Door replacement?

[brewer12345]

The back screen door is falling apart and the main door has a huge dog door cut in it by the previous owner.  The whole thing leaks heat/cold like a sieve.  I could go down to the local Home Despot, whip out the credit card, and have it sorted out.  Is there a less expensive way to get this done?  Bear in mind I am extremely unhandy, although I am hoping to learn once I am not chained to the cube.

[Seeking the Brass Ring]

Pre-hung doors are not that hard to install but if you have never done one before plan for it to take all day.  You want to take lots of time to make sure the door/frame is level and plumb and everything is secured in all directions.  Storm doors are much easier but if it's one of the better quality ones designed to keep drafts out then it will also take some time to do.  There is a lot of instruction on line.  I'd recommend the forums on Old House Web and the Fine Home Building websites.  Chances are someone has already posted a step by step.

Cheers!

[5inatrailer]

Screen doors are a pain, but work really well once installed correctly.
Every door job is a little different; there is no "one" way to do it.
Start by doing this project in the fall or spring (spring has no bugs...)
Plan on taking the door right out of the wall- no front brickmolding, and leave the space right to the jack studs (2x4 in walls)
Then you may use some shark tape to water proof the hole.
Then you will have a clean palate to work with. (don't try and insert a new door into an old frame- it's a total pita and not worth the effort.)
Check out you tube for basic instructions.

I always hang the hinge side first (hang the latch side freely until done) with shims behind the hinges, and 3 1/2" screws right into the jambs.
Hope this helps!

[superheropunk]

Can you just remove the screen door and not have one?

[Nords]

Is there a less expensive way to get this done?  Bear in mind I am extremely unhandy, although I am hoping to learn once I am not chained to the cube.

I consider myself a pretty handy guy, but when spouse and I cut a hole in a wall and installed an interior door it darn near ended the marriage (and my life). 

I think this is one of those situations where quality (and marital harmony) is worth the expense.  You could buy a pre-hung door with serious installation insulation & weatherstripping, security deadbolts and frame, high-end electronic locks, and (if you want it) maybe even one that has an integrated pet door.  (Like the electronic ones that respond to an RFID chip on your pet's collar.)  Although installation is hypothetically straightforward, you'll be under very public pressure to finish the job promptly ("Hey, Dad, is it done yet?  Can I drill that for you?  What does that word mean?!?") and you might prefer to hand that off to a contractor too.

Otherwise I'd recommend the Family Handyman website:
http://www.familyhandyman.com/search?q=installing%20an%20exterior%20door

[brewer12345]

I think this is one that will go to a contractor.  Thanks for the input.