Every time anyone goes in an out of our bathroom at night I can hear it because the bathroom door squeaks. I've asked by husband to fix it so many times that I am sick of the sound of my voice. I am getting a contractor to fix the job and do all of the other jobs on my husband's to do list. I am sick of nagging him, so I'm hiring in someone to get rid of all of these little issues. This blog is for other fed up wives who just want to see their houses fixed like they asked.
When you start touring homes and narrowing down the home you want to buy, there are certain questions you think of asking. Some of these questions deal with the age of the wiring, when the last time the heating system was checked, and the last time the roof was repaired or replaced. One set of questions you may overlook asking relates to your solid timber doors. Here are some important questions you should ask:
Has the Door Been Weatherproofed Recently?
This question is one of the first that you should ask. Ideally the answer should be yes and the time frame should be within the last two years since most weatherproofing lasts about that long. If the real estate agent doesn't know the answer, or if the answer is no, then you will need to have the door checked by a contractor.
The contractor will check for damage, wood rot, or weakness due to weather and water damage. If none is found, then you can have the door weatherproofed and maintain that as part of your household maintenance routine. If the door does have damage, it may need to be replaced, though repair is an option if the damage is minor.
What is the Type of Wood Used in the Door?
Different woods have different maintenance steps that need to be completed in order to keep the door in good shape. For example, if you have chosen a solid timber door made of teak timber, then you may need to invest in teak oils to keep the door looking its best. You may also find that some woods need a different type of weatherproofing or waterproofing agent made especially for them. The type of wood used for the door also plays into how you can stain it, paint it, or if it will change to a lighter or darker shade naturally over time.
Has the Door Frame Been Damaged or Replaced?
Even if you are focusing on questions about the solid timber door, you may overlook the frame. If the frame isn't made of the same wood, if it is older or newer, or if it has been replaced recently, then you need to know. These factors can play into possible drafts that may occur from an ill fitting door frame. They can also play into how you maintain the door versus how you maintain the door frame and weatherproof both effectively. Another aspect to consider is security. If the door frame is older and can easily be damaged, then the strength of the door may not matter.
These questions, and their answers, can make a big difference when you make an offer on your home. Make sure that you write down the answers and that you double check with the contractor, such as those at Johnston Joinery, during a building inspection to ensure there are no problems that may lead to wood rot or timber door replacement.
Share18 January 2016
