Top 3 Ways to Boost Your Home Security and Value

 Are you looking for simple upgrades that can make a big difference in your home’s safety, comfort, and resale value? 

Did you know that something as straightforward as replacing your front door can deliver long-lasting benefits in all three areas?

From better protection to energy savings, a door replacement in Ann Arbor is one of the smartest investments you can make for your home. Let’s break down the top three ways a new entry door can increase both your security and value.

1. Enhanced Home Security

Modern replacement doors are built with advanced locking systems, reinforced materials, and impact-
resistant glass options. Whether you choose steel, fiberglass, or a high-quality wood door, today’s designs prioritize security without sacrificing style. 

2. Increased Property Value

A stylish, well-crafted front door creates a strong first impression for buyers. According to real estate experts, entry door replacement consistently ranks among the top home improvements for return on investment. A new, attractive door can make your home stand out in Ann Arbor’s competitive housing market.

3. Improved Energy Efficiency

Older doors often allow drafts, which can increase heating and cooling costs. Many modern entry doors are built with insulated cores, weatherstripping, and energy-efficient glass panels that help maintain comfortable indoor temperatures year-round. 

Learn more about the benefits of a door replacement in our latest article! 

Upgrade Your Home with a Professional Door Replacement in Ann Arbor

When it comes to home improvements, few projects deliver as much impact as replacing your entry door. From boosting curb appeal to saving money on energy bills, a new door enhances both your everyday comfort and your home’s overall value.

👉 Ready to get started? Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and explore our wide selection of entry doors designed to keep your Ann Arbor home secure, stylish, and efficient.

Why You Should Replace Your Entry Door

Is your door getting harder to open or close? 

Can you see light peeking through the gaps between your door and the frame? 

Your entry door is one of the first things people see when looking at your home, but there are a few reasons why you should replace your entry door if it’s starting to show signs of wear and tear.

You should replace your entry door if: 

• There’s visible damage like cracks, dents, or warping
• Drafts coming in, leading to energy loss
• Excessive noise leaking through, like sounds from the road 
  
• Water damage that has caused swelling, rotting, or mold growth
• If you find yourself struggling to open or close your exterior door, it may be a sign of issues with the frame, hinges, or the door itself.

Benefits of a New Door:

• Better functionality 
• Customized to your taste
• Higher home resale value
• Increased curb appeal
• Improved energy efficiency 

Learn more about signs you should replace your door in our latest article! 

Improve Your Home’s Energy Efficiency with a Door Replacement in Ann Arbor

Is your door letting cold air in? 

Your door does more for your home than boost curb appeal, it’s a major defense against the elements and your main point of entry. Contact our team today to look into your door replacement in Ann Arbor!

Signs It's Time for a New Entry Door

Is the color of your entry door starting to fade?

Is it getting harder to open and close your door? 

Over time, wear and tear can take a toll on our exterior doors, signaling it’s time for a replacement.
 

Here are a few signs it’s time to upgrade your door: 

• Visible Damage 
• Difficulty Opening and Closing
• Drafts and Energy Loss 
• Water Damage 
• Excessive Noises 

Learn more about the signs it’s time to replace your entry door in our latest article! 

It’s Time for a Door Replacement in Ann Arbor! 

Are you seeing the signs that it’s time for a door replacement in Ann Arbor? 

Your door does more for your home than boost curb appeal, it’s a major defense against the elements and your main point of entry. Contact our team today for a consultation on replacement styles that best suit your home! 

Weatherproofing Your Home

When people think about weatherproofing their home it’s usually in the fall before the weather breaks and temperatures drop. While this is necessary to help trap expensive heat inside your home throughout the winter, it’s important that your home be weatherproofed for summer too! Whether it’s winter or summer, it’s unlikely that you’ll want the temperature outside your home to match that of the inside – unless you’ve taken the precautions to weatherproof your home, external conditions will most likely have an effect internally. Taking the time to maintain your ventilation systems and other areas where you might find air leaks will help you trap the cool air in, keep hot air out, and save you money on cooling costs in the long run. After all, no one wants to be hot AND broke!

Weatherproofing your home does not require a big budget or a lot of time. We’ve compiled a few of our favorite ways you can take on this DIY project and get on the path to stable internal temperatures and a more affordable energy bill.

Honeycomb Cellular Shades

Installing cellular, or “honeycomb,” shades is a phenomenal way to keep extreme temperatures from penetrating through windows into your home. This type of shade will work for you year-round, keeping you cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter. As hot or cold air radiates from window panes & frames, it gets trapped in the cells of the shade. You’ll want to make sure not to install these too close to the window, however, as you might see ice buildup on window panes during winter months!

Door Draft-Stoppers

Adding draft-stoppers to entry doors will prevent outside air from seeping in underneath. You can pick up a draft stopper at almost any local hardware store at a low cost. If you’d like to be more resourceful, make one yourself!

Air Leaks Around Doors & Windows

Repairing areas that allow air to leak through is one of the greatest improvements you can make in weatherproofing your home. A simple trick to finding these problem areas is to run a lit candle around window & door frames. If you pass by an area where unwanted air is coming in, you’ll see the flame flicker. Now that you’ve sought out the areas causing issues, you’ll want to seal the leak with caulk or weather stripping.

