If you’re ready to upgrade the door, either because you’re over the builder-grade option you currently have or you don’t think it’s going to do its job through another winter, it’s a worthwhile investment. But what does it cost to replace a front door here in Reno? Like any home improvement project, the price varies considerably based on materials and installation. At the very cheapest end, you could pay a few hundred dollars for a door at a big box store and DIY it (assuming you have the tools and know-how). On the other hand, you could easily spend $6,000 or more for a beautiful custom door. Let’s review.
Signs That Your Front Door Is Due For Replacement
While a well-maintained front door can last for many years, it will eventually need to be replaced. Doing so improves your home’s security, boosts its energy efficiency and bumps up curb appeal. Be mindful of these signs that your door is due for replacement:
- It’s cracked, split or otherwise falling apart.
- It has visible moisture damage.
- It sticks when you open and close it.
- You can feel drafts from it when it’s cold outside.
- It’s loose in the hinges.
If you’re dealing with any of the above, a replacement is a good idea. Usually, upgrading the front door means a full replacement, not just swapping out the door itself. So, what does that cost?
What Does A Front Door Replacement Cost?
Prices vary depending on the size, type and material of the door, along with installation costs to remove the old door, prep the space properly and install the new door. If you’re buying the frame separately, that can be an additional cost as well, but many doors come with frames included. Another consideration is whether the door is prefinished, or if you’ll need to pay for stain or paint (or DIY it).
Generally, unfinished steel doors are on the lower end of the price spectrum. While rusting can be an issue in some parts of the country, it’s not usually an issue in northern Nevada. Wood is usually on the other end of the spectrum, but without proper maintenance it can crack or rot. Fiberglass, a maintenance-free pick, is somewhere in the middle. Many doors combine materials—you might find that wood and steel doors have wooden frames. It’s the surface material that affects its price, along with its security, durability and aesthetics.
Locally, you can pick up a new front door at a big box store, but there are local door and window shops that are a better option if you want a specialty door. Golden Eagle Builders, a finish carpentry business here in Reno and Sparks, offers professional door hanging and can custom build doors as well. Contact us today to learn more.
DIY Vs. Professional Door Hanging
If you’re trying to keep costs down and you’re handy, you may be thinking about replacing your front door yourself. But there’s more to it than popping out the door and putting the new one in its place. Exterior doors require exact measurements and standard carpentry knowledge to ensure the door works as intended and gives your home the weather resistance and security it needs.
While you can buy slab doors, which are designed to go into an existing frame, there can be issues if the frame isn’t plumb and square. Wood doors can be trimmed to make it fit, but you can’t do that with steel or fiberglass. If you’re comfortable going the DIY route, look for pre-hung doors, which include the frame. Then it’s a matter of removing the old frame, installing and shimming the new frame, and hanging it for a perfect fit.
If that’s already sounding like it might be beyond your skill set, leave it a professional. In Reno and Sparks, the team here at Golden Eagle Builders has years of experience hanging interior and exterior doors, and we can make quick work of your project to get you ready for the cold weather ahead. Contact us today, and let’s talk about your front door project.
