During the recent financial upheaval quite a lot decided to buy old houses cheaply. Now that the market seems to be showing signs of recovery many feel that the time is right to begin the refurbishment projects. Maybe you are one of these people, and are already planning on replacing doors and windows. In which case a timely reminder about period houses, remember small details like the decorative door hinges.
If you put yourself in a potential buyers shoes for a moment, when you first approach the house one of the first things that you see is the main door. If there are nice fancy hinges looking as though they belong there, the impression is given that you have done an excellent job. A positive point even before they have gained entry.
Any garages or out buildings connected with the property were probably also constructed at the same time. From that time period the chances are high that all of the materials would have been bought from the same source. As a consequence all things are going to be of a similar style and standard.
To add that extra bit of authenticity be careful what types of fixings you choose to use. There are pyramid head screws that seem to be designed for just this job. Just ensure that the surface finishes match as close as possible.
There are things called strap kits, which people use to give the illusion that they are the originals, but they will still utilise the modern day butt hinge. These kits come as matched halves, and each half will sit on either side of the butt barrel. Most often these strap kits will be made to look like old fashioned cast iron, although there are now bronzed appearance kits on the market.
It is possible to buy replica strap hinges, with a variety of ends. The lengths can vary from under 25 centimetres to over 50. They are used with heavier loads, and are practical for use both inside and out.
A fly screen door is going to be much lighter, and so different hinges are required. Quite often these will have an antiqued brass finish, and the visible surfaces are normally etched. They come with an internal spring tensioner, which can be adjusted. They are easy to fit as they just fix to the flat surfaces of screen and frame.
Don't forget to check out any other period houses in the area. See what type of door hardware has been used, and if they originals or copies. Should they be modern equivalents ask for the supplier's name. People will be pleased that you noticed and are often quite willing to help. Old photographs and the internet can be of assistance if there are no other houses of a similar style.
Try to get the potential buyer on your side as soon as possible. Little details such as decorative door hinges can really help in this matter. It says that you take pride in your work and no detail is too insignificant.
If you put yourself in a potential buyers shoes for a moment, when you first approach the house one of the first things that you see is the main door. If there are nice fancy hinges looking as though they belong there, the impression is given that you have done an excellent job. A positive point even before they have gained entry.
Any garages or out buildings connected with the property were probably also constructed at the same time. From that time period the chances are high that all of the materials would have been bought from the same source. As a consequence all things are going to be of a similar style and standard.
To add that extra bit of authenticity be careful what types of fixings you choose to use. There are pyramid head screws that seem to be designed for just this job. Just ensure that the surface finishes match as close as possible.
There are things called strap kits, which people use to give the illusion that they are the originals, but they will still utilise the modern day butt hinge. These kits come as matched halves, and each half will sit on either side of the butt barrel. Most often these strap kits will be made to look like old fashioned cast iron, although there are now bronzed appearance kits on the market.
It is possible to buy replica strap hinges, with a variety of ends. The lengths can vary from under 25 centimetres to over 50. They are used with heavier loads, and are practical for use both inside and out.
A fly screen door is going to be much lighter, and so different hinges are required. Quite often these will have an antiqued brass finish, and the visible surfaces are normally etched. They come with an internal spring tensioner, which can be adjusted. They are easy to fit as they just fix to the flat surfaces of screen and frame.
Don't forget to check out any other period houses in the area. See what type of door hardware has been used, and if they originals or copies. Should they be modern equivalents ask for the supplier's name. People will be pleased that you noticed and are often quite willing to help. Old photographs and the internet can be of assistance if there are no other houses of a similar style.
Try to get the potential buyer on your side as soon as possible. Little details such as decorative door hinges can really help in this matter. It says that you take pride in your work and no detail is too insignificant.
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