1. Introduction
This essay will detail how a homeowner can make a statement with a Craftsman door. Step outside of the box with a door that has a unique sense of craftsmanship and stands out from the rest. Although there are all different styles of Craftsman doors, there are certain defining features of these homes that should dictate the choice of door. The prairie style home is the most obvious to guide your decision, with a wide front overhang and an attached or recessed entryway. These homes are also generally decorated with an array of earth tones such as olive, brown, and creamy off whites. The door should then be one with a straight design and solid in nature. Most prairie style homes come with many small windows and a glazed door, so the only modern twist to this fixture should be to change it to a French glass door. These can be found in designs with many glass panes of all different shapes and sizes, be sure to choose one that compliments the windows of your home. If the prairie home has an earth tone aluminum siding, a good alternative is to use a wooden door or a wood-finished fiberglass door. The natural finish will give a striking contrast to the color of the house, drawing attention to the entry.
2. Importance of Exterior Doors
There are different types of interior and exterior door designs that can be put on in a home consistent with what type of door is being replaced. The most common types are built in the modern era, for instance, six-panel interior doors, which have six equal-sized rectangular panels adjoined by vertical stiles and rails. These doors are the most widely used because the price is relative to the quality. Most stock six-panel doors are made of hollow core construction, which can be less durable. Solid pine door.
As the entryway to your home, the exterior door is the connector a visitor uses to walk to your residence until they reach the inside. Your residence’s exterior door, especially the focal point, which is the front entry door, represents your taste, your inheritance, the home’s inside decor, and protects you from the foes. The beauty of your abode is dependent on the beauty of the interior and the exterior. Your abode will look charming only if the interior and exterior architecture is charming. Using arts and crafts architectural style doors, you can recreate a certain time period in history or give your home its own unique style.
2.1. Enhancing Curb Appeal
Hospitality of homeowners can increase in many different ways; among them, the choice of exterior door can have a notable impact. A recent report by the National Association of Realtors and National Association of Home Builders confirms that exterior door replacements are among the most cost-effective home improvement projects for homeowners, returning more money than almost any other project. You can also just ask a real estate agent about the importance of a home’s first impression and the value of a stylish and secure front door and entryway. He or she will likely tell you that it cannot be overstated. That’s because the entryway is the focal point of the house—the transition point between the “outside world” and your haven called home.
It’s the place where you meet and greet the world. It affects the view from the street and the street itself as experienced from the home, and it’s the first taste of your home for visitors and for yourself when you return at the end of each day. According to home improvement guru, Ron Hazelton, “How your front door looks and functions is important on several levels.” There’s a direct correlation between the style of the front entry and the perceived value of the home. A more attractive entry will entice neighbors, friends, and family to come by and visit, helping to build relationships. An entryway that “draws people in” is what Joseph W. R Lstiburek, a building scientist and expert in durable building construction, calls “the joys of a home”. The French have an appropriate term for it – joie de vivre. When translated, it means a feeling of happiness or excitement about life. Who’s not striving for more of that? At the very least, a well-kept and attractive front entry will put a smile on your face when you come home at night—providing one final relaxation point before the hectic outside world is left behind for the day.
2.2. Providing Security
Good security isn’t just to keep intruders out, but also to keep those inside safe in case of an emergency. Fire is always a threat and often times many people escape by the skin of their teeth out of a burning house. Given the dire situation, it should be made easy to escape and modern high quality doors are durable yet lightweight and easy to open, enabling quick access to the outside. In new homes, wider front doors are becoming increasingly common as it enables easier moving of furniture into the home, a double benefit because it also provides easy access to those larger than life thieves who are looking for a quick and easy way to steal your brand new big screen TV.
Exterior doors are the gateway to your home. Imagine that your home is a person; doors are the sensory organs, taking in information from the outside world. One of the most important pieces of information that you need to be aware of is the level of security in the outside world. Just as a person would feel uncomfortable walking a dark alley at night, you wouldn’t want to purchase a home with low security. A high quality exterior door will provide you with the level of security you need to feel comfortable in your home. Old doors are thin and of low quality, providing what is essentially the same level of security as a sliding screen door. With more and more break and enter occurrences happening, a secure door is an essential way of keeping your family safe. New fiberglass doors hold up against all the elements and are virtually impossible to break down. High quality locks and hinges will provide an added layer of security, making breaking in too much effort for the average thief.
