My dad put the front door in backwards in 1973. I need to replace the door, can you help?

Question

Menards flyer came out with a 36 inch door this week by Masterbrand that I like a lot. I would like to have it installed.
My brother came over last PM and told me the present door is 32 inches and opens out onto the front porch instead of into the
house. He says the trim on a prehung door will be facing the inside of the house which will be a problem if I put the new door in backwards,
I want to have a 36 inch door to replace the old one and of course have the space opened up to accomodate the new door. I am wondering if this is going to be a big mess? I am sure we would have to knock out the plaster and the old lathes to put in a new door frame and it may be more than I am expecting.
Am I in for a mess and what do you know about this? My house was built in 1904 and the origional plaster is still there. The door which is there now leaks really bad and has a huge gap where I can see light. I am not prepared for another Illinois winter with a huge gas bill,

Answer 1

I'm a carpenter by trade and can make an educated guess that it'd be a full day for someone with skills to make the size adjustment to your house to accomodate the new door size. Then, depending on the exterior finish, and the patching inside the job could easily span two full days or more. If you don't have the skills, hire someone. Replacing an entry door in a new house is not difficult, but older homes often are.
Outswing doors are not uncommon, but if you decide to change to inswing make sure the door will open completely- no stair treads, etc in the way.

Answer 2

Doors are handed 4 ways, left, right and reverse left and right. When you remove the old door frame, you can hang your new door any way you wish. I suggest swing it in, so you put a storm door on later. You are in for a mess, a lot of work, you'll need some specialty tools to complete. A plumb Bob will help you, along with a 3' level. If the old door is leaking, you would have to replace the plaster around the door anyway.

Answer 3

a door swinging out doesnt mean its backwards,in areas prone to hurricanes and tornadoes,its now code that exterior doors swing out.
To install a 3/0 6/8 door,you will have to widen the opening,and possibly make it higher also.It would probably be a good idea to have a carpenter install your door,there are factors that have to be considered,header,weight bearing wall etc,this project can go south very fast if you arent familiar with building procedures.