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Most modern door knobs will all fit in standard, modern doors, so if you know your door was made in the last 50 years or so, you should be fine buying a standard replacement door knob. The only exception would be a thumb latch handleset for an exterior door, as this type of door knob may not fit your door without drilling a mounting hole for the bottom of the handle. Antique or custom doors might also have different sizes and knob mounting holes, so call in a professional if you don’t believe your door is a standard one.

Ideally, a gate should be able to swing both in and out. However, if it can only open in one direction, it is generally best for it to swing inward. This is often the safest option, especially for deck gates near steps, as you'll want the gate to swing away from the stairs. An inward swing also prevents the gate from opening into a public space, like a sidewalk, and can be more convenient when carrying heavy items like a wheelbarrow into a garden.

There are exceptions, however. The layout of your property may require a different approach. For example, if your property is on a slope, the gate may not be able to swing inward. You should also ensure the gate can open fully without colliding with any objects or blocking access to other areas. For a backyard garden gate where public access isn't a concern, the direction it swings is largely a matter of personal preference. Finally, always check your local building codes, as they may have specific requirements for which way a gate must swing.

New door knobs likely won’t have much of an effect on property value, but they can improve your home’s curb appeal and interior decor, which might lead some buyers to offer more for your home. However, in terms of personal value, adding new door knobs can be a game changer. New door knobs not only function better than older ones in most cases, but they make your home secure, and there’s a lot to be said about the peace of mind a new exterior door knob can provide.

There are certainly perks to hiring a general contractor, but we recommend a closet professional. The reason is that their pricing may make more sense for your project. General contractors tend to search out bigger projects, and because of this, will attach a premium to smaller amounts of work. A closet pro may also have access to a wider range of materials than general contractors (and may be able to negotiate better discounts).