2.3. Improving Energy Efficiency
An energy-efficient exterior door can help lower your household energy bills year-round. If you have an attached garage, an energy-efficient door between the garage and living areas can also make a difference in your heating and cooling costs.
Several factors affect a door’s energy efficiency. The most important of these is the construction of the door. An energy-efficient door will have tightly constructed and insulated door frames, and at least one insulated panel. High-quality steel and fiberglass doors usually have a thermal break – a layer of insulation within the frame – that prevents heat loss. High-quality door panels will have at least a full core of insulation, and are often double- or triple-panel. The type of glass in a door will affect its energy efficiency. At minimum, glass should be double-paned insulated glass. For a truly energy-efficient door, you’ll want to consider glazing – a process in which the glass is coated with a film or has a gas filling between the panes, which can reduce UV infiltration and increase energy efficiency.
3. Craftsman Style for Exterior Doors
Craftsmanship is the key with the Craftsman door. While modern milling techniques can reproduce these doors quickly, at a glance the Craftsman door appears to have been assembled on the job site using time-honored mortise-and-tenon joinery. Dimensions are usually a matter of personal choice. Consider that the door should be a natural extension of your front entry area. A Craftsman door that features glass will usually have a divided lite pattern. Traditional patterns are often Roycroft or Mulligan, and the glass itself will usually be textured or beveled. Choose glass that offers some privacy, as Craftsman homes often feature front entries that are quite near to the street.
The Craftsman style, an American extension of Britain’s Arts and Crafts movement, began as an architectural idea that was taken from the simple wooden structures erected by sloyd teachers in rural England and Scandinavia. It was transmuted into a west coast design that used natural materials and an emphasis on the unique. Gustav Stickley, founder of the Craftsman furniture movement, also influenced the architecture of the time. His ideals of simplicity and “honest” construction, meaning that a structure should be completely true to the materials used to build it, redefined the style for the early 20th century.
3.1. Characteristics of Craftsman Style
The exterior doors on craftsman style homes tend to be a statement piece, whether it be simple or slightly embellished. Common doors can be single or double with divided glass panes and typically have top or top and bottom divided panes. After WWII, a very common craftsman door was this style made out of a solid core wood door with top and bottom divided panes. This door was very popular and is often used as a defining factor in the overall look of craftsman style homes from that period.
Craftsman style has numerous distinguishing exterior and interior characteristics. The most common homes have at least one gabled roof and a generous overhang, but can have two or more stories. The homes also typically have exposed rafters or decorative brackets under the eaves and porches framed by tapered square columns or pedestals.
3.2. Popular Materials for Craftsman Doors
Fiberglass doors are an increasingly popular choice, particularly when the house has been outfitted with a fiberglass front entry door. The material is maintenance-free, dent-resistant, and comes in a variety of wood textures, many of which are remarkable. Fiberglass doors generally come insulated, providing a more energy-efficient alternative to steel. Cost is comparable to mid-range wood doors and cheaper than high-end wood doors. Unfortunately, the decorative glass options available for fiberglass doors tend to be less authentic, and the material has a tendency to yellow with age. High-quality fiberglass doors can last decades but are relatively new to the market, making it difficult to say exactly how they will hold up over time. Similar to fiberglass doors, many fiberglass-clad doors attempt to replicate the look of wood in a door made mostly of another material.
3.3. Design Elements of Craftsman Doors
A craftsman door is likely to have a window with a single lite or multiple small lites. If the door has more than one window, it is likely that the vertical and horizontal rails in the door are in line with rails in the windows. This creates a balanced look and divides the door into distinct sections. A common characteristic of craftsman doors is sidelights and transoms. Sidelights are usually long narrow windows that are placed on one or either side of the door. A transom is a window that is located above the door. Both sidelights and transoms serve to brighten the entrance of the home. However, in his book Stickley explains that “An exterior door should so far as consistent with its purpose be a barrier keeping the interior of the house warm and dry”. For this reason, it’s common to see recreated craftsman doors without the inclusion of sidelights and transoms.
The design elements of a craftsman door are what separate it from other styles of doors. The latter half of the 19th century saw a lot of technical development in the field of architecture. This advancement allowed for freedom of design in the joinery of doors. The result was finer details and craftsmanship in the creation of front doors. The utilization of this new technology is one of the defining characteristics of a craftsman door.
