Door installation is a common project for those looking to improve the aesthetics and security of their home. Doors are available in many styles, sizes, and materials so it can be difficult to know what type of door is right for your property.
There are several things you should consider before moving forward with a door installation project including the size of the opening, existing locks, and desired benefits.
With each of these factors in mind, you will be able to choose which type of door(s) would best work for your home. In this blog post, we will cover 20 things you need to consider before installing a new door.
1) Measure the Existing Door:
Before you purchase a new door for your property, it is important to know its’ exact measurements. Door measurements can be found in the product description of each item. If you are unable to locate this information, contact the retailer to inquire about its measurements.
Once you have the exact measurements, you can determine which door(s) may best fit your entryway opening. If necessary, use a pencil and paper to draw your home’s door opening so that you can visualize how each door will look in its place.
2) Measure the Door Opening:
In addition to measuring your existing door, it is also important to measure the exact opening of where it would be installed. The easiest way to determine this information is by using a tape measure and marking the height and width of a wall in your home.
If you are unable to mark these dimensions with a pencil, use masking or painter’s tape to mark the measurements. Once you have these numbers, you can determine which door(s) would best fit your opening. Keep in mind that if the existing door is either left or right-handed, this can affect your replacement door decision.
3) Check Existing Door Hardware:
Along with determining the width and height of your doorway, it is also important to take into consideration the type and style of door hardware on your existing door. When installing a new door, you would need to use the existing hardware for its installation.
If you are unable to remove the handle or lock from your current door, measure it before purchasing a replacement so that you can buy an exact match at your preferred retailer.
4) Determine the Type of Door:
There are several different types of doors you can choose from, which include pre-hung entryway doors, replacement garage door sectional panels, and matching traditional-style interior doors. To get started on your search for a new door, find out if your existing door is hollow or solid wood.
In addition to the type of material, doors come in many different styles. Decorative glass is gaining popularity in entryway door designs so it may be beneficial to explore your options prior to making a purchase.
5) Pre-Hung Entryway Doors:
If you are looking for a quick and easy installation process, then pre-hung entryway doors are the best option. These doors arrive to you, factory-finished and ready to install within a matter of minutes. In addition, these types of doors are available in a variety of styles and designs so you should be able to find the perfect fit for your property.
Replacement Garage Door Sectional Panels: If you want the new door installation process to go as quickly and smoothly as possible, you should consider purchasing a matching garage door sectional panel.
These preassembled panels are specifically designed to replace the original garage door sectional sections and come with a full hardware kit for easy installation.
6) Matching Traditional Style Interior Doors:
If your home has high ceilings or if you want your new door design to have a matching traditional style interior door, you should consider purchasing matching interior doors.
These types of doors are ideal for the complete installation of a new entryway or to provide new access between two rooms in your home.
7) Determine Your Budget:
Be sure to choose a door that fits within your budget while also meeting all other requirements discussed above.
It may be helpful to create a list of the top three replacement doors you would want to choose from as well as their corresponding prices. This way, you can compare your options and make your final decision based on what is most important for you.
8) Selection and Measurement of the New Door:
Although you may already have an idea of what door style or design you want for your home, it is still important to select a new option that fits properly.
Therefore, when measuring and selecting a new door, be sure to include the following dimensions:
- The width from frame to frame
- The height from the top of the threshold to the bottom of the door
- The height from the top of the door to its center point
- The size of the doorknob or handle that will be used on your new entryway door
9) Purchase Your New Door:
When it comes time to purchase your new door, be sure to enter the retailer’s name in the search bar to discover the products they have available.
You may be able to find your desired door on a retailer’s website so you can take a more detailed look at its features and price online before heading to their store.
10) Determine the Installation Method:
In addition to purchasing your new door, you will also need to determine if it requires a skilled professional for installation or if you would like to attempt the project on your own. It is important to note that while some doors may work for do-it-yourself installation, other models are designed for the benefit of a professional installer.
Therefore, you should give some careful thought as to whether or not this new door will be installed by you or if you would like to hire a locksmith DC company for the process in lieu of purchasing a pre-hung entryway door.
11) Include the Following Information:
- The height and width of your door in inches
- The number of doors required for entry into your home
- If you are removing an old door, including its measurements the frame size, and any hardware that needs to be removed prior to installing a new door. Once you have this information, it will help your installer determine if a pre-hung door is the best option for you and which size it should be.
12) Determine the Purpose of Your Door:
When choosing your new door, another aspect to think about is its purpose in your home. For example, if you want an entirely separate entrance into your home, then a traditional locked entryway door is an ideal option.
However, if you are looking for a door that leads to another room in your home, then you should consider purchasing a matching interior door instead.
13) Determine the Style and Look You Want to Achieve:
Doors come in a variety of styles so it may be beneficial to explore your options prior to making a final decision. For example, a traditional entryway door requires a fully closed frame whereas an inserted door does not and is instead designed to be attached inside the framework of your current doorway.
Therefore, you should think about whether or not you want a new door design that is exactly like your previous door or something completely different.
14) Consider Special Features:
If your new door has a special feature, you will need to determine if this aspect is important enough to you that it is worth the added expense.
For example, if you are looking for a front entryway door with a double-panel design, then this extra feature may come at an increased cost.
16) Door Locks:
The first component of a new entryway door should include an appropriate locking system. For example, if you are looking for a new front entryway door with glass panes, then it is best to purchase a locking doorknob that features an anti-slam feature.
This will ensure that your new door stays intact and shut even if someone slams into it by accident.
17) Security:
Another aspect of your new entryway door that you should consider is its level of security. For example, if you are installing a door with a glass pane design, then this will not be as secure as one without and may require additional keyed locks to ensure your family’s safety.
18) Decorative Elements:
Your new front entryway door might also include decorative elements that you will need to consider prior to its installation. For example, a wooden door may have some type of decorative design or trim around the edges and this can be damaged with excessive force.
Therefore, when installing a new entryway door it is important that you remember the following precautions:
- Do not slam your new front door
- Install a secondary lock that is keyed
- Use a door protector to prevent any type of damage or scratches to the door
19) The Cost:
It can be difficult to determine how much some jobs will cost you, especially when determining if you should install your own entryway door.
However, although hiring a professional locksmith might come with a higher price tag, the fact that they will provide a warranty and ensure a proper installation means that it is still better to hire them for this task.
20) The Benefits:
Lastly, once you have all of your options sorted out and have made the final decision on which new entryway door will work best in your home, think about what you will be getting out of this addition.
For example, the benefits of installing a new entryway door might include:
- Proper security for your home and family
- Improved insulation from the outside elements
- A more appealing look to add curb appeal and value to your property
DC Local Locksmith is an authorized local locksmith company in the Washington, DC area
If you are unsure about installing the door yourself, please contact us and we would be happy to provide you with a quote for professionally installing your door.
DC Local Locksmith is an authorized local locksmith company in the Washington, DC area! We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (202) 830-0706!
