SALE RELATIONSHIPS

Post-sale relationships will open the door to referrals and repeat customers thereby improving your overall reach.   When clients know that you are working in their best interest and remember that you gave them a professional experience they are more likely to refer you to someone they know and to call you again if they need to. 

STREAMLINE YOUR PROJECTS

Not having to scramble to get a punch list done will give you ease of mind and make projects less stressful.  Knowing that you have a dependable contractor to call will free you up to focus on other details and will decrease the work timeline. 

Build The Bridge

Agents today know their needs but the challenge is finding someone who will return phone calls, show up and get the job done. It’s tough finding someone to do that these days. You will want local, quality work from a dependable general contractor like Grace construction to complete everything from trim work to custom projects. Take the time to build your list of contractors and get to know them. You will thank yourself for creating a professional team and so will your clients. 

The Best Time to Remodel Your Kitchen in New Orleans, LA

If you live in New Orleans, LA and are considering a kitchen remodel, you may be wondering when the best time to start your project is. In this city known for its hot and humid climate, timing is important to ensure that your kitchen remodel is not only efficient but also comfortable for you and your family.

Here are the top reasons why fall is the best season for a kitchen remodel in New Orleans:

1. Milder Temperatures - With the heat of summer giving way to cooler temperatures, it’s much more comfortable to work in your kitchen during the fall months. This makes it easier for contractors to work longer hours, and it’s also more comfortable for you to use your kitchen while the remodel is in progress.

2. Lower Humidity - During the fall months, the humidity levels in New Orleans drop, making it easier to paint, install cabinets, and complete other tasks that require low humidity levels.

3. Improved Air Quality - With the windows open, the air quality in your home will be better during the fall months, which is essential for completing a kitchen remodel. Improved air quality will help reduce indoor air pollution, which can cause headaches, nausea, and other health problems.

4. Better Availability - Fall is often a slower season for contractors, which means that you can secure their services more easily. You can also avoid the rush of summer remodels and the holiday season, ensuring that your kitchen remodel is completed without delays.

5. Cost Savings - With the fall season being less busy for contractors, you may be able to secure lower prices for your kitchen remodel.

Overall, fall is the ideal season for a kitchen remodel in New Orleans, LA. With milder temperatures, lower humidity, improved air quality, better contractor availability, and cost savings, it’s the perfect time to get started on your kitchen remodel project.

At Grace Home Construction, we have years of experience in kitchen remodeling in New Orleans, LA. Our team of experts will work with you to create the kitchen of your dreams and make the remodeling process as smooth and stress-free as possible. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and get started on your kitchen remodel project.

Choosing the Right Contractor for Your Home Remodel in New Orleans, LA

If you're thinking about remodeling your home in New Orleans, LA, choosing the right contractor is crucial for the success of your project. A reputable contractor can help you turn your vision into reality, while a bad contractor can turn your dream into a nightmare. Here are some tips to help you select the right contractor for your home remodel:

1. Do your research: Look for contractors with a good reputation in the industry and ask for references from previous clients. Read online reviews and check the contractor's credentials, such as licenses and insurance.

2. Check for experience: Look for contractors with experience in the type of remodeling you're interested in. Ask about their previous projects and request to see some before and after photos.

3. Communicate clearly: Make sure you communicate your needs and expectations clearly with the contractor. A good contractor will listen to your concerns and offer solutions to your problems.

4. Consider their schedule: Consider the contractor's schedule and ask about the estimated completion time for your project. Make sure you can live with the timeline before you sign the contract.

5. Read the contract carefully: Make sure you read the contract carefully and understand all the terms and conditions before signing. Check for clauses related to payment schedule, completion date, and warranties.

6. Trust your instincts: Finally, trust your instincts. If you have a good feeling about a contractor, go with your gut. If you're uncomfortable with a contractor, move on and find someone else.

By following these tips, you can find a reliable and trustworthy contractor for your home remodel in New Orleans, LA. A good contractor can help you transform your home into your dream space and ensure that the project is completed on time and within budget.