Homeowners tackling more home improvement projects themselves

Homeowners tackling more home improvement projects themselves

On any given weekend, homeowners can be found climbing around in attics to add insulation, repairing shingles on the roof, installing new floors in kitchens and bathrooms, and handling many other home improvement projects that, with a little elbow grease, they are able to do themselves.

This trend is crossing many generations. Forty-four percent of millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) and 57 percent of Gen Xers (born between 1960 and 1980) prefer to do home improvement and renovation projects themselves, according to Iconoculture researchers.

One popular project that affects both the exterior and interior of the house is replacing a drafty old entry door with a stylish, energy-efficient one to transform the look and feel of the home without breaking the budget.

"As interior and exterior focal points, entry doors add highly-visible curb appeal," Krafka Harkema says. "Whether you're expressing a certain style, your commitment to energy efficiency, or your passion for a particular color, Pella entry doors can help you reflect your home's unique personality."

Fiberglass entry doors are a popular choice. They look like wood, but without the ongoing maintenance needs of wood. Plus, fiberglass offers exceptional energy efficiency, weather-resistance and outstanding durability to resist dents and dings.

For the DIYer interested in installing a new entry door, keep these tips in mind:

* Proper installation is critically important to ensure the door opens and closes smoothly and seals correctly to prevent air, light and noise from passing through. Take time to read and follow installation instructions. Pella products feature comprehensive installation instructions to make it easy to properly install them.

* Take inventory of the tools you currently have. Determine what you will need for the project. If you don't have all the necessary tools, check with family and friends about borrowing items or consider renting them.

* Ask for help from a family member or friend to help you complete the project. Extra hands can come in handy.

And of course, once you've finished installing your new entry door, be sure to show it off to family and friends by inviting them over for a gathering. (BPT)