Replacing entry doors

[JHZR2]

Hello,

I am curious how difficult it is to replace entry doors. In particular, entry doors that have side lights.

If you buy a pre-hung door, how much of the surround do you have to remove? If you buy the 'slab', how difficult is it to match the door up to the existing hinge and lock holes?

What method do people typically use if they want to replace an existing door on an old house?

Thanks for any insight!

JMH

 

[TheTanSedan]

The method people normally use is to hire an excellent carpenter. Lot's of work that you don't want to screw up, as much of what is needed is experience.

With that said, I suppose one could do most anything were he to set his mind to it. I just wouldn't recommend it for this job.

 

[JHZR2]

aha... fair enough.

Now the million dollar question... does anyone fin lowe's "guaranteed" installation services as a good option for installation of something like this, or is a private carpenter buying the parts that I desire the better option?

Thanks!

JMH

 

[TheTanSedan]

If buying a door from H-D or Lowes, then utilizing their contractors works fine. We've a friend who did just that for several years. He acquired the experience, the tools and some savvy about doors themselves. Now does it to pay for stuff on the other H-D (Harley).

My words to the home center usually have to do with, "I want it ready to caulk (may be included)/prime (buy factory primed if available)/paint after contractor is done". Just check the contract about what constitutes their liability.

If the house is old, don't be surprised if you have to do some foundation work first. Or that rot may exist behind the sheathing. Don't be in a hurry, in other words, if this is the front door or a door that is aestherically important to the house.

If you are going to add lighting, doorbell, mail slot, security system parts, etc, try to line it all up so that the door goes in last. Prior to your painter, have a trim carpenter finish out the interior portions where necessary.

Be sure to investigate thoroughly ABOVE the door frame for evidence of rot, too. (In other words, why did the old door fail).

Good luck.

 

[JHZR2]

Thanks for all of the insight!

JMH

 

[michaelc80]

Doors aren't all that hard to install. Is the current door the same width as the new one or will you need to change the size of the rough opening you'll be putting it in?

If it's the same size make sure you order the jambs the correct width. Just take the old trim off (try not to break it), remove the old door and frame, make sure the sill and studs around the rough opening are are in good condition and dry fit the door.

Once that's done remove the door and put some sealant on the bottom plate, put the new door in, square and level it up, shim it, then attach it. If you need to drill for your own lockset do it after it's square and level. Then install the lockset and put the trim back on.

It's a couple hours work if you've done it before, maybe 5 hours if you haven't.

If you have to change the rough opening to accept a bigger door then you'll need to peel back some of the interior wall. If you're not comfortable with your ability to change the framing and close it up again then you might consider a good carpenter.

If your rough opening won't change then it's pretty much a no-brainer to change out a door.

 

[Papa Bear]

I would get the "butler" to do it.

When he isn't in his pantry.

P.B.

 

[JHZR2]

lol!

 

[kkreit01]

Do you only need to replace the doors, or is the frame rotten? If you only need doors, doors are a piece of cake. If you need everything, the pre-hung doors are the way to go. It's not that difficult if you are somewhat of a DIYer. I did some reading/searching the net, and found a lot of usefull tips/articles when I fixed a section of the frame in my rear door last year. I would buy a pre-hung door before replacing the whole frame by hand.

 

[JHZR2]

no rot... but the PO didnt treat them well.

The front door is a 9-light french prairie design that is quite nice, but the PO kicked it to get in hwne he locked himself out, so it is rather flimsy and has a mismatched board across the bottom. Replacement would be a good thing IMO because the original has only single pane glass, whereas new ones would be a little heftier with double pane glass for insulation. Not a bad thing.

The rear door was the same deal, much sturdier after he did this, but at the doorknob level.

The side door had an old skeleton key mortise lock that doesnt work right anymore, and the lower hinge is lousy - though the frame is fine.

The problem with the rear and side door is to find a two-panel, half-view wood door that only has four panes of glass, not six or nine. Any sugestions???

Id rather not mess with the trim (original chestnut) around the door frame, but a new door frame itself would likely help energy efficiency and make the job simpler in some ways it seems (Id go pre-hung). This way everything lines up from the start...

My biggest concern with doing just doors is to get all the lineup jobs (locks, hinges, etc) just right, and get the door on straight with justthe right gap by the threshhold... Im not sure if the fiancee and I working on it would be enough, even with the right tools.

JMH

 

[Amkeer]

Door installations are not a, "peice of cake", especially when you are dealing with a front entryway in a home that you are living in. You are in a older home and chances are pretty good you will have issues with rotted wood, etc.. You are dealing with advanced carpentry. If it was a simple prehung replacement in a garage I would say tackle it, but you are talking sidelights, etc..

Find an excellent carpenter and let him do it. If you are talking replacement of sidelights and door expect to pay between 1200-2300 to do the job properly. Even then it is sight unseen. You may need some siding replaced, trim and structural members.

 

[Al]

I am not speaking as a carpenter. But I had door replaced in my house. The carpenter I use is highly competent, believe me. It was one b1tch of a job. I told him that I was surprised in the amount of effort it took. He told me that a small percentage of doors turn into really ugly jobs.

 

[Bret Chase]

quote:

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Originally posted by Amkeer:
Door installations are not a, "peice of cake",

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I completely agree.. there's a huge difference between just getting it in and making it right. the biggest thing that people need to learn is to throw out the level and the square for this task. the door has to work, period. like My grandfather taught me (who was an amazing carpenter until his eyesight went to crap) "an old house is a piece of furniture, you have to make your work blend and match what's there, otherwise it sticks out like a sore thumb."

now I've put in well over 500 doors, everything from $129 therma-junks to several $1000 custom jobs and in my experience, old houses present the biggest challenge by far for making things look right. I mean any moron can put in a door in a perfectly straight and true building.

 

[TheTanSedan]

Thus my advice above, glad you guys chimed in.

Plus, a double entry door, or a tall one with sidelights weighs a ton.