By Katie Flannery and Evelyn Auer | Updated Oct 18, 2023 1:37 PM
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The front door of a home affects its curb appeal, welcomes visitors, and impacts the home’s safety. Planning and budgeting for a door installation can take some time due to the available choices and customizations. According to HomeAdvisor and Angi, door installation costs can range from $496 to $1,804, with the national average at $1,115. Exterior door installation prices can vary due to the cost of materials, labor, and supplies, including hinges, screws, mounting hardware, and threshold. Interior doors such as a bathroom or bedroom door may not close easily because of the house settling or if the door has warped because of age or moisture damage. Some homeowners decide to replace all the doors in their home at once since some contractors may discount a large job with multiple installations. The cost to replace a garage door and the process of picking the right garage door differ from an interior or front door installation.
Many factors impact door installation costs. Prices can differ from the national average due to door type, size, material, door replacement and framing needs, labor prices, supplies, hardware, and location.
The location of the door within the home will affect the cost of installation. Exterior doors need to look good while being weather resistant and sturdy, and installing exterior doors will cost more than the price to install an interior door.
Exterior doors also need particular framing details, such as load-bearing headers and flashing to prevent water leakage. These extra items will increase the overall cost of installation.
If the door that needs to be replaced is in a standard size that measures 30, 32, or 36 inches wide by 80 inches tall by 1¾ inches thick, it should be relatively easy for a homeowner to find a replacement door. Any other size would require a custom-made door and frame. Custom doors and frames increase the price of materials and labor since they will be more complex and take longer to install.
Door type can also affect the installation cost. Some types of doors are primarily indoor styles, while others are more suitable for exteriors. The chosen style and material will affect the overall price, from bifold doors that run from $150 to $500 to bulkhead basement doors that cost up to $6,000 or more. In some cases homeowners will want to hire a company that specializes in particular types of doors, such as hiring one of the best garage door installation companies for a new garage door.
The door material is typically the factor that affects cost the most. Homeowners will want to keep in mind that each door material is available in many styles.
Creating a new doorway where there wasn’t one before (or opening up the wall to make a larger one) can drive up the cost of door installation. The wall material will affect this cost, as will any additional plumbing or electrical work being moved. Homeowners can expect to pay around $50 to $100 per hour for drywall installation, and $20 to $40 per square foot for brick repairs.
Replacing an existing door can result in more time and labor than new construction. Replacing a door in an existing frame can be less expensive and take less time than replacing both the door and the frame—usually starting at $40 and reaching as high as $500. A replacement door frame costs on average $250, and it can take 1 to 3 hours to install. Exterior frames generally cost more than interior frames.
Labor to install a door typically runs between $40 and $90 per hour or more, with the average rate close to $70 per hour for a skilled and licensed contractor. A handyperson usually charges less—around $30 or $40 per hour. Homeowners can search “door installation near me” to get a sense of local prices.
Homeowners are sometimes in charge of buying all the supplies and materials needed for the door installation. These can include hinges, screws, hardware, threshold, jambs, locks, and doorknobs. Many contractors will offer advice and recommendations when asked about purchasing these items. Pre-hung doors will sometimes include hinges, but the rest of the hardware will still need to be purchased.
When budgeting for door installation costs, it’s helpful for homeowners to know any additional price factors and considerations that can increase the project’s price. These can include door customization, solid vs. hollow core doors, and wall alterations.
If the door is being installed in a new location, homeowners can plan on spending extra for new drywall and possibly plumbing and electrical work. Moving a door requires the additional expense of closing up the space left by the old door; this can cost $50 to $100 per hour on average.
Door installation costs can quickly rise with the selection of custom or high-end options. With many choices, the cost of an installation project can vary greatly. As smart locks, wrought iron details, or sidelights for the entryway are added, the labor costs will be higher due to the amount of expertise that’s needed to install the door correctly. Customizations in general can cause door installation costs to reach $500 to $10,000.
Homeowners can expect to pay $50 to $200 or more to install a solid core door. A hollow core door starts at around $40 by contrast. Labor costs are the same to install both: around $40 to $90 per hour.
Installing a door in a new location typically involves new drywall, electrical, and sometimes plumbing alterations. Cutting a door into brick can cost between $300 and $2,200, not including materials. A custom or double door will cost even more.
When deciding on the type of door to install, homeowners will want to consider potential repairs, maintenance, and how it will complement the home’s design.
A complete installation of a bilco or bulkhead door for a basement or cellar can cost from $1,100 to $6,000 or more for materials and installation. These doors require meticulous installation to avoid basement water damage and leakage.
Bifold doors are commonly installed in closets and storage areas. Also called accordion doors or folding doors, the cost to install a bifold door can vary depending on its location and purpose; an exterior bifold door will cost more than an interior bifold door simply because it needs to be weatherproof. A bifold door can cost between $150 and $500 to install.
Installation of double doors can average $750 to $5,000. It’s usually the material choice and the type of door that affects the price, although installing double doors on a load-bearing wall can increase the installation time and labor costs.
The cost to install exterior doors with sidelights can cost between $1,600 and $4,600, though some can reach upwards of $6,500. The addition of sidelights can double or triple the average door installation cost. Homeowners can expect to pay triple the price for installing a transom window that goes above the door.
