Replacing Front/Storm Doors

Storm Doors are fairly easy to install. However, If you are replacing the front door, it might be better to have someone come and frame it/install it for you...

 

lowes/home depot seemed to have the better prices when I got mine a couple of years ago. You should easily be able to spend less than $800.

 

When I had a house, I bought the Larson Secure Elegance storm doors. I really liked them. They don't look ugly like security doors, but have laminated full view glass and a 3-point locking system. It was like $750 total (4 years ago) including installation for my front and back door. The storm doors also cut down on road noise more than I expected.

 

$279 plus 99 installation. This is the sliding glass and the screen comes down with it, you cant tell the screen is there which is a neat design. I don't like the all glass, I need some fresh air come in.

 

Lowes/Home depot seem to have a couple of decent sales on storm doors per year. Usually around spring and winter, I think. It may apply to regular doors, too.

Wood doors look great, but may require regular maintenance - especially if you face the sun. Some storm/security doors will make wood warp because they trap heat between themselves and the door. As for which is the best, I'll leave that to others to answer because I've seen Pella, Larson, Andersen all have good and bad reviews. After researching, I just went with a Pella fiberglass front door and the storm door was a Larson.

Steel doors can dent if you get a hail storm or debris bang into them. The paint on fiberglass doors can chip if they get hit repeatedly by debris (they usually give you touch-up paint because of this). This may not be an issue if you have a storm door covering it.

If you hire Lowe's to do the door, they'll be replacing the door and frame more than likely. After watching those guys do it, no way in hell I'd waste my time attempting it. The storm door is more do-able.

I had a couple of mahogany front doors replaced before I gave up with the maintenance and splitting and went with a fiberglass door.

I also had Lowes put in the security door on my back door while they put in the front door as well.

 

As a contractor, You'll be paying more than $800 for the Door and an additional Storm Door combo. A single quality door is going to be close to $500. As far as labor costs goes, it depends on the company/handyman. Some charge by the hour, others the job. IF the door is quality enough, It should already be attached to the frame. It's only about 2-3 hours worth of work in total. I won't say what I would charge, but don't pay more than $400 for installation.

Stay away from wood as well. They will swell and shrink due to weather causing energy inefficiencies, as well as future fitment issues. Fiberglass works well for insulating, and Metal skinned doors are great for security. Usually the foam in metal skinned doors is pretty light duty though, always check their energy ratings or that metal skin will heat and cool a lot better/worse with the temp. changes.

 

And as far as going with a Lowe's/Home Depot contractor, DON'T DO IT!

They are always contractors hired from the outside. Lowe's has the set minimum fees that they will not budge on, and the contractors have an already agreed on price system with Lowe's. They are not allowed to negotiate prices and are always 3-4 times as much as you should spend.

 

Just curious what type of work do you typically do?