Doors and windows carry a heavy workload. Not only do they play a significant role in the aesthetics of your home, inside and out, they also shoulder the responsibilities of keeping people out, keeping your family safe, keeping your heating and air conditioning in and keeping the weather out. With that much responsibility, they deserve your respect and maybe some love, in terms of upgrades. Updating your interior doors, replacing your exterior doors, installing or repairing a garage door or even adding new windows and skylights can all be sound investments if done correctly. They key is planning. Connect with local door and window contractors to get free quotes or help plan a project.
Exterior Doors
Exterior doors must be durable enough to withstand wind, rain, sun, and would-be intruders, yet pretty enough to enhance the overall look of your home. Most doors combine several materials; for example, many fiberglass and steel doors have wood frames. But it's the surface material that most affects appearance, durability, security and price. Wood doors are the most common, but other alternatives are steel (great for security and durability), fiberglass composite (maintenance-free, good for humid climates) and aluminum (custom built). Picking the right exterior doors will pay off in smoother operation, less maintenance and energy savings. Continue Reading
Installing an interior door is a sure-fire way to brighten your home. If the existing jambs are ruined, out of alignment or are just plain unattractive, install a pre-hung door unit, which comes attached to its jambs with the hinges already in place. These are a bit more expensive but are easier to hang. If your door jambs are in good shape and the door itself is all that needs to be replaced, you can purchase a door blank or slab to replace the one you're removing. This is just the door itself with no associated extras and is less expensive. You can also choose your type of door ranging from hollow-core (least expensive) to solid-core (great for keeping noise levels down and fire retardation).
Windows and Skylights
Skylights add architectural interest, inside and out, and allow natural light to come in through the ceiling. A skylight can be installed just for looks or as part of a passive-solar heating strategy. Do some research and youll find a wide variety of designs, materials and added components. One drawback is that, if installed incorrectly or with poor materials, skylights can leak around the edges or the glass can crack. For that reason, if youre going to have a skylight installed, go high end or not at all.
Conventional windows come in many varieties. The most important factor is weather resistance. More than 20 percent of the heating and cooling losses in the average home can be blamed on windows. Look for windows with the Energy Star label, indicating that they are energy efficient. Windows are rated by U-Factor. The lower the U-factor, the better, and often the more expensive. Paying more for better, more energy-efficient windows should save you a little bit in your utility bills, and that could be significant over time. But if youre into immediate gratification, know that better windows will make you feel more comfortable in your home.
The first decision to make is whether you want to pull open your garage or just use a clicker. Manual garages, though much cheaper and easier to install than their automatic counterparts, are quickly going the way of the passenger pigeon. Thats because of the convenience of the remote control. Its hard to resist. Automatic doors are generally sold separately from the openers, so make sure that theyre compatible. A heavy wood door for a three car garage is going to require significantly more horsepower than a metal single-car variety. Before you shop for your door, make sure you find out permits that are required and whether your neighborhood has any restrictions about colors or materials that can be used. Your contractor should be able to do this for you, but don't make any assumptions.
The cost of the doors will depend on the materials used, the style and the size. Some come with windows, which can add more visual interest, though they can be a security concern. Custom doors of irregular sizes could be significantly more expensive than standard doors. In much of American suburbia, the garage door is the homes most prominent feature, so, if youre planning a replacement, you might want to hire a professional and do it right.
TIP: Ask your contractor about applying weather-stripping to your garage. Its a great way to protect the interior of your garage from the elements.
How much does it cost to replace window trim around 6 windows
Adam Ridout
More than 1 year ago
Window trim for 36" by 36" can range from $35 to $130. It really comes down to the type of material, what you like and how easy it is to buy at the story or get it delivered.
Kathy Brown
9 months ago
How much should I expect to pay, and for what, to have a damaged exterior metal double door dented on lower half of opening side unit(attempted break in) and consequent water damage to small part of floor that had to be replaced once already. But door was not due to cost. Insurance would NOT cover. (New insurance company now)?
