When you’re ready to upgrade your exterior door, you might be considering the DIY route. Exterior door installation may seem like an easy enough project, but there are a few important things to consider when deciding whether or not to hire a professional.
In some circumstances, changing a door is a straightforward project. For example, if you live in a brand-new home, replacing an entry door that is the exact same size as your old door is certainly doable, provided you have basic carpentry skills and the necessary materials. This is, however, the best-case situation for a do-it-yourself door replacement. Patio doors, storm doors, and customized doors may need more sophisticated skills and power tools that you may not have. Before you undertake a DIY door install, there are a few things to consider.
Without a truck or someone you can borrow one from, you may not even be able to get the new exterior door to your house. Patio doors and main entrance doors with sidelights are significantly bigger than standard entry or storm doors, so keep this in mind when choosing your door. If you don’t have a truck, you may have to pay an extra delivery fee on top of the cost of your door.
The essential equipment required for installing a pre-hung door is a screwdriver, pry bar, level, caulk, caulk gun, and hammer. However, if you’re installing a different size door, you’ll need a few extra tools that you might not have in your homeowner’s toolbox.
If you’ve never tackled an exterior door installation yourself before, you’ll probably take far longer than a professional door installer. Consider how much your time is worth and whether or not you want to take the time to install a door or if you’d rather pay a professional.
Sometimes it is just better to leave it to the pros. Getting a free estimate is worth it to determine if you want to have a professional install your exterior door. They will help you in understanding what is required to complete an exterior door installation, as well as providing a full cost estimate to help you budget for your project. As an added bonus, they have the knowledge to assist you in selecting the ideal exterior doors for your home.
When choosing to get the help of a professional, you will gain access to a wider selection of products than if you simply stopped by the nearest big-box store. Local businesses often have close relationships with door manufacturers that use higher-quality materials. By choosing this route, you can get exactly what you want and know that it will stand the test of time.
When you hire a professional to install your door, you get the added benefit of product warranties. Many also provide coverage that holds the business responsible for installing the door incorrectly. It’s crucial to keep in mind that many door manufacturers require that a door is installed by a professional in order to maintain the product warranty.
Professionals who install exterior doors are insured, and some are even bonded, so you won’t be held financially accountable for anything other than the original product and labor costs. If any property damage occurs or anybody on the team is injured during the installation, the professionals are responsible for the costs. When undertaking a DIY door installation, you do not have this level of protection, and you could end up significantly increasing the cost of a DIY door installation over a professional door installation.
Manor offers exterior door installation replacement services, so you don’t have to stress over another DIY project. We have a huge selection of Marvin and Pella doors that are perfect for you and your home. Contact us today for a free estimate, and let us help you find the door that will welcome your friends and family for years to come. We also offer financing!