What kind of professional do I hire to install a new door?

June 6, 2021 8:29 AM

My mother's garage needs a new entry door (not a new garage door), but a door TO the garage. I think it also needs a new door frame, as well. Who do we hire to install this?

I know that my best bet would probably be to hire a company that installs doors and windows to do this, but because *literally* all we need is a plain door to the garage and a new doorframe. No fancy glass door, etc. I'm worried that companies wouldn't do this type of work, because it's not a big enough job for them. Is my thinking wrong?

posted by VirginiaPlain to Home & Garden (10 answers total)

I'd call a handyman. If you don't have a handyman, ask on Nextdoor. Or if you know anyone who's bought or sold a house recently, get a referral from the realtor; they always have a list of trustworthy tradespeople.
posted by fingersandtoes at 8:52 AM on June 6, 2021

Just to clarify - this is an opening that exists the garage wall already? You're not punching a new hole in the wall?
posted by LionIndex at 9:01 AM on June 6, 2021

I had this exact work done by a handyman.
posted by Sublimity at 9:04 AM on June 6, 2021

Larger companies won’t do a small job like this. Replacing a door is only a several hour process (and replacing it with a pre-hung door can take even less time, which it sounds like you need). I recently had a front door replaced, without a new frame, after several (failed) attempts in my part. We had a couple other nagging projects hanging out that I couldn’t quite do well or quickly enough that we bundled up. We also contacted our direct neighbors for a few projects they may needed done. This added up to 3 days work for a contractor to come out and do all the projects. It was the only way we could even get someone out to quote the job.

Basically, anything less than a days work, and we had a hard time finding someone of quality or reputation to do the work. Your local mileage may vary based on current conditions.
posted by furnace.heart at 9:06 AM on June 6, 2021

I'm having a large local window company do just one window, and they were fine with that, but just asked that I be flexible about timing so they can schedule it between larger jobs. Window companies are used to doing large jobs, but companies that specialize in doors will be used to be doing small jobs (people have a lot more windows than doors). So I wouldn't rule out checking with a door company.

Lowe's and Home Depot will do this, but I know Lowe's has a minimum labor charge (I imagine Home Depot does, too), so it may not end up being logical to get them to just do one small thing. So a handyman may be your most affordable choice.
posted by jonathanhughes at 9:15 AM on June 6, 2021

Response by poster: LionIndex Yep there’s an opening and an old door there currently! No need to make a new opening or anything crazy.
posted by VirginiaPlain at 10:19 AM on June 6, 2021

Side remark: in many jurisdictions, if the door connects the garage with an occupied space it will need to be a fire door, which usually costs more so make sure that's what you're getting (if you need it).
posted by aramaic at 10:39 AM on June 6, 2021 [3 favorites]

I had to do the same thing recently. I used a door specialist, recommended by my local door store. You'll need a new door frame, I bet -- they sell them as a single piece.

FYI, it cost me $900-ish for the installation, on top of $700-ish for the door. I probably could've paid less but I'm content with the results.
posted by The corpse in the library at 12:34 PM on June 6, 2021

Once I was a locksmith and at school we were trained to hang doors as part of the job, it might not be the cheapest option but you will likely get a door that swings properly.
posted by InkaLomax at 2:29 PM on June 6, 2021

If you're in the US, your local Home Depot or Lowe's may be able to refer you to someone, or offer such services that will come to install it for you.

https://www.homedepot.com/services/

https://www.lowes.com/l/lowes-home-services.html

And TaskRabbit can probably find you a handyman, but you may have to buy the door/frame first.
posted by kschang at 11:07 PM on June 6, 2021