Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Door Frame Installation
Door Frame Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Door Frame Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Door Frame Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Door Frame Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Door Frame Installation labor cost? What are the important Door Frame Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Door Frame Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Door Frame Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Door Frame Installation expect to pay between $93.19 to $173.06 per door. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Door Frame Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Door Frame Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Door Frame Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Door Frame Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the door frame may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Door Frame Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Door Frame Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Door Frame Installation requires considerable experience, skill and attention to detail. Do it yourself mistakes are noticeable, may be difficulty to remedy and may actually reduce the market value of the project and your home. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Door Frame Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Door Frame Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Door Frame Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Door Frame Installation work begins, review the checklist with the service provider. Tie payments to satisfactory completion of this checklist.
- The layout, location, style and finish appearance of ALL materials used in Door Frame Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed door frame layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Vertical edges of door frame will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- The door frame will be constructed so that the lines formed by diagonally opposite corners are the same length (no more than 1/8 inch difference)
- Each jamb / stop will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each jamb / stop will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- The door frame will be securely anchored to structural framing
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the door frame meets adjacent surfaces; a gap (in no cases wider that 1/16 inch) can be hidden by: __scribing __a smooth bead of caulk __ appropriately finished molding
- There will be a uniform gap of (choose one): __1/16 inch __1/8 inch __other_____ between the jamb / stop and its door frame opening
- The door frame surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Door Frame Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Door Frame Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the door frame work and compliance with common manufacturer and vendor warranty requirements. Make sure that either you or your service provider takes responsibility for each of these tasks. All service provider task responsiblities should be clearly called out in the written contract or work orders.
- Determine if permit is required for Door Frame Installation by local building authority, before any work begins
- Complete written project plan including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; project plan should be included in contract agreement and reviewed before any work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of door frame, before any work begins
- Manage delivery of door frame; verify that delivered model #, grade, finish, size, options, and quantity match the order precisely; thoroughly inspect all items for damage and proper operation; make or authorize final payment only after complete order is delivered
- Store door frame in a secure, dry location that is fully protected from the elements prior to installation
- Confirm date (and time) for project start with subcontractor - one week and two days prior to project start
- Acclimate door frame to typical indoor temperature and humidity for no less than 3 days prior to installation
- Back prime door frame surfaces that will not be accessible after installation with a compatible priming paint
- Secure jamb / stop to structural framing
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Door Frame Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment in exchange for signed lien release; final payment amount should be adjusted for excess material to be returned and tasks not performed; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes
