Home Services Guidelines and Best Practices
Prehung Door Installation
Prehung Door Installation guidelines, FAQs and unit pricing information
January 2017
Are you looking for independent, trustworthy advice about Prehung Door Installation? Do you need to understand common installation options? If your project calls for Prehung Door Installation work, the following guidelines and best practices will help you understand: Is a subcontractor really necessary for Prehung Door Installation work? Will a permit be required? What are common problem areas? How much will Prehung Door Installation labor cost? What are the important Prehung Door Installation quality checks that should be included in the work requirements?
Prehung Door Installation - Frequently Asked Questions
What is a fair price for Prehung Door Installation? | Costs vary with project size, job quality and time of year. For typical Prehung Door Installation expect to pay between $79.88 to $146.44 per door. Additional fees are typically charged for small projects or rush jobs. |
Is a permit needed for Prehung Door Installation work? | Design approval and permits from your local building authority are usually not required for Prehung Door Installation. If your home is subject to homeowner association covenants, you should verify that the Prehung Door Installation complies with association guidelines. |
Is it worth using a professional to perform Prehung Door Installation work? | The appearance, functionality and useful life of the Prehung 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 Prehung Door Installation something that I can do myself? | The typical Prehung Door Installation project involves tasks that are best performed by experienced professionals. Good quality Prehung Door 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 Prehung Door Installation work? | Normally, this work can be completed in 1 day. |
Prehung Door Installation - Options, Quality Checks and Important Details
Use the list below to document your expectations for level of detail and finish quality for Prehung Door Installation. Make sure that relevant information is included in any written contracts or work orders on your project. Before any Prehung 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 Prehung Door Installation will be approved by owner, before any work begins
- A detailed replacement door layout - showing material placement and all joints/seams - will be reviewed and approved before work begins
- There will be a uniform gap of (choose one): __1/16 inch __1/8 inch __other_____ between the door frame (jamb) and its replacement door opening
- Prehung door will be installed so that the replacement door base/trim is solidly attached and attached completely flush to the mounting surface
- Horizontal and vertical edges of adjacent Prehung door will be aligned to within 1/16 inch
- Vertical edges of Prehung door will be plumb to within 1/8 inch in 8 feet
- Each door frame (jamb) will open from the side indicated in the project plan; each door frame (jamb) will open and close smoothly with light effort and will not bind, rub or squeak
- Each door frame (jamb) lockset/latching mechanism will be held immovable by the strikeplate when closed - there will be no "play" of the lockset within the strikeplate
- The Prehung door will be solidly attached and not slide, rock, twist or move when used
- Each door frame (jamb) will remain open at any position it is placed
- The replacement door surface and surface finish will be free of surface defects, irregularities and any physical damage
Prehung Door Installation - Work Milestones and Project Reminders
The following list summarizes work tasks commonly performed during Prehung Door Installation. These tasks help ensure proper completion of the Prehung 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.
- Complete written contract, including scope of work, quality checks, warranty, timing and payment terms; ensure that contract is signed before work begins
- Review and approve detailed layout / plan that shows location, orientation and placement of Prehung door, before any work begins
- Select, specify and order Prehung door; verify that type, grade, finish, size, color, any options, and quantity are clearly identified in the order; make sure that delivery date, terms and damage provisions are included in the order
- Manage delivery of Prehung 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 Prehung 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
- Remove existing Prehung door (optional)
- Secure door frame (jamb) to structural framing
- Fill holes, cracks, gaps with compatible patching material; finish patch to match surrounding surface shape, texture and color
- Inspect Prehung Door Installation and verify that all quality requirements and punch list items are completed correctly
- Submit final payment; pay with a check to ensure expense can be verified for tax purposes