Installing a new entry door is a great way to boost curb appeal and upgrade the overall look of your home. The right entry door can serve as your home’s focal point and give people a great first impression of your home. However, it’s important to keep cost in mind when planning your installation, as additional expenses can add up quickly.
Material Choices that Impact Entry Door Installation Costs
When choosing the type of front door you want, you should consider:
- Potential repair costs and long-term maintenance expenses down the line
- If your door will be exposed to the sun or elements
- If you need studier material for safety concerns
Steel Entry Doors
Steel entry doors are durable and, in the long run, may cost you less to install than other doors. Plus, they won’t bow or crack over time, like doors made from different materials. As a result, they’re a great choice for increasing your home’s security.
Entry doors made from steel are also fireproof and boast heightened energy efficiency, as they come with foam-filled cores and are constructed with thermal adhesives.
Fiberglass Entry Doors
If you’re looking for a door that can stand the test of time, consider fiberglass. Fiberglass doors are made from plastic reinforced with glass fibers, making them lightweight and low maintenance, which can cut costs in the long run. They’re also superior at resisting dents and scratches.
Fiberglass doors are designed to provide better security and insulation than other doors.
Wood Entry Doors
Entry doors made from wood are an attractive option that can be customized in many ways. For instance, you might stain or paint a wooden door to match the exterior of your home. Unlike fiberglass or steel, you may need to repair your wooden door in the future, especially if it’s exposed to the elements.
A wooden door is an excellent choice if your entryway is situated under a porch or awning. Having even a partial roof over your wooden door will help decrease the likelihood of damage occurring over time. We also recommend choosing a solid core door for a sturdier, more long lasting product.
Opting for a solid core may add to your installation costs, but they’re more durable and less susceptible to warping during weather changes.
Vinyl Entry Doors
Vinyl entry doors are a cost-effective choice. They require less maintenance and are sturdier than other doors made with pricier materials. Vinyl doors are also extremely energy efficient, as they commonly boast an airtight seal against thermal intrusion, as well as the ability to resist the heat transfer.
Our doors have best-in-class energy efficiency, durability, and security
Glass Panels May Increase Your Entry Door Installation Costs
Adding glass panels to your entry door can increase your home’s value and bathe its interior in gorgeous natural light. However, glass panels can bump up your entry door bill, depending on the difficulty of the installation. Fortunately, you can offset this price increase by opting for low-E glass.
Pre-Hung Entry Doors Can Add to Installation Costs
If you purchase a door that’s pre-hung or mounted onto a frame already (with a jamb and threshold), it can cost more to install. Doors that aren’t pre-hung are known as slab doors and do not include a frame, hardware, hinges, or a knob. They offer more design flexibility and are much more cost-effective than pre-hung doors.
You may save money on your entry door installation costs if you already have a frame in place and only need a replacement door. That being said, even though a slab door is cheaper upfront, you may spend more in the end when you add up hardware costs on top of the door.
Additionally, a slab door is typically more expensive to install than a pre-hung door. Upfront costs for installing a pre-hung door may save you money on installation. Putting in a pre-hung door can cost up to half the price of installing a slab door.
Our doors have best-in-class energy efficiency, durability, and security
Consider Entry Door and Frame Size When Calculating Installation Cost
Standard door sizes are generally 80 inches high and 30, 32, or 36 inches wide with a thickness of 1 ¾ inches. If you have a door opening that doesn’t align with these numbers, you may need to purchase one that is custom-sized, which will raise your entry door installation in Des Plaines costs.
Labor and Hardware Will Also Affect the Cost of Your Entry Door Installation
If you don’t plan on installing your new front entry door by yourself, you’ll need to pay someone to do it. Labor will add on to your overall installation costs. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of hardware.
Adding a Storm Door Will Increase Installation Costs
Many homeowners choose to add a storm door in Naperville to their front entry door installation. Installing a storm door can add an extra layer of protection against pests and harsh weather, but it can come with a price increase.
Purchasing a new storm door will add to your installation cost. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of labor.
Entry Door Style Plays a Role in Determining the Cost of Installation
Unique designs and styles can also have an impact on your entry door installation costs. Options vary from straightforward fiberglass, solid steel, or engineered wood to ornate double-entry doors with intricate glasswork, transoms, and coordinating sidelights.
You can choose from a wide variety of entry door replacement solutions for your home, each affecting the cost of your entry door. Call your exterior remodeling company to discuss prices on:
- Doors with decorative glass
- Double entry doors
- French-style doors
- Hinged or swing-style
- Doors with coordinating sidelights
- Single entry doors
- Sliding patio doors
Ask for a Free Entry Door Installation Estimate
Before committing to an entry door installation, ask for a free estimate. Then, be ready to tell your contractor the material you want your new door to be, the type of building your door will be attached to, where it will be installed, whether you want slab, pre-hung, or want to utilize your existing frame.
Your entry door installer will likely want to know the size of the entryway and door to supply you with the most precise estimate possible. If their estimate is over budget, you can always reduce your installation cost by opting for less expensive hardware or a cheaper door style.
Planning Out Your Entry Door Installation Can Help You Manage Costs
Planning your entry door installation can take time because there are so many choices. That being said, it’s important to plan with a budget in mind, as entry door installation costs can rise quickly if you add high-end finishes (glasswork and smart locks) and other customizations. These additional features can also require more labor and expertise.
Different types of doors offer a variety of purposes and styles. They can range from simple glass to ornate custom wood. Specialized selections, including French, fire-rated, and ornate custom, all play a role in determining that final price tag. Make sure to discuss your options with your local contractor and plan ahead to keep costs within your target budget.
Other Steps You Can Take to Lower the Cost of Your Entry Door Installation
After learning about all the expenses that come with putting in a new entry door, you’re probably wondering what you can do to lower installation costs. If so, we have a few helpful tricks you can use to lower your final bill. Here’s what you can to do save money on your entry door installation:
- Consider the cost of each choice you make. Before opting for glass panels or french-style doors, make sure the additional costs are within your budget.
- Ask if fees are included in the estimate. If you get an estimate from a dealer or contractor, make sure to ask if it includes fees and labor. The last thing you want is to learn about additional costs after your new entry door has already been installed.
- Use pre-existing hardware. As you now know, purchasing a new frame and hardware can add a significant amount to your overall installation cost. If you have the hardware and frame from your old door, why waste money on new ones?
Call the Entry Door Installation Experts at Opal Enterprises
Changing out the entry door on the front, side, or back of your house is one of the best ways to improve your home’s security, insulation, and curb appeal. Save on installation costs and hire an entry door installation expert from Opal Enterprises today. If you’re looking for a Downer Grove door replacement, our team can help you decide which one best fits your home and install it for you. If you’re looking for a team that can provide personalized door replacement service, we’re glad you found us.
We offer 35% off labor for all entry doors and windows we install, and a lifetime labor warranty on all our work! Contact us today to discuss our flexible financing plans through EnerBank USA. Enjoy 12 months of no payments and no interest.
