Answering all your Questions! Replacing a Front Door
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Paint Colors
Door Color: Valspar Fields of Green
Shutter Color: SW Windstorm
I thought it would be fun to do a post answering all your questions about replacing a front door! The cost, the options, replacing just the door vs. the whole thing, so keep reading to learn all about replacing your front door!
Q: Who do I go for a door replacement?
A: There a ton of different vendors for front doors. Some of the major ones are Champion, Pella, Home Depot, Lowe’s, as well as a variety of smaller online retailers. I got a quote from Champion, Home Depot and Pella. Champion and Pella we’re very similar in price, with Pella having WAY more options. Pella has the more modern doors you are probably looking for. Champion didn’t even offer the door I got. Champion makes great windows, but wouldn’t go there for doors.
Home Depot is going to be your more affordable option. I’ve heard mixed reviews about using Home Depot or Lowes for your door, but I had a great experience! The door is nice and snug, and everything went smoothly in terms of following up, scheduling all the appointments, etc.
Q: What’s the difference in just replacing the door vs. the whole thing? (Door and frame)
A: I replaced the whole structure. That means the frame and trim surrounding the door. You can buy just the door, or just the door and frame without trim, it just depends on your needs. Your installer will likely make suggestions of what you need. The trim on the outside of my house was actually interior trim (Which they pointed out!) so I needed to get that replaced. My door was also crooked and didn’t fit the frame well, so I knew I needed a new door and frame. If you just want to change the door for aesthetic reasons, you may be able to get away with just buying the door itself which is much cheaper!
Q: So how much will a front door cost me?
A: There are a ton of factors that go into this, but I can give you the numbers I got. My door from Home Depot with trim, a frame, and the type of door I wanted plus installation cost $1,000. I got quotes from Champion and Pella that were between $3,000 and $6,000, so it honestly depends on the company and what you need done. My door was also standard size, so that kept the cost lower. If you don’t need trim or a frame, I’ve seen just doors itself run as low as $200. So just do your research, but that gives you a ballpark to kind of know what to expect!
Q: What kind of door did you get?
A: If you’re looking to get the same type of door as me here is what you need to tell them!
Therma Tru ¾ Lite 1 panel exterior entry door with a 6 Lite exterior grille
oil bronzed hinges and bronze sill
left In-swing
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is more affordable than wood doors, so my door was just primed, and I decided to paint it. (Having it delivered primed made it cheaper too). You can choose to get a new lock system, but I just bought one recently, so I just transferred it over.
Q: How did you know what kind of trim to get?
A: The installer came out and took measurements and sent that information to Home Depot. I told the installer I wanted something simple, so I just let them handle it, but if you have a certain look you’re going for I’m sure they can accommodate! The mill work department will cut all the pieces needed for trim and send it with your installer!
Q: Did you paint it?
A: Yes! My door just came primed so the trim, frame, and door had to be painted. Technically you could not paint it, but there were scuff parks and stuff and just wanted to make it look polished and finished. I painted the inside Behr Snowy Pine as well as the trim. The outside is painted Valspar Fields of Green.
PRO TIP: You can buy the sample size paint at Lowe’s for $4 and it’s enough for 2 coats of paint on a door!
If you have any other questions comment below and i’ll try to answer anything else yall have!