4. Choosing the Right Craftsman Door
When you’re ready to purchase your new Craftsman-style front door, there are several factors you should consider to make sure that you’re making the right choice. First, look at the architecture of your home. This is important because you want a door that fits well with the style of your home regardless of whether it is authentic Craftsman. If it is styled after a different time period, the door that is most appropriate might be one that is different than a pure Craftsman style front door. However, if you have an authentic Craftsman home, then you are in luck; finding the right door will be quite easy due to the fact that there are so many suppliers catering to this niche. Next, measure the size of your door. Strange as it may sound, not all doors are the same size. Failing to measure your door could lead to a pricey mistake. If you find that you need a door that is not of standard size, it can always be ordered from the manufacturer in the size that you need. However, it may take longer to receive it than a standard sized door. Now, you should consider the finishes available and select one which works well for your home. Make use of any resources available to you, such as designers, family and friends in the interior design business. Seek lots of opinions and gather lots of information. It’s always good to consider different points of view when making a decision like this. And finally, think about whether a door with glass accents is right for your home. This adds a whole new dimension to the door that may or may not be desirable. A door with glass accents is not ideal for everyone. But if you do decide to go this route, make sure to select a type of glass and a design that is appropriate for your privacy needs.
4.1. Considering Your Home’s Architecture
Craftsman architecture is simple and elegant, and it’s important that your door follows. Craftsman doors are notable for their thick, tapered arches and thick, wooden doors. Your home may not have this specific architectural feature, but any home with predominant horizontal lines can benefit from Mission-style doors. But the rule of thumb is that a simple, well-designed, and well-crafted wood door will work. In both traditional and contemporary settings, Mission style’s honest wood doors express a warmth and an enduring beauty that other materials just can’t quite match. Glass can be used, but it should be sparingly as the virtue of a Craftsman door is to maintain a sense of privacy. Leaded or stained glass, again in very simple patterns, would be the appropriate choice. And with a little thought and consideration, the beauty of wood doors can be restored to any Craftsman, Prairie, or Bungalow home. High quality, all designed and crafted to reflect the pure elegance and artistic detail of the mission movement, will add long-lasting value to a Craftsman home.
4.2. Selecting the Appropriate Size
When considering the size of a craftsman door, it is a good idea to measure the current door to get a feel for what size will be best. Exterior doors come in standard sizes, the most common is 80 inches in height by 36 inches in width and 80 inches in height by 32 inches in width. To obtain the width of the door, measure across the top, center, and bottom of the door, and record the smallest measurement – this ensures the new door will fit in the old jamb. To get the height, measure along the right and left sides of the door and record the largest measurement. Make sure to note which side the door hinges are located, and purchase a door with a matching hinge location. This will make installation much easier. On homes with considerably different door sizes, it may look best to stick with a more standard door size and add sidelites to the new door to fill the space.
A new craftsman door is a perfect way to add style and curb appeal to your home. With the many options available, it is easy to find a door that is perfect in terms of size, style, and finishes. With these ideas in mind, you are sure to enjoy a new door and the beauty and elegance it adds to your home.
4.3. Exploring Different Finishes
Paint is another popular choice for craftsman doors and offers an array of colors to match or accent your home. Although it has a wide selection of color, a painted door may have a dated look in the future and the color options are irreversible once the door has been painted over a period of time. This can be a good or bad thing, depending on whether you want to change the look of the door in future ends. Like with a stain, paint can be preserved with a clear coat finish.
One of the most common, and cost effective, finishes for a craftsman door is a stain. With a variety of shades, the customer will be able to achieve a natural finish that highlights the grain of the wood. It should be noted that a stain offers minimal protection from the elements and the door will require more maintenance than with other finishes. A good alternative or additional step to protection is to use a clear coat sealer over the stain. This will act as a sunscreen to the door, protecting the wood and the stain from sun damage and fading.
Once you have evaluated your home’s architectural style and pinpointed the appropriate door size, the next step is considering the finish. This is a very important choice that you will clearly see making the wrong choice for your craftsman door. The finishes for exterior craftsman doors are very important because it must be able to withstand the seasonal and sometimes harsh changes in weather. Solid wood doors will need refinishing, and over the years you may need to (or want to) change the look of your door. Experimenting on scrap wood with different finish steps is a very helpful way to see some of the finishes you may like.
