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Exterior Door Installation Cost Estimates
Estimating the Costs of Installing Exterior
Doors, DIY versus Hiring a Door Installation Contractor
By: Mark J. Donovan
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Installing exterior doors can be
somewhat of a challenge, particularly if there has been sill rot underneath the
door. In addition, there is interior door trim that needs to be replaced when
installing a new door. Also, the exterior door trim may need to be replaced and
exterior door trim can be quite ornate and complicated to replace and install.
So when contemplating replacing your own exterior door, consider the entire
picture. Evaluate how much work will really be necessary and if you have the
right carpentry skills, tools and time to do it properly.
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If your answer is no to anyone of
these issues, then go out and solicit exterior door installation cost estimates
from local home improvement centers and home remodelers.
Exterior door installation cost estimates can vary widely due to a number of
factors, including the actual cost of the exterior door itself, raw material
market conditions, and local labor rates. Moreover if the door installation
project will require sill repair and exterior trim replacement expect higher
door installation cost estimates then otherwise.
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As a rule of thumb expect to see
exterior door installation cost estimates from contractors and home improvement
centers around 125% higher than the cost of the door itself. So for example, if
an exterior door cost $1,000 itself, expect the total cost for installing the
new door to be around $2,250. This estimate includes the cost of replacing the
interior and exterior door trim, however assumes no sill repair. If sill repair
is required the exterior door installation cost estimate could be around 150%
higher than the cost of the door itself. |
When reviewing exterior door
installation price quotes make sure they break out all of the materials and
labor costs. Also, make sure that the materials list includes Ice and Water
shield, flashing, and caulk. If these items are missing from the door
installation quote, ask if they are to be used on the project. If the responsive
is affirmative, then have the contractor update the written contract to include
them. If the response is negative, find another door installation contractor to
install your door.
To conclude, if you have the right DIY skills, tools and time to install your
own replacement exterior door you can save a small fortune. In the example
outlined above, for example, you can save possibly as much as 50% compared to
hiring the door installation contractor. This translates into over a $1,000 in
savings. If on the other hand you lack the right skills and tools, and/or you
know there is sill damage, then it makes better sense to higher the door
installation contractor.
There is one other alternative which is to do nothing. However, if you really
want to protect your most valuable investment, besides your children, this is a
bad decision. A leaky or dilapidated exterior door is an invitation to termites
and carpenter ants which can destroy your house. And if curb appeal is essential
for a house to show well, then the last thing you want is a dilapidated exterior
front door for potential buyers to walk in through.
For information on Installing Interior Door Trim,
see the
Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook
from HomeAdditionPlus.com. The Installing Interior Door Trim Ebook provides
easy to understand, detailed step-by-step instructions, on how to install interior door
trim around an interior or exterior door. Pictures are included for every
key step in the process!
How to Finance your Home Project -
can help provide funds for your new home improvement project if financing is
required. Related Articles on Interior Doors
Exterior Doors from Amazon.com
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Door Installation Cost Estimates,
No Obligation! Fill out our 3-5 minute quick and easy form, and
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once you receive your door replacement price estimate.
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