The front door is an important element of a house. It shapes people’s impression about the homeowners. People passing by your house or those visitors you receive in your home usually remember your space because of the elegance and grandeur of your door. When we choose doors to install, we usually look at their appearance first then we check the material used and its cost. Let this article give you an idea about the process of installing or replacing doors in a house.
What are factors that need to be considered when installing or replacing doors?
In installing or replacing doors, there are factors that homeowners need to consider. These include the type of door, door material, location, framing, labor, and other miscellaneous materials and tasks needed for the project. Another important factor that needs to be considered is whether homeowners are installing or replacing exterior or interior doors. If you want to save from a door installation or replacement project, you are encouraged to ask an advice from professional contractors. Homeowners should learn from experts and trust their judgments so they can get the best possible results.
What are types of doors that homeowners can choose from?
The final door characteristic that plays an important role in a door installation project cost is the kind of material used. There are a number of door types that homeowners can choose from and these include wood, steel, fiberglass or aluminum doors.
The most popular type of door used in homes is a wood door. It can be used for both interior and exterior doors. They type of wood used in this kind of door includes oak, fir, pine, cherry, walnut, mahogany, and maple. Moreover, wood doors can easily be repaired and are considered more attractive especially when paired with stained glass.
Steel doors are another type of door, which is very durable and low in maintenance. Another observable advantage of a steel door is its return on investment or ROI. Accordingly, steel entry door replacements recover 91% of the cost when homeowners eventually sell their house. However, steel doors are known to be versatile and repairs tend to cost more. In this type of door, dents are hard to remove and they easily rust. 
Sometimes, homeowners would like to consider installing wood doors but do not want to perform the maintenance it needs to keep it looking its best. For that reason, homeowners choose to use fiberglass doors. This type of door looks just like wood but they cost more. But not the same with steel doors, this kind of door are difficult to dent and do not rot, warp or scratch easily. Fiberglass doors are ideal for homes located in areas where they experience frequent rain or snow.
How much will it cost to install or replace doors in Los Angeles?
The cost of installing or replacing doors depends on whether homeowners are working on an interior or exterior door. As mentioned, exterior door projects are far more expensive than interior door projects. That is because exterior doors tend to be heavier, which make them harder to work and increases the installation cost. Also, exterior doors need to have perfect insulation and edges to make sure that no drafts will get through it and that safety is covered. Moreover, a door replacement project is much more affordable compared to installing a new door. Measuring and cutting of new frame are required when installing a new door, which also has an impact on the total project cost.
In terms of door types, the cost of wood doors ranges from $85 to $125, aluminum doors at $200 to $300, steel doors at $200 to $500, and fiberglass doors at $200 to $1,500. In terms of labor cost, contractors charge an average of $150 to $2,000 per door installation. Another factor that contributes to a door installation or replacement project is locks. While new doors come with new locks, some homeowners would like to change it once installed. In order to do this, homeowners tend to hire a locksmith and the cost to hire one would require homeowners to pay an amount of $156. Finally, homeowners would like to add screens or storm doors. While these doors provide a lot of protection, it can also mean an additional amount of money for homeowners to spend.