4.4. Deciding on Glass Options
In Craftsman exterior doors, traditional options for glass include beveled, leaded, and stained glass. Even the new fad of inserting individual, thermal glass “lite” panels still corresponds with the vintage sliding doors. For the higher-end look of Craftsman doors, authentic divided lights can be installed in any pattern within the door. The divided lights can also be simulated using mullions applied to the surface of the glass, exuding the appearance of individual glass panes. An increasingly popular request among homeowners is to include low E glass in their exterior doors. Low E glass is energy-efficient, deflecting exterior heat in the summer, and keeping it in the house during the winter. This glass can be a supportive component in the door, contributing to energy savings. Low E glass is comprised of a thin, nearly invisible metallic coating which allows visible light in, but obstructs ultraviolet and enhances insulating value.
Another contemporary glass concept for Craftsman doors is to install decorative art glass, depicting naturalistic or geometric scene and abstract designs. These can be personalized pieces crafted by local or national glass artists, or designers can choose to install ready-made art glass. Art glass gives homeowners a way to express their own artistic style, and it can be used as a homely touch to distinguish a Craftsman door from other door styles.
5. Installation Process for Craftsman Doors
After ensuring that the door is functioning correctly, install the lockset and deadbolt. Most Craftsman hardware sets are designed to be easily installed on any door. However, some mild adjustments to mortises or hinge positions may be required. Read and follow your lockset and deadbolt installation instructions. Once the lockset is installed, the last step is to install the interior trim. This is simply a matter of fitting the trim to the door frame and checking for proper fit. Make any necessary adjustments to the trim for proper fit. Once the proper fit is achieved, nail the trim into position. This completes the installation of the Craftsman door. Step back and admire your hard work.
First remove the door from the hinges. Then remove the hinges from the door frame. It is better to use new hinges than old ones, as the old ones may not line up with the mortise in the door frame. The hinge positions may require slight adjustment to the mortises to ensure an exact fit. Screw all the hinges into position in the door frame. Then with the assistance of your partner, rehang the door. Open and close the door to check its operation. Make any necessary adjustments to the hinges.
First, check the fit of the door frame within the opening. It is preferable to have a slightly tight fit rather than have the frame loose within the opening. If the fit is too tight, use a wood plane to shave off the necessary wood from the door frame. Shave the wood off evenly on all sides that require adjustment. Once the fit is determined to be correct, the door frame is ready to be installed permanently within the opening. Run a bead of caulk adhesive around the inside perimeter of the door frame. Then with the assistance of your partner, place the door frame into the opening. Shim the door frame in position and cross-check the frame for plumb with a level. Secure the door frame with nails at the shim locations. After securing the frame, check the door for proper swing.
The key to the success of your installation project is the quality of the door opening. At the same time, it is the most difficult phase of the project. Start by removing any existing trim from the opening. Then make adjustments to the opening by placing shims at various locations between the door frame and the opening. Shims can be made from wood or plastic. Their purpose is to ensure that the door frame will be installed in a perfectly plumb position. It is critical that the door frame be perfectly plumb in both the lateral and vertical directions. Sometimes adjustments to the opening are necessary. Do not hesitate to remove and recut drywall. You will not be happy with the results of the door installation unless the opening is perfect. Drywall repairs are quite simple to make.
5.1. Preparing the Opening
After measurements have been taken, remove the old door frame which includes the door stop and any trim. This can be done by using a hammer and pry bar. Some exterior sidings will need to be cut away as well. If you are planning on reusing the trim, try and remove the pieces as whole as possible. This may not be the easiest route, however, as old trim often splinters or breaks during the removal process. If you are installing a pre-hung door unit, make sure the door will swing in the right direction. You may need to remove the door from the frame by tapping out the hinge pins with a hammer and nail.
The first step in the door installation process is to make sure that the door you have selected will fit. In order to do this, measure the height from the bottom of the header to the top of the bottom plate. Also, measure the width of the door at the top, middle, and bottom. Do not assume that your house is perfectly level.
5.2. Installing the Door Frame
Finally, check the operation of door and lock to make sure they work properly. Drips of adhesive can be scraped off with a utility knife when dry, and any smudges of caulk can be wiped off with a damp rag. Now your door is installed and ready for years of service.
With the frame in place use shims to fill the gaps between the jambs and the framing (Photo 4). The brick molding should not be shimmed; instead the jambs should be shimmed evenly from both sides. Now nail the frame in place by driving two casing nails through each jamb into the framing (Photo 5). Trim excess shim with a utility knife and drive the rest behind the jamb. Now add another continuous bead of adhesive around the brick molding and smooth it with a finger. This will bond the door and frame together, preventing air leaks that lead to drafts.
