Here’s how strategic design choices — starting with internal doors — transformed a modest flip into a premium-feeling home buyers fought over.
For Most Investors, Doors Are an Afterthought. For David, They Became His Edge.
David Lane isn’t your average builder.
He doesn’t wear a suit. He doesn’t talk in spreadsheets. And he definitely doesn’t flip homes on Instagram for likes.
But when David set out to renovate a dated 3-bed semi-detached, he did something few property investors ever do:
He bet big on doors.
Yes — internal doors.
Not a marble kitchen.
Not a skylight loft.
Not a landscaped garden.
Instead, he invested £5,000 into premium frameless doors, matte black handles, and concealed hinges — all supplied by DoorsDelivered.com.
The result?
The house sold in 3 days, drew multiple offers, and achieved a £50,000 uplift on the expected value.
🏡 Before vs After: The Transformation
Before:
Standard 6-panel white doors
Yellowing brass hardware
Chipped architraves
Doors that barely closed
After:
Sleek invisible doors
Matte black lever handles with magnetic latches
Whisper-quiet movement
Hidden door frame
“People underestimate how much doors impact the feel of a space. I wanted the place to feel solid — like a premium new-build, not a rushed reno.”
— David Lane, Builder/Developer
🔎 The Hidden Door Shopping List That Made It Happen
Everything David Used to Create a £50K Perception Upgrade – for Just £5K
When David started this flip, he didn’t want “standard.” He wanted seamless. That led him to invest in one of the most understated — yet powerful — design upgrades on the market:
🔐 Frameless, Flush-to-Wall Doors.
These aren’t your average doors. They blend into the walls with concealed frames and invisible hinges, turning an ordinary hallway into a high-end architectural statement.
Here’s the exact spec of what he bought:
| Item | Quantity | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Frameless Hidden Door With Concealed Design (factory-primed, ready to paint) | 8 | £4,640 |
| Concealed Hinges (3D adjustable, load-bearing) – | 16 | included in the price of the door kit |
| Magnetic Latches + Strike Plates (silent close, square design) | 8 | included in the price of the door kit |
| Minimalist Lever Handles (Matte Black, modern design) | 8 | £245 |
| Installation Accessories & Touch-Up Kit (foam, filler, paint) | — | £200 |
| TOTAL | £5,085 |
📦 All products were sourced directly from DoorsDelivered.com — ensuring consistent finish, quality certification, and delivery to site.
🚪 Why Frameless Doors?
Frameless doors aren’t just a trend — they’re the new standard in luxury interiors. Here’s what they brought to this renovation:
Seamless Visual Flow – No bulky architraves, no breaks in wall texture
Modern Minimalist Aesthetic – Sharp, clean lines without door frames shouting for attention
Tactile Quality – Solid close, magnetic latching, and high acoustic insulation
Fire-Rated Performance – FD30 certified for safety and compliance (Optional)
💬 “The doors gave the house a custom-built look. Every room felt more expensive the moment you walked in.”
— David, the builder
📦 Every component arrived pre-packed, quality-checked, and ready to fit — a massive time-saver during a busy renovation.
💰 The Valuation: How £5K Became £50K
Let’s break it down:
Pre-renovation valuation: £295,000
Local average for similar 3-beds: £298,000
Final sale price: £345,000
Uplift over average: £47,000 – £50,000
Why such a jump?
Because the house felt different.
Not just visually — but tactilely. Every time a potential buyer opened a door, they felt the weight, the smooth action, the “no expense spared” quality.
“The buyers kept saying the home felt ‘new’ and ‘solid’. Doors were mentioned more than the kitchen. It gave the house a designer feel.”
— Estate Agent, Barnes & Co.
🔥 Why Internal Doors Make a Massive Difference
You might think internal doors are a small detail.
But they’re one of the most touched, most seen, and most heard elements in a home.
They anchor your finish quality.
They create symmetry and flow.
They reinforce your price point.
And — if you choose FD30-rated fire doors — they also boost fire safety and future-proof the property for building control.
Bonus Benefits:
Quieter rooms
Greater privacy
Better resale confidence
Higher EPC appeal
As one buyer said:
“Everything just felt… expensive. Even before we saw the garden, we were sold.”
🛠️ Want to Do It Yourself?
You don’t need to be a builder to get the same results. Here’s how to recreate the look, whether you’re a developer or an ambitious homeowner:
“Good” — ~£2,000 Budget:
White primed doors
Chrome handles
Standard hinges
MDF architraves
“Better” — ~£3,500 Budget:
Veneered doors
Designer handles
Magnetic latches
Soft-close hinges
“Best” — ~£5,000 Budget:
Solid oak flush doors
Matte black or bronze hardware
Concealed hinges
Premium hidden frame
Want to know what your exact door project will cost?
Contact us and get a quote.
📦 Request Your Free Design Pack
Thinking about upgrading your property — or flipping one? We’ll send you a free pack with:
✅ Example finishes
✅ Door material samples
✅ Hardware lookbook
✅ Pro design tips
🎯 Request a Design Pack →
No spam. No pressure. Just inspiration.
🧠 Lessons Learned from the Flip
Doors are not a minor detail.
They’re central to how a house feels — both emotionally and structurally.Buyers feel quality before they read a spec sheet.
You can talk about EPCs and square footage all day. What they’ll remember is how it felt to walk into that hallway.Premium doors pay off twice.
You get building compliance AND design cred — especially when you use flush styles that blend into modern spaces.Don’t cheap out on hinges and handles.
If you want a “wow” moment, go concealed and magnetic. It’s not a big jump in price — but it feels like one.
🗞️ FAQs
Do internal doors really increase home value?
Yes. While they don’t add square footage, quality internal doors elevate the perceived value — the emotional “price anchor” buyers feel. Upgrades like flush doors, fire ratings, and concealed hardware dramatically affect a buyer’s first impression.
What doors are best for UK property developers?
For flips and rentals: doors with a flush finish and primed options. Oak veneers or white finishes give flexibility for design schemes, and magnetic latches offer a premium feel.
Are fire doors required in UK homes?
Yes — in many cases. For example:
Between garages and main dwellings
In homes with three or more storeys
In certain loft conversions
Always check with Building Control for your situation.
📣 Want to Feature This Story?
This is a real renovation, with real numbers — perfect for:
Property investor newsletters
Interior design case studies
Pinterest / Houzz roundups
Building material blog features
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📧 Pitch Us to Feature This Story →
🏆 Nominate This Project for “Design Upgrade of the Year”
Know a builder or renovator who nailed the details? Submit your own story — or nominate David’s — for our annual “Design Upgrade of the Year” Award.
🧱 Because details matter.
Final Word
David’s story isn’t just about doors. It’s about the power of intentional design.
Most flippers focus on what looks good in photos. David focused on what feels good in real life — and buyers noticed.
💥 One £5K investment.
💷 One £50K return.
🚪 Never underestimate the power of a really good door.