We’re repairing and updating the front entryway of a house to improve both the curb appeal and function.
Replacing Damaged Siding
We started our home entry makeover by replacing a section of siding next to the roof of the house which had been damaged by a combination of the elements and squirrels. After removing the rotten siding, we replaced it with new fiber cement siding painted to match the house.
To find out more, read our articles on How to Install Fiber Cement Siding.
Repairing Handrails and Posts
Our next project was to repair the handrails on the steps. While we were able to reuse the handrails, the wooden posts needed to be replaced.
After the old posts had been removed, new pressure treated 4”x4” posts were cut to length. The posts were beveled around the top with a circular saw to allow for drainage. Holes were drilled in the top, and the old turned finials installed.
Once the new posts were set in place and plumbed, screws were used to attach them to the railings, and the post holes were filled with concrete.
When the railings and posts had been repaired, they were sanded, primed, and painted.
Repairing Brick Steps
Much of the mortar in the brick steps had come out and needed to be replaced.
After removing any loose mortar, the steps were wet, and a grout bag applicator used to fill the joints with mortar mix. A sponge and bucket of water was used to remove any excess mortar from the bricks.
Watch our video on How to Repair Brick Mortar Joints to find out more.
Replacing Front Door and Lock
The weathered wood front door had seen better days, so it was replaced with a new, low maintenance, fiberglass door.
The door was finished with a coat of gel stain to give it the look of real wood. After the stain had dried, exterior polyurethane was applied to protect it from the elements.
A Schlage Touchscreen Deadbolt with keyless entry was installed on the new door. The code on the lock can be set for up to 30 different combinations.
The lock also has a built-in alarm and can be operated remotely from a smartphone through the Nexia Home Intelligence system.
Replacing Entry Light Fixtures
The light fixtures on either side of the front door had seen better days, so we replaced them with new ones from the Progress Lighting Resort Collection (model# P5913-122DI) to provide better lighting and improve the look of the house.
Further Reading:
Other Tips from This Episode
Simple Solutions with Joe Truini:
Homemade Lawn & Garden Sprinkler
To make a homemade sprinkler, drill several 1/8″ diameter holes in the side of a plastic, two-liter soda bottle. Wrap Teflon tape around the bottle treads for a waterproof seal, and screw a female to female hose fitting onto the bottle threads. Attach a garden hose to the fitting, set the sprinkler in place, and turn on the water. (Watch Video)
Best New Products with Jodi Marks:
Ryobi Gas Backpack Blower
The Ryobi gas backpack blower is the most powerful residential blower available. The 42-cc engine delivers 510 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 185-mph to make fast work of all your lawn blowing chores. The ergonomic design includes a variable speed trigger with lock. The Ryobi backpack blower is available at The Home Depot. (Watch Video)
Ask Danny Lipford:
Winterize Lawn Mower
To prepare your lawn mower for winter storage, run the mower until it’s out of gas. Next, change the oil, replace the spark plug, and clean or replace the air filter. Finally, sharpen or replace the blade and clean the mower thoroughly, both on top and underneath, so it will be ready to go in the spring. (Watch Video)