Dry-fit the frame by sliding it into the opening and checking the margins around the door (Photo 3). When satisfied, take apart the frame and spread caulk on the sub sill and the bottoms of the hinge and latch jambs. Tilt the frame out and apply a continuous bead of adhesive along the back side of the brick molding. Now reinstall the frame by pushing it into the opening and checking the margins.
The author recommends construction adhesive and galvanized casing nails for best results. The following instructions assume use of these materials. If you’re working with an older home that has settling problems, or if you’re reusing the casing, adjust the instructions as necessary.
Prepare the rough opening. Shim the door’s threshold, and nail the jambs to the framing on the hinge side. That holds the door in position, and allows you to swing the door to check the reveal around the door (Photo 2) before you fasten the hinge jamb. Note: For a 32-in. door, the rough opening should be 34-1/4 in. wide and 82-1/2 in. high to accommodate the door and frame. An interior door is a little easier because you don’t have to worry about siding, brick or stone. Just make sure the rough opening is plumb and level.
Once the rough opening is ready for the new door unit, it’s time to install the frame. When installing a door unit, make sure you understand what you’re about to do. In most cases, you should remove only the door itself and the hardware, unless the jamb is bad. There are different methods for installing a door with a unit attached. The following instructions are for removing an old door and installing a new pre-hung door.
5.3. Hanging the Door
Once the door frame is in place, the door can be hung. Fully pre-hung doors should be installed according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Partially pre-hung doors should be removed from the frame for installation. You should have help when lifting and holding the door. Solid wood doors can be heavy and are best hung on a calm day to avoid wind damage. Pre-hung doors in exterior walls should open into the house to avoid exposure to the elements. They should also swing toward the direction of the slope. If necessary, the door can be cut to fit the opening. A chain mortiser should be used to cut hinge gains into the door edge. The gains should be 3/8 inches deep and should house the hinge to the knuckle. This will allow the door to open fully. High-quality doors will have thick edges to allow for this without compromising stability. Butt hinges should be placed into the gains, and the door should be hung on the frame. Shim the hinges to ensure a uniform gap around the door. This gap should be approximately 1/8 inches wide. The door should open and close without any trouble. If it drags, then the hinges may need to be readjusted.
5.4. Adding Finishing Touches
One of the most important finishing touches is to fit a suitable door knob and lock. Often many doors are spoiled by bad placement of the lock or an ugly modern lockset. Seek an authentic period lockset or reproduction. This may require some persistence, but it will be worth it in the long run. Some companies offer a wide range of elegant yet sturdy door hardware ranging from traditional to modern styles. French door levers are suitable for modern day living with a traditional feel. This is often a spring latch and quite simple, but it is functional and elegant. For a more traditional, classic period look, thumb latches, curved handles and ring turns are available in many designs. High quality locks are available to make a door very secure, whilst remaining in the character of a traditional door. A nightlatch is suitable for doors that just need a bit more security. A barrel bolt is the simplest form of bolt for a door. It is normally used in a horizontal position, but can be used vertically on an inside door. A surface bolt is a slide bolt which is used on the face of the door. Its purpose is to prevent someone from opening a door that has a lock on the other side. Step plates and bolts are available for stable doors. This is just an example and variety of different hardware can be found to suit apprentice and budget.
Once all steps of the installation process have been finished, there is one stage which is far too often overlooked. That is to apply some sealant to the exterior of the door jam. It is intended to prevent water from entering under or behind the door which could lead to damage. Apply a good quality exterior paint to finish the door. An initial coat of primer should be used, and different types of wood may require different types of paint. If the door will be exposed to the elements, ensure to use weather resistant exterior paints. Apply at least two or three coats for a durable finish.
6. Maintaining and Caring for Craftsman Doors
Regularly cleaning the door with a mild detergent and soft cloth will keep it looking fresh and new. A regular wipe with a soft cloth, working with the grain of the wood, will remove any dust that has accumulated. Avoid using strong solvents or harsh chemicals to clean the door as it will likely remove the finish and in some cases may even damage the wood itself. Stained wood doors will need to be refinished every 2-3 years or as soon as the finish begins to look worn. If you do not know when the door was last refinished, a good indicator is when water is no longer repelled and begins to soak into the wood, it is time to refinish. Sand the old finish off down to the bare wood, clean the door, and apply a new finish. Painted doors will need to be repainted every 5-10 years depending on the amount of direct sunlight the door receives. When lines or cracks begin to appear in the paint, scrape the loose paint off, sand the door, apply primer and paint. Be sure to check the door for any signs of damage and ensure repairs are made before any refinishing or repainting is done.