William Porter
10 months ago
I need a handyman who can repair my back door because heat has escape from the top
Of the door causing the electric bill to be high.
Patricia Manning
More than 1 year ago
Need someone to remove 2 small windows in garage and replace with new windows. Cash paid...
More than 1 year ago
Hi Patricia, We would be happy to help you connect get connected with a window pro. You can submit a request to our pros here: www.homeadvisor.com, browse a list of local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html, or send your info to [email protected] and a project advisor will reach out to assist you. –HASupport
Bill Nixon
More than 1 year ago
I AM A CONTRACTOR FROM THE 60'S 70'S 80'S 90'S LAST JOB WAS BUILDING MY ADDITION 12X20 AT THESE PRICES YOU JUST SHOWED MY ADDITION JUST WENT UP IN VALUE. LOL
Veronica Hill
More than 1 year ago
What is estimate for staining and repairing cracks on 3 panel front door
Letha Adams
More than 1 year ago
I need someone to hang an exterior fiberglass door new door and is prehung. existing door is damaged
Farhat Faridi
More than 1 year ago
how much does it cost to replace bathroom window 2x2feet
yolanda cates
More than 1 year ago
I am trying to find a contractor that can change my two large windows into doors can anyone help?
More than 1 year ago
Hi Yolanda, Thanks for reaching out, we would be happy to help you connect with a pro for your project. You can submit a request to our pros here: www.homeadvisor.com, browse a list of local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html, or send your info to [email protected] and a project advisor will reach out to assist you. –HASupport
tony white
More than 1 year ago
I never got a call from a Handyman!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
More than 1 year ago
Hi Tony, We’re sorry to hear this, we encourage our pros to call as quickly as possible. You are always welcome to submit another service request at http://www.homeadvisor.com/ or browse pros in your area at http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html. If you would like to speak with a rep, please send your contact info to [email protected] and we will reach out. –HASupport
Melissa Keller
More than 1 year ago
Balcony door knob is stripped and we can't open the door. It's stuck in the lock position.
Carol Derochie
More than 1 year ago
This is for a villa with small back porch door. Needs to be mobile home size
Brooke Bollero
More than 1 year ago
How much would it cost to replace a threshold under a set of French doors?
More than 1 year ago
Hi Brooke, We would be happy to help you connect with a pro to estimate this project. You can submit a request to our pros here: www.homeadvisor.com, browse a list of local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html, or send your info to [email protected] and a project advisor will reach out to assist you. –HASupport
Judy Mayorga
More than 1 year ago
I need. The door frame for a set of French doors repaired.
G D
More than 1 year ago
How much to replace a double windowwith French doors?
marta cruz
More than 1 year ago
i would like to replace a French double door in the kitchen and regular 36"w front door, will you give me an estimate and what type (construction) exterior front door, etc, wood, fiberglass or metal. thank you
John Brown
More than 1 year ago
Cost to install new purchase exterior door and a just another one.
Kimberly McMunn
More than 1 year ago
how much will it cost to have a new door and screen door installed
cathy clark
More than 1 year ago
how much to fix door frame change locks
Cathy Fryckberg
More than 1 year ago
Storm door not installed properly. Open space around and door doesn't close properly
fran simmons
More than 1 year ago
cost to repair a single shower door.....won't close
More than 1 year ago
Hi Fran, We would be happy to get you connected with a pro. You can submit a service request on our website: http://www.homeadvisor.com/, or browse reviews for local pros here: http://www.homeadvisor.com/c.html. If would prefer to speak with a project advisor, you can also send your contact information to [email protected] and a rep will reach out. –HASupport
Robert Thomas
More than 1 year ago
And replace with hardy trim
Deborah Silva
More than 1 year ago
Putting in a none existing door
Thomas Richardson
More than 1 year ago
I'm looking for a screen door to add on to my backdoor. How much would this cost?
