We start with an old, run of the mill prime entry door. This solid wood door does its job reasonably well, but it's not much to look at, either from indoors or outdoors. The solid panel design also provides no view to the outside save through the peephole, which makes this interior space very dark when the door is closed and gives the home an unwelcoming appearance to people coming in from outside. The homeowners decided they wanted a change. When we're finished, not only will this entry area be brighter and more inviting, but we'll also make it a bit more energy efficient, as well.

The first step, of course, is to remove the old prime entry door. For this project, the new door selected by the homeowners requires a space twice the size of a standard single door frame. Therefore, after making certain that no structurally supporting members are being disturbed, we carefully knock a larger hole in the wall to the left (from the interior point of view, as in the detail) of where the old door had been located, doubling the size of the opening.

Our next step is to frame up our newly enlarged hole. Any structural framing which may be required for the wall itself is handled first; then we proceed to the frameset for the new door. Once to door frame is erected and secured, any gaps around the door frame are stuffed with fiberglass insulation for energy efficiency (you may note the pink line to the left of the door frame). When all of these steps are completed, we'll be ready to install the door itself.

Looking back to the first photo in our set, it's hard to believe this is the same entry! Our new door makes for a much brighter, more welcoming prime entryway. The new unit features two half-length stained glass lites set into the door itself, along with two flanker panels which again feature one stained glass lite each. Both the interior and exterior surfaces of the door come ready to finish, and may be stained or painted to compliment the surrounding decor (this photo shows the door prior to finishing). Once the door installation has been completed and all interior and exterior trim has been put into place, it will also be properly weather stripped for energy efficiency. Look again at where we started and compare it to where we are now. What a difference!

Here's a quick look at how our new door looks from the outside. The homeowners have chosen white for the exterior finish to best compliment the home's overall appearance. We've also installed a brand new combination style storm door to match the new prime entry unit. Truly, our newly installed entry should make any visitor to this home feel welcome.