On any given weekend, homeowners can be found climbing around in attics to add insulation, repairing shingles on the roof, installing new floors in kitchens and bathrooms and handling many other home improvement projects that, with a little elbow grease, they are able to do themselves.

This trend is crossing many generations. Forty-four percent of millennials (born between 1980 and 2000) and 57 percent of Gen Xers (born between 1960 and 1980) prefer to do home improvement and renovation projects themselves, according to Iconoculture researchers.

“Small updates can make dramatic improvements to the look and feel of your home, like adding a fresh coat of paint, replacing an exterior door or installing new flooring,” said Kathy Krafka Harkema, Pella Windows & Doors spokesperson. “Renovations can also help increase energy efficiency, which may save money on utility bills.”

One popular project that affects both the exterior and interior of the house is replacing a drafty old entry door with a stylish, energy-efficient one to transform the look and feel of the home without breaking the budget.

“As interior and exterior focal points, entry doors add highly-visible curb appeal,” Krafka Harkema said. “Whether you’re expressing a certain style, your commitment to energy efficiency or your passion for a particular color, Pella entry doors can help you reflect your home’s unique personality.”

Fiberglass entry doors are a popular choice. They look like wood, but without the ongoing maintenance needs of wood. Plus, fiberglass offers exceptional energy efficiency, weather-resistance and outstanding durability to resist dents and dings. Pella’s fiberglass door line offers virtually endless options featuring decorative glass patterns, distinctive panel styles and popular factory prefinished stain options. In addition, these doors include the exclusive AdvantagePlus protection system, with three low-maintenance features: rot-free design, durable frames and tough aluminum exterior trim.

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For the DIYer interested in installing a new entry door, keep these tips in mind:

• Proper installation is critically important to ensure the door opens and closes smoothly and seals correctly to prevent air, light and noise from passing through. Take time to read and follow installation instructions. Pella products feature comprehensive installation instructions to make it easy to properly install them.

• Take inventory of the tools you currently have. Determine what you will need for the project. If you don’t have all the necessary tools, check with family and friends about borrowing items or consider renting them.

• Ask for help from a family member or friend to help you complete the project. Extra hands can come in handy.

And of course, once you’ve finished installing your new entry door, be sure to show it off to family and friends by inviting them over for a gathering. To learn more about Pella entry doors or installation of them, visit pella.com.

This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.

Holiday gift ideas for the DIYer

The festive season is here and for do-it-yourselfers who always have a list of “to-do” projects to tackle, a new tool makes a great gift. From the weekend warrior to the everyday DIYer, an addition to the tool box is certain to bring a smile to their face.

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Here are some ideas from Craftsman to get you started on finding the perfect gift for the DIYer on your list:

• Stocking stuffer: Craftsman Cap Wrench Bottle Opener

A tool box isn’t complete without a bottle cap opener for use during the rewarding and relaxing time at the end of the workday. Give your loved one’s stocking a little extra weight with this tool that looks like a traditional wrench with a fun twist. The patented fulcrum design opens a variety of bottle tops. Personalize it by having a name engraved on the handle.

• Everyday DIYer: 65-in-1 Universal Wrench

This innovative wrench empowers users to work on 16 different fastener sizes including inch and metric. The universal design also gives it access to six different types of fasteners: 2 pt., 4 pt., 6 pt., 12 pt., Spline and External Torx. No matter what size or shape nut or bolt you encounter, this tool has got you covered, lightening up your tool belt.

• Weekend warrior: Bolt-On Tool System

We all know that weekend projects tend to require more than one type of tool. This modular power tool system saves you space, time and money with nine interchangeable attachments that all connect to one tool base. With its ability to transform from a drill to a router to a jigsaw and more in mere seconds, it’s perfect to take on nearly any project. A starter kit comes with the tool base, 20-volt battery, charger and drill/driver attachment.

Eight additional attachments can be purchased separately, allowing your loved one to expand their power tool collection quickly and reasonably.

• Heavy-duty DIYer: C3 XCP Heavy-Duty Drill

This heavy-duty drill can tackle the toughest of jobs and is the most powerful drill in its class. It is powered by a new extreme core performance (XCP) lithium-ion battery pack that provides 35 percent more run time. It features Extreme Weather Performance, which allows for easier tool start up when the temperature drops, so no matter what the season, your DIY die-hard can be working.

These gifts are sure to be “Guys Favorites Guaranteed.” If they don’t love their new tool, the Sears return policy has you covered. For more information on top holiday gifts, visit www.craftsman.com or Sears stores nationwide.

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This article is courtesy of Brandpoint.