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Exterior door installation can be an easy project that adds an updated feel to the entrance of your home. With the help of a few tools and an eye for detail, you can pull this project off in no time. But first, to make your exterior door installation looks like it was done professionally, read these five easy tips.

1. Enlist a helper. Although it is a do-it-yourself project by nature, you should never try to do an exterior door installation by yourself. Exterior doors are heavy and hard to move, not to mention that most of them are taller and wider than the average person. Remember to put safety first and reduce your risk of injury by asking a friend to help.

2. Think, precision. Most of the work of an exterior door installation is making sure that the door fits. To do this, it is best to have a diverse range of cutting tools on hand. Use a circular or electric saw for the door edges, for example, but pick a smaller hand tool like a wood chisel or utility knife for the corners. Also, make sure to measure precisely before picking up a cutting tool so that you don t cut too much or too little of the siding.

3. Take care not to warp your door frame. While it is important to make sure that your exterior door installation fits snugly, make sure you don t force any of the tools or materials to make it fit. If you use shims between the door jambs and the frame, for example, don t force them or you may end up damaging your frame and making more work for yourself in the end. Also, test the placement of your threshold to make sure there is no gap at the bottom of the door frame. However, avoid making the threshold too tight, or you will damage the door sweep after repeated use.

4. Test your new door before completing installation. One of the most important parts of exterior door installation that people often forget is to test the door frame for ease of opening and closing before sealing the job. There are key points of exterior door installation at which you should test the movement of your door, including after placing shims between the jambs and frame. Before applying caulk to the nail holes and the outside of the door frame, make sure each piece is adjusted to give your door the best fit.

5. Follow the manufacturer s instructions. Because most exterior door installations come with specific instructions from the companies that make them, it is important to check the directions before getting started so that you don t miss a critical step.