I'm planning on installing a new front door and would like some advice. I'm pretty handy around the house and do not believe this would be a problem.

1. its a simple door no side lights or transoms.

2. How long barring complicatiions should it take?

3. Any tips, advice or websites I can look at?

Thanks for your help.

 

If this is your first door install, allow yourself all day. It probably won't take that long, but don't schedule a 3PM appointment and then find out you can't make it.

Is the new door prehung? Install the jamb with 3" deck screws, not nails. Makes adjustments much simpler. Set the hinge side first, and the latch side last. Should be no need to attach anything through the header.

And use builders shims -- the cedar ones that are about 1-1/2" wide and a foot long -- with 2 shims at each shim point. Run one in from the inside and overlap the one coming in from the outside. (This way, the angle of the shim is negated and won't deflect your jamb.)

1/8" gap on both sides and across the top of the door. Keep it as uniform as possible.

And a second set of hands will always be a plus. Teh door is heavy, plus having one person inside and one outside sure can simplify things.