Period Front Door?

[locky]

Hello everyone,

Just after some guidance whether our front door would be worth anything, as we are in the process of having it replaced.

Ive spent some time trying to research this, but havent had much luck, so figured maybe someone here could point me in the right direction.

The property is late 1800 early 1900s, although I have no clue whether the door is that age - or whether its circa 1990 from B&Q or something!

I must apologise for the picture, I took some good ones last night but didnt expect to have to wait 12hrs or so before I could post, so I only have a cameraphone picture at the moment as I am in work.

Any prompt help or advice would be appreciated as the door could be disposed of today!

Many thanks.

 

[AMc]

Hi and welcome, it is original then its real value is if it stays attached to the house it was originally fitted (i.e. an original period feature).
From your photo there appears to be nothing wrong with it apart from the need for a bit of paint.
Can I ask why are you removing it?

 

[locky]

Hi and thanks for the reply. To cut a long story short, we are in the process of renewing the windows, and also decided to change the front door at the same time.
I appreciate exactly what you are saying regarding the value in keeping it attached to the house, and can assure you Im not looking simply to try and make money from it. As it is in fairly good condition, I figured it would be a shame to end its life getting cut up and taken down the tip, and would somebody else benefit from it.

I know very little about these matters, but it is a good door, with nice furniture, and I would prefer it to live on if there is a market for it. If not, it will be easier for me to get the guys to take it away in the van today rather than me be left with a worthless door!

Thanks again.

 

[CatherineB]

Hi Locky, and welcome to the forum
I would also question why you are getting rid of a perfectly good front door. Although if it's to get one that is partly glazed and lets some light into your hall, then I can understand rather better! And since the decision is made, and I have no idea whether it's worth anything, you could always freecycle it if you don't get a buyer on eBay or wherever.
Others here may have more experience in selling, but as AMc says we tend to try and keep our period features (on our houses, that is!)

 

[locky]

We are having a partially glazed black composite door, for reasons of more light, security and warmth. (Also having a full sized letter box will be handy too)

The reasons you mention regarding having these features on a house is kinda why Im here asking the question rather than simply have our glazers bin the door.
We definitely arent keeping it on the house, so I dont need convincing otherwise, but maybe someone else would love to have it. As I mentioned earlier, I have not the first clue about these things, yes it looks old, but it could be a B&Q job for all I know

I would rather give it away to someone who would appreciate it, but I need some expertise to tell me what it is ive got.
I know I could probably give it to a salvage/reclamation place, but why should I let them profit as they certainly dont give anything away.

Got a few hours until the glazers need my decision. Thanks for the responses so far.

 

[Nigel Watts]

I doesn't look like an old door to me. The proportions of the panels look wrong. If there are similar houses in your street with similar doors it probably means I am incorrect. Part glazed front doors were not uncommon in the early 20th C so you might be able to get one that looks right for the period of the house, if that's important to you. If you are in a conservation area you will need permission to replace the door.

Look here for some examples:

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/design_by_element/door/victorian_and_edwardian_front_doors.php

 

[locky]

I doesn't look like an old door to me. The proportions of the panels look wrong. If there are similar houses in your street with similar doors it probably means I am incorrect. Part glazed front doors were not uncommon in the early 20th C so you might be able to get one that looks right for the period of the house, if that's important to you. If you are in a conservation area you will need permission to replace the door.

Look here for some examples:

http://www.bricksandbrass.co.uk/design_by_element/door/victorian_and_edwardian_front_doors.php

Indeed the fact it didnt look anything like anything I can find on the net led me here to the experts.
One or 2 doors in the street are similar, but a lot of people have nasty white UPVc doors.

Maybe the elaborate brass door knob and impractical letter box is making me think its older than it is.

 

[Flyfisher]

People seem to sell all sorts of things in far worse condition on eBay.
In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if that's what your builders do with it if you let them take it away.

 

[johnandrew]

...If you are in a conservation area you will need permission to replace the door.

If only this were the case. Unfortunately it only applies if the local planning authority has removed the relevant permitted development rights by issuing directions under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order. Our conservation area has no Article 4 directions, in fact none of the conservation areas in our local authority have Article 4 directions - and guess what - inappropriate windows and doors are everywhere - what a surprise!

 

[locky]

...If you are in a conservation area you will need permission to replace the door.

If only this were the case. Unfortunately it only applies if the local planning authority has removed the relevant permitted development rights by issuing directions under Article 4 of the General Permitted Development Order. Our conservation area has no Article 4 directions, in fact none of the conservation areas in our local authority have Article 4 directions - and guess what - inappropriate windows and doors are everywhere - what a surprise!

Its not a conservation area, its a mid-terrace in Gateshead. Hence the fact I want a more secure front door.