Okay, so I’ve been wanting a new front door for, like, forever. The old one was drafty, ugly, and the screen door was a separate, clunky thing that the dog kept running into. I finally decided to bite the bullet and get a new entry door with a built-in screen. Sounded simple, right? Ha!
The Hunt Begins
First, I started looking around. Checked out the big box stores, you know, the usual suspects. They had some options, but nothing that really wow-ed me. Most of the built-in screens seemed flimsy, like they’d rip if a strong wind blew. And the styles? Blah. So, I broadened my search, and started hitting a few local door and window places.
Getting My Hands Dirty (a Little)
I talked to a few salespeople, got some quotes, looked at a TON of catalogs. The more I looked, the more I realized what I didn’t want. I was starting to get a good handle on this door business.
- Material: I decided against wood. Too much maintenance. Fiberglass seemed like the best bet – durable, looked good, and wouldn’t warp like wood can.
- Screen Type: Retractable screens were the way to go! When you don’t need it, it just disappears. Genius! No more fighting with a separate screen door.
- Style: I leaned towards something classic, with some glass to let in light, but not too much glass (privacy, you know?).
Making the Decision
After weeks(felt like months) of looking,I finally found the ONE. A fiberglass door, dark brown, with a nice little window at the top, and a retractable screen that smoothly glided into the frame. I even pick a style that suits my taste.
Installation Day!
The installation guys came, ripped out the old monstrosity, and popped in the new one. Took them most of the day, but man, was it worth it! The new door looks AMAZING. It’s so much more energy-efficient, and the retractable screen is a game-changer. No more battling a separate screen door, and the dog hasn’t run into it once (yet!).
The Finished Product
Seriously, it’s like a whole new entryway. The house looks better, it feels more secure, and I can finally enjoy a breeze without letting all the bugs in. If you’re thinking about a new front door, definitely consider one with a built-in screen. It’s totally worth the investment!