Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Pocket Door Installation
Pocket Door Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Pocket Door Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Pocket Door Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Pocket Door Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Pocket Door Installation labor cost? What are the important Pocket Door Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Pocket Door Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
| What is a fair price for Pocket Door Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Pocket Door Installation expect to pay between $93.19 to $119.81 per door. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
| Is a permit needed for Pocket Door Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Pocket Door Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Pocket Door Installation complies with association guidelines. |
| Is it worth using a professional to perform Pocket Door Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the pocket door may be compromised by poor installation. Hire the service provider carefully and tie payment milestones to appropriate quality checks (use the list below). |
| Is Pocket Door Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Pocket Door Installation project can be completed by a moderately skilled do-it-yourselfer; as with any project, high quality Pocket Door Installation requires attention to detail and careful planning. |
| How many days are typically required to complete the Pocket Door Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Pocket Door Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Pocket Door Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Pocket Door 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 Pocket Door Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed pocket door layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- Vertical edges of pocket door will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- The pocket door will be constructed so that the lines formed by diagonally opposite corners are the same length (no more than 1/8 inch difference)
- Each pocket door will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each pocket door will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- The pocket door will be securely anchored to structural framing
- Finished pocket door will feel uniformly solid and rigid under pressure
- There will be no gap of more than 1/16 inch wide where the pocket door 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 pocket door and its pocket door opening
- The pocket door surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Pocket Door Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Pocket Door Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the pocket door 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 Pocket Door 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 pocket door, before any work begins
- Manage delivery of pocket door; 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 pocket door 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
- Secure pocket door to structural framing
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Pocket Door 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
