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At the minimum, you want your pet door to fit into its intended location, be the right size for your pup, and have energy-efficient and weatherproofing features. Besides that, you’ll also need features that are unique to your situation. If you live where raccoons run rampant, you should look into doors you can open remotely. If you have small children in your home, you might need a door that only responds to your dog’s collar.

A door swells up when there’s a lot of moisture in the air. Wood doors are porous, and the elements can cause them to expand with humidity and contract with dry air. Prevent swelling by coating the door in weather-resistant paint, which creates a barrier to seal out moisture. Otherwise, go with a water-repellent finish after the fact. On the plus side, this problem will go away once the weather changes.

A well-installed storm door in good condition can increase your home's value. This upgrade is more than just an aesthetic change; it adds functionality, security, and insulation that can appeal to buyers. While it may not significantly raise the sale price on its own, a storm door improves curb appeal and can help attract more potential buyers. However, a shabby or poorly maintained one could have the opposite effect.

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.