Should I have my door professionally installed?

[meloneyb21]

Ok, so we need a new security door. I was going to have it professionally installed, but DH insists on his buddy doing it because "he knows how to do that kinda stuff".

Getting it professionally installed would be about $930. His buddy said he could do it for only half of that. I've never seen his work personally, but DH insists.

I really want a professional to do it, but DH wants to save the money.

What do you think? Should I get it done professionally to make sure it's done right or chance it with DH's buddy?

I'm new to this. This was my mothers house, now I have it and am fixing things up but I'm not sure how important it is to have a security door professionally done.

 

[Cheshire Figment]

Get not only a written price quote from the "buddy", but also a warranty from him that will guarantee that the work is done properly and according to the Building Codes. That may scare him away.

 

[Hannathy]

Doors are very hard to hang, and it is expensive. Not everyone who is handy can do it. I would want to know how many security doors he has hung and to see one. You could get another quote from another prof. installer but 930 is a bit high but not outrageous. That is one door you want done right for security and weatherproofing reasons.

 

[agnes!]

Here's a vote for professionally-installed. Getting a door "just-right" can be a very aggravating experience *especially* when one doesn't quite know what one is doing. (It looks easy but isn't kwim?) I agree with Cheshire Figment to get a written-guarantee from 'buddy' *and* ask him for customer testimonials/reviews. (How many security-doors has 'buddy' installed?) I'm not siding with your DH but $950 does sound a little high to me, can you get some more quotes?

agnes!

 

[Tweevil]

I have installed many doors, glass, wood, steel, and it isn't as easy as it looks. The frame could be off, the studs could be drilled to death and have to he reinforced for the door frame...etc, etc. If you have the funds to do it professionally then do it that way. Buy your hubby and his buddy a six pack so they can watch....

Less frustrating in the long run.

 

[Tweevil]

Here's a vote for professionally-installed. Getting a door "just-right" can be a very aggravating experience *especially* when one doesn't quite know what one is doing. (It looks easy but isn't kwim?) I agree with Cheshire Figment to get a written-guarantee from 'buddy' *and* ask him for customer testimonials/reviews. (How many security-doors has 'buddy' installed?) I'm not siding with your DH but $950 does sound a little high to me, can you get some more quotes?

agnes!

Wondering if $950 is inclusive? If the door is ihigh end and included then it's not too bad...

 

[clh2]

You mentioned this is your mother's house???? That alone would say me to the professionals. The older the hosue, the more things have happened to it along the way. What I mean to say - if the walls are not square any more, of if the walls are sagging a bit, or if ANYTHING is structurally wrong with the house, it will be harder to hang the door properly.

We had interior doors replaced on a house that was ~30 years old, and the carpenter had assumed the door frams were a standard width, and never measured them. All I'm saying is - that was a mess. But, it ultimately got fixed, and I doubt anyone would be able to see the extra piece of wood that needed to be installed so they would fit properly.

 

[disneyhand]

My husband is usually pretty handy and super easy going. He has put up many screen doors over the year's.

The one time he "hung" a security door at our old house was the only time one of his projects ever went bad. He muttered bad words that were so out of character. The kids and I stayed out of his way, he was a grouch!!

That door was never right and opened really badly. We both agree he will never hang a door like that again. We will pay for a professional!

 

[golfgal]

We will be installing a new door in a couple weeks. The guy at the building center said to buy a prehung door, take out the old framing for the door (the jamb, etc not the studs) and insert. You do need to get it level but with a few shims and a level that is quite easy. He said to never put a new door into an existing frame unless you want issues . I think $900+ is ridicules for installing a new door.

 

[meloneyb21]

I have the estimate for the door. It's $762 for the door, $56 for the antique brass deadbolt that I chose and $175 for installation. I got about 2-3 estimates so far and they're all within the same $900-$950 range.

I just wasn't sure if the door was something I could skimp on. Like, I would never let just anyone rewire my home or install sockets, that's a definite professional job....but a door is a door. I think I might get it professionally done. Just to be on the safe side.

 

[3 MEN AND A BOAT]

I think $900+ is ridicules for installing a new door.

EXACTLY, i've installed many a door, in my own house and others. i don't see installation costing this much. i'd check around. i can't say i blame the friend for trying to get in on it, $950 thats a lot of cheese.
but, if you or your husband don't know anything about installing/hanging a door, i would shy away from allowing a 'Friend" to do it. when i hired some guys i knew to do sheetrock work for me, i would periodically pop in throughout the day to look over their shoulder and make sure it looks right. i just know how some people will do subpar work if allowed.
check around on that estimate though, unless that is including the purchase of the door.

 

[Hannathy]

If that includes the door jump on it. That is not a bad price at all. anything under $200 to install a steel outer door is worth it!

Especially in an older house, you won't be sorry, I guarantee it.

 

[golfgal]

I have the estimate for the door. It's $762 for the door, $56 for the antique brass deadbolt that I chose and $175 for installation. I got about 2-3 estimates so far and they're all within the same $900-$950 range.

I just wasn't sure if the door was something I could skimp on. Like, I would never let just anyone rewire my home or install sockets, that's a definite professional job....but a door is a door. I think I might get it professionally done. Just to be on the safe side.

Ok, this makes more sense--$800 of it is just the door/hardware. The labor cost isn't all that bad.