Panel doors are popular and versatile, but a properly installed Craftsman door creates an outstanding impression and increases the aesthetic appeal of your home. With the proper care, it can also last for generations. Craftsman doors can be made from various types of woods or even fiberglass, so the maintenance required will vary based on the materials used.
6.1. Regular Cleaning and Dusting
These unique doors are often designed with beveled glass and copper, both features requiring frequent attention and maintenance. Homeowners should seek advice from the door supplier on appropriate methods of maintaining their doors. In most cases, the doors will need to be refinished every 2-3 years. To refinish the door, it is recommended that the door is removed from its hinges and laid flat on a clean, dry surface such as a pair of sawhorses. All dirt and debris should be cleaned from the surface using a mild detergent and water, then rinsed and allowed to dry completely. Sand the door lightly, working in the direction of the grain, and finish by cleaning the door again to remove any sanding dust. Stain or paint the door according to the recommendations of the finish manufacturer. Regularly applying a fresh coat of high quality finish to the door will provide the greatest protection against the elements and general wear and tear. If any part of the door is broken or damaged, it is imperative that the area is repaired as soon as possible to avoid further damage. This can range from a simple task such as replacing damaged or missing weather stripping, to a more complex task possibly requiring professional help. Regular inspection and maintenance will ensure Craftsman doors last a lifetime.
6.2. Protecting Against Moisture and Sunlight
If moisture and sunlight come into contact with unfinished wood, they can cause warping and discoloration of the wood’s finish. Craftsman doors should be finished prior to installation. Stain or paint should be applied to all six sides of the door, including the top and bottom edges. It is recommended that the door be finished immediately following installation when there is little chance of rain. The finish should be applied according to the manufacturer’s instructions. On a garage door that has no overhang or porch to offer protection from the elements, it may be necessary to finish the door more frequently. A storm or screen door will also help protect the craftsman entry door from exposure to the elements. Check the finish of the door every year and refinish it as necessary. Proper maintenance will ensure that your craftsman door remains a beautiful feature of your home for many years to come.
6.3. Repairing Minor Damages
Remove or lessen scratches and stains on the door with different methods. For small scratches, rub a matching color furniture stick over the scratch. If it is a bigger scratch or gouge, use wood putty on it. Stains can be removed by using steel wool and mineral spirits. If this does not work, dip the steel wool in a cleaning product with oxalic acid and rub the stained area. Retain the color using a matching, penetrating stain and finish by waxing the affected area. If your craftsman door is painted, any stain is likely to affect the color of the door. Use a mild detergent to clean it off and rinse with clean water. If repainting is necessary, sand and prime the worn area before painting.
Replace separated joints with waterproof wood glue. Determine how serious the damage is. If it is just one or two joints that have come apart, they can be fixed by applying glue to the tongue and pressing the joint back together. If the whole rail or stile is damaged, it will need to be removed, cleaned of old glue, and reglued. Any surface that has glue applied to it needs to be wiped before it dries to avoid any residue.
Fill in small holes or dents with a small amount of wood putty. Use a color that closely matches the original of your craftsman door and smooth it over with a flat instrument. After it is dry, sand it down evenly with fine grain sandpaper. Don’t attempt to repaint over the area if the putty is not completely dry.
7. Conclusion
The quality of the information in this guide was excellent. Clarity, conciseness, and comprehensiveness of the information make it a valuable resource. It is well organized and logical, following a line of inquiry and related topics from beginning to end, which makes material easy to find and review, and makes it useful to the targeted readership. It is complete, covering a wide range of topics that are pertinent and valuable to the construction, improvement, and maintenance of a suitable home entry, and because of this general comprehensiveness, it has added value since it could serve as a single source versus having to compile information from multiple texts (or internet sources) that may have unclear reliability or may not be free. Opting to have an “out-sourced” preview picture of each topic subsection is very wise as it can facilitate a quick understanding of what material will be covered, especially valuable in a longer document. Choosing images that are vivid and clear in their subject matter would be most valuable. This is because, especially in the case of this document, a well-chosen image can be as valuable or more so when compared to well-written text because in a concise way an image can visualize a point or idea that may take several paragraphs of written text to describe. This author did well in their utilization of expository graphics. The images, unlike some that can be found in online image databases, were expertly drawn or composed to depict a very specific point. High-quality graphics make the guide more valuable due to increased clarity of understanding.
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