Ratings for a fire-rated door can range between 45 minutes and 3 hours of fire-resistance time. These doors are required for use between a living area and a garage, so if a homeowner is adding a garage to their home, a fire-rated door should be included within the cost to build a garage. Installing a fire-rated door averages between $400 and $1,300.
French doors cost between $600 and $5,800 to install. A French door is any type of door that has full-length glass panes. These doors are commonly used as interior or patio doors.
Patio door installation can run from $1,200 to $10,000, with the national average at $2,500. Sliding glass patio doors can cost between $1,050 and $3,250 to install.
A single entry fiberglass door can cost between $330 to $2,750 for installation. Many homeowners prefer a single door since it takes up less space and is more affordable than a double door.
Doors can help reduce the cost of energy bills, provide security and privacy, and add to a home’s curb appeal. Unfortunately, some homeowners may wait until a door fails to replace it. The following are some red flags that indicate that a door needs to be replaced.
Doors should be easy to open and close. But years of day-to-day wear and tear can take their toll on doors. Feeling the need to force a door to operate correctly is a sign that it needs to be replaced.
A door that squeaks or creaks may have moisture damage or worn-out hinges. If the door is old and difficult to operate, the creaking will only worsen with time. Constantly applying a lubricant to the hinges to stop them from creaking means it’s time for a homeowner to consider door replacement.
A drafty entryway will make it challenging for a homeowner to maintain a consistent indoor temperature and increase energy bill costs. A new door will save money on utility bills, increase the value of the home, and keep out drafts. If an exterior door has a window, condensation between the panes of glass signals that it’s no longer airtight. One of the best window replacement companies (such as Renewal by Andersen) may be able to remedy this. Moisture can cause damage to the door, and mold or mildew can form. It’s more cost-effective to replace the entire door than it is to pay for mold remediation costs or window replacement costs. If light is visible through a crack or under and around the door, it’s also time for a replacement. Heat will seep out through these spaces and result in higher utility bills.
Exterior doors are exposed to the elements and can age quickly. A door that is cracked, warped, or has peeling paint due to age or the weather is a candidate for replacement. A structurally compromised door can develop into a safety issue, and it’s better to replace it before that happens.
Termites and other pests can damage a wooden door past the point of no return. Part of a termite mitigation plan would be to replace the door as soon as possible. In addition to door replacement, homeowners will want to contact one of the best termite control companies, such as Terminix or Ehrlich, to fully address the termite problem and get rid of them for good.
Old doors are weak and may not seal as well as when they were first installed. A door that has cracks or is brittle will not protect a household as well as a newer, sturdier door. Replacing an older door with a metal or fiberglass door will provide homeowners with peace of mind that the home is safe from intruders. At the same time, homeowners can install one of the best home security systems, such as Vivint, ADT, or SimpliSafe, to further enhance their home’s security.
Outdated doors are inefficient and may not match the design of the rest of the home. After a homeowner makes some home updates, the front door might be the last piece that will complete the new look. An updated door can increase energy efficiency and improve the curb appeal of any home.
Experienced DIYers often choose to replace an interior door on their own. Homeowners who aren’t sure if they have the skills to install the door to line up with the frame to swing correctly may benefit from calling in a professional. Although exterior door installation costs more, it’s recommended that a professional perform this task. While it’s technically possible for a homeowner to look up how to install an exterior door and follow the steps, these doors must be sealed against the elements and installed correctly to ensure security—and this may be beyond a homeowner’s abilities.
Installing custom doors, patio doors, and storm doors requires expertise and an advanced skill set. Before deciding to install a door as a DIY project, homeowners will want to consider whether they have a large enough vehicle to transport the door, proper tools for the installation, time to replace the door, and knowledge to replace the door and make any repairs. The cost of professionally installing a door may outweigh the savings of doing it independently.
Door installation costs can be high, and the additional fees associated with the project can quickly add up. One way to save money on door installation costs is to buy the cheapest door available, but there are other ways to save without compromising on quality and customization options.
To find a reputable installation professional in their area, homeowners can search online for “door replacement near me.” Asking the right questions about door installation costs can minimize miscommunication and save money. The following are some questions for homeowners to ask a door installation professional.
Deciding on door installation while staying within a budget can be a daunting process. Homeowners can consider some frequently asked questions about door installation costs to help guide these decisions.
To measure for a door replacement, do not measure the existing door; the measurements must be made with the doorframe. Be sure to note if the door opens to the left or right and what side the hinges are on. Measure the width of the doorframe by taking three measurements: horizontally across the top, middle, and bottom. The widest measurement determines the width. To find the height, measure along the inside of each side of the frame. The longest length measurement determines the total height. If the door is going into an existing frame, measure the thickness of the existing door and also measure the rebate in the frame, or where the door sits when it’s closed. It can be difficult to ensure the measurements are correct, or the frame size may need to be changed to accommodate a different door style. In these cases a professional can calculate the space accurately.
Fiberglass doors are durable and can withstand direct sunlight for years. These doors require less maintenance than wood doors and will hold up to extensive sun exposure.
If the frame is in good condition, the door can be replaced with a new door of the same size.
An experienced professional can install a pre-hung door in less than an hour. The installation of a blank or slab door that doesn’t have hinges or a frame can take between 3 and 6 hours.
Sources: HomeAdvisor (1 and 2), Angi, HomeGuide
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