While many home improvement projects are best left to a professional, there are a lot of smaller jobs that the average homeowner can perform themselves. If you have a do-it-yourself attitude, it can be fun to select one small project each weekend to work on. You can come up with your project idea during the week, do some research about how to perform the various tasks, and then visit a local hardware store to buy the home improvement products that you need. Here are some simple changes that you can make to the front door of your home.

Handle And Lock

If you're unhappy with the current look of the handle and lock on your front door — perhaps because they're worn or look dated — this is something that the average person can change. You'll want to measure your current handle to ensure that you buy a replacement one that will fit the existing holes as this will make the installation process easier. A visit to your hardware store will give you all sorts of replacement handles and locks to consider, making it easy to buy products that will suit the look of your door and the area around it. You can then follow the instruction manual to easily install the new handle and lock.

Door Sweep

When you look at the bottom of your front door, you'll likely see a door sweep mounted to it. This device can be a few different materials, but it typically has a rubber or vinyl strip that serves to create a seal beneath the door and prevent air from flowing into your home. Over time, door sweeps can sustain wear and eventually have cracks or holes that prevent them from doing their job properly. You can buy a replacement door sweep at your local hardware store, remove and discard the old one, and install the new one in its place.

Door Knocker

While most people who arrive at your home will ring the doorbell, the addition of a door knocker can give this part of your home a timeless and stylish appearance. Hardware stores commonly sell lots of different knockers, and you'll generally want to look for one that is a good match to your handle and lock. The installation process is fairly easy, but it will require such tools as a drill and a tape measure. You'll use the latter to ensure that your knocker is positioned in the center of the door, while the former will allow you to drill mounting holes in the door before you attach the knocker with its provided screws.

Keep these tips in mind when looking for a home improvement store near you.