As a realtor who tours dozens of homes every week, I have seen many properties readied for the market or even beautifully renovated, but somehow the work is diminished due to overlooked details. Details truly count, and one that is repeatedly overlooked is updating the interior doors, casings, baseboards, and hardware. This oversight subdues the added value of a new kitchen or remodeled baths. The one feature that extends throughout the entire house can elevate or diminish the entire project.
What affects the resale value of a home? A lot of different components, from sought-after locations to a sudden seller’s market. But one thing you can do as a homeowner to directly improve resale value is upgrading your home’s exterior and interior doors. You may still be asking: does replacing your home’s doors add resale value? Yes, but only if you opt for high-quality materials and expert installation.
Is Replacing Your Doors Worth the Investment?
With any home improvement project, you’ll want to consider the ROI (Return on Investment) before you dive in. Because exterior doors—such as front doors and garage doors—are part of your home’s facade, a new front door adds to the all-important first impression. But it’s not just the curb appeal that affects home resale value. Interior doors can increase your home’s value by improving its sense of privacy. All of this makes replacing old and worn-out doors a worthwhile investment with a potentially large benefit.
The Power of the Exterior Door
The curb appeal from a new front door alone could add as much as $24,000 to a home’s perceived value. But how does it add value, exactly?
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Attracts Potential Buyers: Your doors say a lot about the rest of your home. Cracked, chipped, and rundown exterior doors signal to buyers that the rest of your home may be in similar shape. This can add to "purchasing anxiety," as poorly-kept doors may lead some to suspect the home’s foundation may also be in disrepair.
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Welcomes Visitors: Homeowners often envision their life in a potential home before buying. They think about how different types of door architecture can add curb appeal to a flat front house and enhance that first impression. From Friday game nights to gameday on Sunday, buyers want a house that’s welcoming from the first glance.
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Adds Essential Color: Studies show that a house with a vibrant and engaging color scheme may help encourage buyers to make offers. Advances in color psychology show that our brains are very sensitive to the hues around us, and real estate agents report having a harder time selling homes in less popular colors. That is why I stay up to date on color trends so my clients don’t need to.
Security and Efficiency
Old doors with weakening locks are a security threat. With an estimated total of 56% of all break-ins occurring through a front or back door, exterior door replacements aren’t something you want to put off. Additionally, high-quality entrance doors can help reduce your energy bills by 15%. Fiberglass doors are your best bet for energy efficiency because they’re manufactured with a solid polyurethane foam core that protects against extreme temperatures.
The Hidden Value of Interior Doors
While not as immediately obvious, interior door replacements focusing on quality design play a huge role in resale value. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) estimates that homebuyers tour at least ten houses before making an offer, which means your home will have competition. Most people notice what is wrong with a house (old and dated doors) but don’t necessarily perceive why another house feels so good to them—that is what great updates provide.
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Cohesive Aesthetic Appeal: Mismatched doors that look like they were replaced years apart can hinder a potential buyer’s excitement. Don’t skimp by overlooking the closet doors. That could make the difference between multiple offers versus multiple price reductions.
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Increased Privacy: High-quality materials increase privacy and cut down on noise pollution between rooms. Whether it’s a child practicing for their first drum recital or a private study for quiet time, noise cancellation is a major selling point.
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Material Selection: When looking to upgrade your home’s interior doors, you want to keep the size and style of your rooms in mind. Wood doors lend themselves to a more contemporary décor while materials like glass and metal favor a more modern style. If you’re looking to enlarge the look of a room, you may opt for mirror doors, as they can make a small room appear larger. French doors can add value to your home because of their striking design, making them a good entry door to a formal dining area.
Completing the Look: The Hardware Factor
To truly elevate your doors, you must consider the hardware—the "jewelry" of the home. Replacing old, tarnished brass knobs with modern finishes like matte black or brushed nickel can instantly modernize a hallway. Consistency is vital; having a uniform finish for all hinges and handles creates a custom-built feel that buyers love. Furthermore, switching to lever-style handles not only looks sleek but improves accessibility throughout the home, which is a growing priority for modern buyers.
Realtor’s Special: 2026 Color Trends
Since I track these trends to help my clients win, here is what we are seeing move the needle this year:
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The "New Neutral" Green: Deep, mossy greens are replacing charcoal gray. They feel grounded and pair perfectly with brass hardware.
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Earthbound Terracotta: For front doors, warm, sun-baked clay colors are in high demand—they signal "warmth" and "home" instantly.
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Soft Cloud Blues: Inside the home, soft, dusty blues are becoming a popular choice for laundry rooms and bedroom doors to create a spa-like flow.
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High-Gloss Inky Black: For a luxury feel, deep black doors with white trim remain a classic choice that makes a home look expensive and well-curated.
Quality Matters Most
Whether you’re replacing exterior or interior doors, an upgrade can increase your home’s resale value in the future and your home’s aesthetic right now. The most important component to prioritize is finding high-quality materials and expert design. By focusing on replacing doors to add value and upgrade functionality, your house will be a cut above the rest.