| First impressions count. The first thing that | | | | the time to change your door handles and some |
| a visitor or potential purchaser will | | | | perfectionists will even change the doors |
| actually come into contact with when they | | | | themselves. At the other end of the scale |
| reach your home and make contact with it is | | | | changing only the plastic door handles on |
| your door or gate hardware. By this I mean | | | | that tired old bedroom furniture can give it |
| the latch on your gate, the pull of your door | | | | a new lease of life. The positive feel of a |
| chimes, the button of the doorbell or the | | | | solid metal handle pushing your drawers |
| handle of the door. What could put a buyer | | | | closed can save money in the long run. Your |
| off more than a door that is difficult to | | | | partner may feel that they've got new bedroom |
| open or a handle that is not sturdy to the | | | | furniture without you having to go to the |
| touch. What chance would you have of | | | | expense of actually buying any. A few dollars |
| clinching that all important sale if your | | | | wisely invested in new handles and latches |
| property viewer finds the door knob comes off | | | | could save thousands in the short term. An |
| in their hand or finds that they have to | | | | ageing but serviceable kitchen can be given a |
| enter your property through the window | | | | new lease of life with new cabinet hardware |
| because the door hardware prevents the front | | | | and doors. Any Realtor will tell you that a |
| door being opened. Not very likely I know | | | | kitchen is one of the major selling points |
| but imagine that you've invited your Boss for | | | | when trying to market your house or rent out |
| dinner to discuss that all important raise | | | | your property. A lick of paint on the doors |
| and the first thing he gives you when you | | | | and new handles can add a great deal to the |
| open the door is the latch from the garden | | | | price you can command for the property. |
| gate that you've been meaning to repair for | | | | Door hardware is available in every |
| ages. Don't put it off any longer. | | | | conceivable style and finish and can be made |
| Replacing your door hardware will update your | | | | of a wide variety of materials, rope and |
| property or, with some retro door furniture, | | | | stone being the most diverse I can think of. |
| may even move it back to an age when it had | | | | Before you take the plunge check out all of |
| its original features. New handles and door | | | | the on-line stores and ensure that you get a |
| locks will improve the security of your | | | | handle (no pun intended) on the deals |
| property and may even gain you a discount on | | | | available and exactly what you are going to |
| your home insurance, thus offsetting the cost | | | | do before you dive in. |
| of the replacement. Many people are | | | | |
| concerned with the look of their door | | | | Karen Hughes is an interior decor consultant, |
| furniture and want everything through their | | | | get further hardware ideas at Cabinet and |
| home to match. A contemporary update to your | | | | Door Hardware this is your first stop for |
| living space is greatly enhanced if you take | | | | door and cabinet hardware help. |