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You want plenty of room between your pre-hung door and the framing in your wall to allow for shimming to get the door into the perfect position, so aim for about 1 inch on the top and both sides. That means you should make your rough opening about 1 inch taller and 2 inches wider than your pre-hung door. You’ll then use shims to stabilize and level the door before installing it.

To move a couch through a narrow doorway, first measure the couch and the doorway to ensure it will fit. For a close fit, you can create more space by removing the interior door; tap out the hinge pins with a nail and shift the door sideways to remove it from its hinges. You may need to turn the couch on its side or move it in separate pieces, if possible. Using furniture sliders can also help you slide the couch through the doorway.

Installing a dog door is generally a straightforward process that handy DIYers may feel comfortable attempting on their own. Because the process usually involves cutting a hole in your existing door or wall, some homeowners may prefer to hire a handyperson who has experience with this type of installation to ensure the job is done right.

If you took measurements of the door and can’t find the correct size in the store, you may need a custom-size screen door. Many door manufacturers produce doors fit-to-size using individualized dimensions. Another option, if the door opening is smaller than standard, is to have the door frame opening cut larger to accommodate a standard-sized door.