The right door for your home adds both beauty and value. However, choosing the best option can be complicated. A professional can ensure doors close evenly and latch properly. They also prevent costly mistakes like uneven framing and ruining trim.
On average, it takes three to five hours for a professional to install an interior door. Costs vary by the type of door, including if it’s custom or a pre-hung door.
Materials
Door installation costs vary depending on the material and customizations. Pre-hung doors come with a frame, but installing one into an existing wall or converting a window to a door can add $1,000 or more to the cost. Hardware, such as hinges and doorknobs, add $15 to $640 per door. Smart locks cost $150 to $400 each, and sidelights, slim windows installed next to a door, add $500 to $2,500.
Exterior doors need to be sturdy enough to withstand the elements, protect against home intruders, and keep out unwanted wildlife infestations. They must also prevent heat transfer and save homeowners on energy usage charges. Fiberglass doors are a great option for this purpose because they offer superior energy efficiency. They are insulated and have low thermal conductivity, which helps minimize drafts and air leaks.
Labor
The cost of labor can be an enabling or inhibitor of a home improvement project. Depending on the complexity of the job, hiring a pro to install a door may save you money in the long run.
Labor for a typical installation of an interior door ranges from $35 to $40 per hour. Labor to move a door into an existing opening or convert a window to a door can be more expensive, as it requires closing the old opening and modifying the drywall.
It takes 1 to 2 hours to hang a pre-hung door, and 3 to 8 hours to install a new front door. Add-ons like sidelights and transom windows can increase the cost significantly. If you plan to install a smart lock, it costs an additional $150 to $400.
Framing
Doors are essential for preventing undesirable elements from entering the home. These include harsh weather, heat transfer, and pest infestations. They also provide security and style. They are available in many different materials and designs, so it’s important to consider your options before choosing one.
The cost to replace an interior door includes labor, but it can vary depending on the type of door and add-ons. For example, a double door with sidelights costs more than a standard single door. It’s important to hire a licensed handyman who is knowledgeable about the various types of doors and can install them correctly. This will prevent costly mistakes.
Trim
Door trim, or casing, sheaths the frame and drywall around a door to give it a finished look. It serves two primary functions: it covers any normal gaps that occur during installation and provides a decorative border. It can be made of wood, MDF, or polyurethane. The cost of casing varies by material and style. The more decorative or built-up moldings require a professional carpenter and add to the total cost of the project.
If old casing is already installed, labor costs increase slightly as a handyman or carpenter removes it. This is especially true if the existing moldings are nailed in or otherwise hard to remove. This can cost an extra $20 to $25 per doorway. It’s also common for homeowners to add a decorative corner piece called a rosette to the top of their lintel.
Hardware
Depending on the style and quality you choose, doors can be quite expensive. For example, solid wood doors are more costly than hollow-core or metal ones. However, they are durable and will last longer. Moreover, they offer a sense of class and elegance that is unmatched by other types of doors.
Door installation costs can also increase if your old frame or drywall needs modification to accommodate the new door. This is especially true if you want to install double doors in a load-bearing wall.
The ideal entryway should combine security, durability, efficiency, and curb appeal into a single package. To achieve this, you need to select the best door material for your needs. Popular choices include JELD-WEN, Masonite, and Sarto doors. They come in a variety of styles and are available at most big-box home improvement stores.