Another not fun weekend

We spent a good deal of time today shopping for doors. We are having a new back door installed to give us good access to the backyard. Right now, there is no easy way to get back there. We are also replacing the two existing doors because the people that lived here before us were gross. They are covered in nasty looking stains and are disgusting. We want to get a jump on ordering the doors now so we can get to work as soon as our existing permit is closed.

As with all things house, there is no easy answer. Even something as simple as ordering a 4 foot french door has dozens of options. Inswing or outswing? Depends on space available and weather protection. Solid wood or wood inside and something else outside? What surface on outside? Fiberglass, vinyl, aluminum, etc. Paint or stain grade wood? How thick are the jambs? How many hinges? What kind of metal? Brushed or polished finish? Divided light or solid glass? Double paned? Low E (sun protection)? Argon gas? (helps insulate). Etc, etc, etc. This isn't even close to all the questions you have to answer. Add to that the fact that there are dozens of companies that make doors and several stores to buy them from and you have one complicated task.