Homes are the single biggest investment that most people make. According to a recent study, the average homeowner remains in a home for 13 years before selling it. A lot of life happens in 13 years. Families expand, children grow, parents age, and needs and tastes change. Time marches on and takes its toll on the materials that homes are built with. After so many seasons, maybe that deck you took such pride in building ten years ago is showing signs of decay. Maybe you’ve fallen out of love with the bathroom fixtures that you received so many compliments on five years ago when they were all the rage.

There are as many DIY home improvement projects as there are motivations for people who undertake them. Some people prioritize adding financial value to their homes as an investment in their futures. For others, maximizing the utility and enjoyment of their homes for themselves and their families in the present is the highest priority. The good news is that there are some home improvement projects that allow homeowners to do both.

In today’s economy, the potential rate of return on an investment in home improvement is an important consideration when deciding how best to invest in your home. Fortunately, ten of the latest trends in home improvement and repair provide a very reasonable rate of return. For those who are willing to invest their own labor and the time it takes to learn to do the job properly, that return is even higher.

Two of the top five, which also included kitchen and bathroom remodels, were door replacements. Replacing entryway doors and garage doors are among the best investments a homeowner can make in terms of return on investment. Statistics show in 2013, homeowners were able to recoup 73% of the cost of replacing doors. In 2014, that percentage rose to 97% and in 2015, to 102%, a small profit.

Besides adding to curb appeal, replacing doors also improves safety and security. Best of all, unlike a full room remodel, it’s possible to do it yourself and save money. If you can’t afford to replace your garage door yet, regular maintenance can help preserve its safety and functionality. Cleaning and oiling the tracks helps repel moisture and prevent rusting.

Replacing an entryway door is probably one of the simplest and least expensive home improvement projects for do-it-yourselfers. One of the reasons it’s so simple is that the majority of doors are pre-hung, which means that they’ve already been framed. Many have also been pre-drilled for the doorknob and deadbolt. There are a wide variety of styles and materials to choose from. In addition to wood, other popular options include fiberglass and steel.

There are pros and cons to each type of material. Fiberglass resists wear and can be stained or painted, but doesn’t withstand high impact very well. Steel doors offer security and energy efficiency, but are subject to dents, and if dented, rust. While wood is the most expensive option, it wears well and scratches can be easily repaired.

If you’re like most homeowners, you’ve accumulated a number of tools over the years. To replace an entryway door, you’ll need the following tools:

• Hammer

• Tape measure

• Caulk gun

• Cordless drill/screwdriver and drill bits

• Four-foot level

• Pry bar

• Putty knife

• Reciprocating saw

For protection, you’ll also need earplugs, safety glasses and gloves. If you’re a new homeowner and still haven’t bought your first hammer, home improvement projects are a great way to meet your new neighbors. Good tools can be expensive, and because many people don’t want to purchase them for a single job, and then have to make space to store them for years until they are needed again, many cities have established tool lending libraries. There are also sharing communities in which people share everything from cars to casseroles, including tools. Once you have the right tools, there are a number of online sites that provide step-by-step instructions.

Those who enjoy DIY projects know that each project is another opportunity to learn a valuable new skill. While the goal may be to increase the price of your home, the sense of accomplishment after completing a DIY project is priceless.