Basement & Attic Insulation

While this is far from the cheapest method to weatherproofing your home, it will give you the best return on your investment. Uninsulated attics and basements will let warm air escape your home during colder months and let it back in during warmer months.

Ventilation

A ventilation system that isn’t working properly will not allow your home to shed the hot air it doesn’t need. Vents leading out of your attic should be clear of debris both inside and out. When checking these vents, you may want to take a look at the vents attached to your HVAC system as well. Blockages can trap heat in and prevent your cooling system from running effectively.

Programable Thermostat

Exterior temperatures can fluctuate throughout the day, and you won’t always be around to adjust the dial on your thermostat accordingly. Having your HVAC system set to maintain a stable temperature on its own will prevent you from over heating or cooling a house nobody is in! A standard programmable thermostat can be picked up for about $30, but there are many options with special features if you’re willing to spend a little more.

Taking these measures to properly weatherproof your home will almost always help reduce the cost of heating and cooling. If you’ve gone through each of these without seeing a change on your energy bill, there might be a larger problem at hand. A home with outdated windows or doors isn’t optimized to effectively regulate internal temperatures. You may need to consider replacement energy efficient windows & doors or have your roof inspected for issues.

Natural Light In The Office Can Make Employees More Productive

Do your employees seem more sluggish as the day goes on?

Are you noticing a crowd near the coffee maker in the afternoon?

Your workplace may benefit from the installation of sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor!

Studies have shown that exposure to natural light during the day can increase productivity and make people feel more energized! Natural light has also been linked to a decrease in overall anxiety and depression in individuals.

If your employees are coming into the office in the mornings feeling tired or looking like they could use a few more hours of sleep, it could be a deficiency of natural light that’s keeping them from sleeping at night.

Consider Installing A Sliding Glass Door in Your Office!

According to a sleep study done by neurologists at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, “workers are a group at risk because they are typically indoors often without access to natural or even artificial bright light for the entire day.”

If your office has access to a patio, or an outdoor space on the first level, talk to your building manager about a sliding glass door! The benefits for your employees will not only help them, but can help the company overall in the long run.

The study continues, “Compared to those with little light exposure, workers with more exposure [to natural light] slept longer and better at night, got more exercise, and had a better quality of life.”

Better sleep for employees means more productivity and energy during the day, and happy workers!

If you’d like to discuss your options for sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor, contact Wilderness Construction Inc. today! Our knowledgeable technicians can inform you about the choices available to you, and help you pick out the perfect style door that fits your budget. Contact us today by visiting our website or giving us a call!

How Natural Light In Your Home Could Benefit Your Health

Are you considering adding new windows or sliding glass doors to your home in Ann Arbor?

Did you know that there are health benefits associated with the natural light that sliding glass doors in Ann Arbor could bring to your home and living space?

Aside from the added functionality, studies show that environments with more daylight increase productivity, increase comfort, and provide the mental and visual stimulation necessary to regulate circadian rhythms!

How Can Sliding Glass Doors in Ann Arbor Benefit My Family?

According to the director of the Sleep Disorders Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital, “there is increasing evidence that exposure to light, during the day – particularly in the morning – is beneficial to your health via its effects on mood, alertness and metabolism.”

A sliding glass door in your home can help with your health by:

• Decreasing the likelihood of depression and anxiety
• Making you more productive at work
• Helping you get a better sleep at night by regulating your circadian rhythm
• Energizing you during the day and making you tired by bedtime – helping your sleep schedules get back to normal

If you get up for work when the sun is already out, try having a cup of coffee or reading the paper near a window! If you don’t have much natural light in your home, consider getting a sliding glass door in Ann Arbor installed!

This time spent in the natural light in the morning could be the boost to your morning routine that you’re looking for!

Call Wilderness Construction Inc. For Sliding Glass Doors Today!

At Wilderness, we pride ourselves on being the preferred contractor for sliding glass doors, entry doors, and front doors in Ann Arbor. If you need a quote or want more information, give us a call today!

What Does Your Entry Door Say About You?

Is your front door stylish, polished, and clean?

Or is it scuffed up, or is the screen torn?

Your entry door can say a lot about you and your home, especially to visiting friends, family, and potential homebuyers.

Imagine if you were visiting someone for the first time, and their front door was dirty, chipped, peeling, and hanging off the hinges. You probably wouldn’t want to set foot in the house, would you?

To make your guests feel comfortable and make sure that you get the full asking price if you’re trying to sell your home, think about replacing your entry doors in Ann Arbor this summer!

If you don’t have the money to replace your door completely, don’t worry! Refinishing or repainting can do the trick in a pinch too!

• If you’re concerned about security, try a steel entry door. These doors are relatively cheap, and can be paneled to make them look more polished. These types of doors can also be stained to make them look more inviting.
• Wood doors are the most popular type and their natural finish will keep them looking beautiful and classic for years to come.
• Fiberglass entry doors are also an option for homeowners who want something durable, low-maintenance, and energy efficient. 

Remember, your entryway and entry door are the first things people see when they come to your home! An exterior door and interior door can make a lot of difference to the overall finish of your home.

If you need help picking out the right entry door in Ann Arbor for your home, contact Wilderness Construction today! We offer many quality brands and have the licensed contractors to install.