Yes. That’s what I want to talk about. Literarily the Back Door!
Within any house with two bedrooms or more (I didn’t say two rooms), from my personal experience, it is really necessary to have a second door leading outside. Of course you know where the first one is (I feel somebody reading this doesn’t know… The front door of course!). For all intents and purposes, this second door should preferably be in the kitchen.
Tenants may be wondering why the entire hullabaloo about a door, while prospective landlords may be thinking I want to rip them of their hard earned money. I hope I’ll be able to convince you why you need a back (exit) door in the kitchen.
1. Fire Escape
I know what you’re thinking – fires start from the kitchen. Well not all fires are from the kitchen. (Even if it does, you can use the front door!). If a fire starts from another part of the house and blocks the main entrance, the kitchen exit could serve as a lifesaver.
2. The Other Escape
God forbid, but if a robber comes in through the front door, you might just escape with your life through the back door!
3. Ventilation
Most kitchens are designed with only one window (I noticed). When the oil fumes get to choking level, ventilation is well enhanced by throwing open the back door.
4. Pounding Yam
Well, its not just pounding yam, but a host of other activities can be easily extended to the backyard through the back door, making your kitchen a little bit friendlier. Imagine this scenario (for women). You’re cooking outside for your child’s birthday when you realize that you forgot the spice in the kitchen. There’s no back door, so you have to go through the sitting room where your husband is chatting with his friends, and you’re covered with soot. I really won’t blame your husband if he takes a glance at you and shoots his gaze elsewhere like he didn’t know you!
5. The Dust Bin
We all generally know that the kitchen is the greatest source of solid waste in the home (apart from the toilet of course). You wouldn’t really appreciate it if you had to carry this spectacle outside through the sitting room with the spoils of rotting fish dripping on your rug. I could really imagine your thoughts. ‘only if I had a back door…’
6. Secret Entrance and Exit
This door works excellently as a secret escape and exit route, especially if your kitchen is shielded from the Living area. Sometimes you may just want to get to your room without seeing those in the Living area. There are times that its more convenient to carry some items straight to your room from the back door. However, the downside of the door is that sneaky teens & Children can make an escape to wherever, if the door is not properly locked.
One door makes so much difference.
Next time you’re looking for a house to rent, make sure it has one. If you are about to start building, please ask your Architect (make sure he/she is qualified) to put a back door for you.
The benefits beat the cost.
