Door installation is a straightforward home improvement project suited to the intermediate DIYer. It can improve your curb appeal and energy efficiency. However, a poor install can lead to a sloppy finish or even a door that won’t close.
Door installation costs vary. Labor varies by area and licensed contractors charge higher rates than handypeople.
Cost of the Door
Door installation costs vary widely depending on the type of door and the material. Interior doors are usually cheaper to install than exterior ones. Front doors can cost between $400 and $2,000+ installed, depending on their size and features. Other factors that influence the overall door installation cost include framing and any customizations.
The most expensive part of a door is the frame. The frame is made of a sturdy metal or wood that supports the door. It also holds hinges, locks, and knobs. Other parts of the doorway, such as the jambs and hinges, are sold separately. Standard casing, which is a piece of trim nailed to the drywall that creates a frame around windows and doors, can add $60 to $200 to the overall cost of a new interior or exterior door.
The labor cost for a replacement interior door includes fitting a mid-grade prehung door into existing framing and basic hardware. It excludes painting, custom doors, french doors, oversized doors, and sidelights.
Cost of the Frame
Whether you’re installing an exterior door or a new interior one, it’s important to consider the cost of the frame. The frame, or “rough” frame, is the overall shape of the doorway opening, and may require a significant amount of work to install. For example, the frame might be load-bearing, or it might need electrical wiring rerouted.
The cost of the frame is also influenced by the type and size of the door. Exterior doors require special framing for weather protection, so they tend to be more expensive than interior doors. Additionally, oversized doors and sliding doors can increase costs.
The average cost to install an interior door includes labor for fitting a mid-grade prehung door into existing framing and basic hardware. It excludes painting, custom doors, french doors, bi-fold doors, and oversized doors. It also doesn’t include upgrades like deadbolt locks or trim. In addition, you may have to pay for removal and disposal of your old door.
Cost of the Hardware
A well-installed door makes a huge difference to the look and feel of a home. It can also save money on energy bills by reducing drafts. If your current doors are in poor condition, it may be time to replace them. A professional can help you select the best doors for your home and install them in an efficient manner.
Labor costs for installing a new interior or exterior door vary by location and project complexity. A general contractor can charge between $40 and $90 per hour, while a handyperson charges less. You can save money on labor by hiring a local contractor for multiple projects at once or lumping it in with another project.
Replacing an interior door requires removing the old door and trim, installing a new frame, closing up the old opening, hanging a pre-hung door, and adding hardware. The cost of upgrading the door hardware can add up to a significant amount of money, so it’s important to consider this when determining your budget.
Cost of the Installation
Installing a new door can add to the cost of a home remodel. The installation price depends on the type of door, its size, and whether it is a front or interior door. It also varies depending on the cost of a frame and trim. Exterior doors require specific framing to ensure security and weather protection, which can increase the price of the installation.
Labor costs are typically between $40 and $90 per hour for licensed contractors. Handypeople charge less, but the exact amount will depend on experience and local labor rates.
The labor cost to replace an interior door includes closing up the existing opening, cutting a new opening, installing trim, and hanging a pre-hung door. This cost excludes painting, custom doors, french doors, bi-fold doors, sliding doors, oversized doors, and major framing. It also does not include the cost of a new rough opening or drywall repair. It is also important to factor in the cost of any required electrical or plumbing work to install a door.