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What the job involves
There are two basic ways to replace a door. One is a slab swap, where the new door goes onto the existing frame. The other is a pre-hung unit, where the door arrives already hinged inside a new frame and the whole thing replaces the old one. Slab swaps are faster and cheaper when the old frame is square and sound. Pre-hung is better when the frame is warped, rotted, or the wrong size.
Either way, the install depends on how well the opening is prepared. We check the rough opening for plumb and square, look for rot or termite damage in the jamb, and confirm the swing direction and hardware layout.
- Rough opening size and whether it is square
- Jamb and threshold condition, including any wood rot
- Door swing, hinge placement, and lock bore size
- Gap around the door once hung, which should be even on all sides
Why it matters in Arizona
Exterior doors here deal with intense sun, and south and west exposures are the hardest. Wood doors can warp and finishes can peel within a few years if they are not sealed well. Steel and fiberglass hold up better, though dark colors on a sunny wall can get hot enough to distort cheap skins.
Dust is the other issue. A badly fitted door, or one with worn weatherstripping, lets fine dust and hot air in all year, and monsoon storms push wind-driven dust through any gap. A tight, well-sealed install helps with comfort and with air conditioning load. Older homes in Sun City and similar neighborhoods often have standard sizes, while some newer builds use taller or wider openings that need careful ordering.
How a visit goes
We measure the existing door and opening, discuss the style and material you want, and flag any repairs the opening needs. For installation, we remove the old door, clean up the opening, and make repairs to the framing if needed.
Then we set the new door or pre-hung unit, shim it plumb, and fasten it through the shims. We hang the door so the gaps are even, install the lockset and strike plate, and add weatherstripping and a sweep on exterior doors. We seal the exterior perimeter with caulk, test the door through several full swings, and clean up. Paint or stain on a new slab is usually the customer's choice, and we can discuss finishing options.
What affects the cost
The door itself is a large part of the cost, and material, glass, and size all play a role. Installation cost depends on whether it is a slab swap or a full pre-hung replacement, and what condition the opening is in.
Frame repairs, stucco or trim patching, special hardware, and finishing add to the total. A free estimate lets us look at the opening and give you an upfront price.
When it needs a specialist
Widening or changing the size of an opening in a load-bearing wall requires structural work and possibly permits, and we will point you to the right contractor. Fire-rated doors, such as the one between a garage and the house, must be replaced with a compliant unit, so tell us if that is the door in question. Custom glass or specialty entry systems may need a door dealer.
“Nathan did a great job of cutting and finishing the exterior wood beams on my home. He remove the rotted wood and sealed and painted and they look so much better. He worked in the blazing sun without complaint, nice guy and talented craftsman. Highly...”