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The proper height for a gate latch is between 34 and 48 inches above the ground. This height will not only be comfortable for you and your family to use, but it’ll also ensure that your latch complies with the International Building Code.

Sometimes one-way latches are installed very high on the gate to make it easier to open, although it’s only easier for tall people. Installing a two-way latch at the proper height is a good idea.

WD-40 can temporarily silence a squeaky door hinge, but it is not recommended as a long-term solution. While it is effective at breaking down rust and grime, it contains very little lubricant and evaporates quickly. Using WD-40 can also attract dirt and dust to the hinges, which may cause more wear and tear over time. For a more lasting fix, after cleaning the hinge, apply a true lubricant. Better options include silicone spray, white lithium grease, metal or plastic lubricants, or oil-based products like petroleum jelly.

Spacing a door is tricky since you need to leave enough of a gap for the door to move freely and not get stuck when the slab and frame contract and expand in dry and humid conditions. The ideal gap between a doorframe and slab is 1/8 of an inch. If the gap is any larger, the door will feel drafty. But if the gap is any smaller, the slab can get stuck due to weather changes.

When choosing a door for the space between your garage and house, steel is your best bet for fire safety. While wood—and sometimes glass—doors are common, they have lower fire-ratings. Fire-rated steel doors can withstand flames for up to three hours—double what wood can manage (90 minutes). Glass, while non-combustible, can crack under extreme heat. Steel may cost more, but it also offers the best protection. Steel isn’t the most aesthetically pleasing choice, but as long as your door meets the International Residential Code (IRC) standards, it’ll do its job in protecting your family and home.