Door repair costs can range between $50 to $650 depending on the size of the problem and the type of door
From sticky and swollen door frames to knobs that come right off in our hands, doors have a habit of needing repairs over the years. The cost to repair a door can run as low as $50 for things like filling in holes, dents, and dings. But that cost can go all the way up to $850 for major door frame alterations. Overall, expect to pay about $225 to get your door swinging on its hinges and locking with ease once more.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Door By the Needed Repair?
A broken door can mean many things. Hardware like locks and doorknobs can wear down over time, doors become dented, and a door can even slowly come off its hinges or refuse to fit into its frame on a hot, humid day.
When working with a professional, begin by considering the hourly rate for labor. Depending on the cost of living in your area, this can range anywhere from $30 to $120 an hour for a general contractor or door specialist. And while there are a few smaller projects to take on yourself, it's typically best to leave door repairs to professionals that understand their often complex mechanisms.
Holes, Dents, and Dings
Small dents and dings appear on doors from rogue baseballs, enthusiastic dogs, or even the occasional hail storm. If you have a small dent on a wooden door, pick up some wood filler putty for about $15.
Larger holes and dents should be left to professionals, especially if you have a solid steel or glass door. Most basic holes will cost between $50 and $100 to fix, but assume an average of $1,000 if the door needs replacing.
Sticking Doors
Doors that won’t open or close properly are one of the most common complaints from homeowners. In most cases, the door has either swollen from moisture or its upper hinge screws have loosened or worn down.
Purchase sandpaper for between $5 and $15 to sand off the sticking edge until the door closes smoothly. Add the hourly rate for labor if you bring in a professional to check out the sagging or sticking issues with interior or exterior doors.
Hardware Replacement
Doors attach to the wall with details such as hinges, locks, latching strikes, and weatherstrips. Repairing or replacing these items can range from $80 to $480 depending on the complexity of the hardware.
Doorknob installation, on the other hand, can cost as little as $30 to $50 for hardware plus the cost of a pro's hourly rate. You should note that some contractors require a minimum base rate for small jobs.
Door Frame Repair
Fixing or extending door frames tap into more complex repairs. If you need to add to your current framing, you may need to incorporate renovation costs—including frames that interfere with siding, wiring, and insulation.
Frames can also rot over time, especially in older homes or materials susceptible to mold and insects.
Overall, door frame issues will cost between $350 and $850 or $7 to $16 per square foot.
Door Removal
Looking to get rid of a door altogether? Professionals will charge an average of $70 to remove a door as well as about $25 for disposal fees.
Door Breakdown
In the most extreme cases, emergency personnel may need to break down your door if they need to access your house in a hurry. In this case, the cost to re-install hardware and your door will cost an average of $350, or in the thousands for door and frame replacement.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Door Near You?
Unlike a huge project like a kitchen renovation or installing a new porch, door repairs require rather minimal supplies and materials. Most of the money for repairs comes down to labor. In some cases, new doors and hardware also play a role.
Either way, where you live in the country will sway the cost to fix a door in one direction or the other. The cost of living, traditional house architecture of the region, and material shipping all contribute.
Here are seven cities and their average door repair prices.
New York: $280
Charleston, SC: $320
Tampa, FL: $230
Indianapolis: $200
Chicago: $210
Houston: $290
Los Angeles: $230
What Type of Door Repair Services Can I Get on My Budget?
If your door's been giving you trouble, how much should you set aside to get it in full working order? Let's look at some common budget price ranges for doors issues large and small.
$50 to $100
The majority of DIY-able and small professionally repaired door fixes will fall in this range. Most small dents and dings will run at or under $50 and calling in a professional will add their hourly, pushing the costs a bit higher.
$100 to $300
Some of the most common door repairs will cost between $100 and $300, especially when you call a pro. Replace your locks and other basic hardware, fix a major hole, or even replace a hollow-core door inside your house.
$300 to $600
More complex fixes, such as altering the door frame or replacing major hardware can cost more than $300. Stronger materials like metal and solid wood may require a specialist to step in, bringing up the cost for rot, large holes, or reframing.
$600 and up
Repairs over $600 typically include major replacement of all your door hardware or the door itself. You may also see these prices when adding or replacing significant door framing.
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Door Yourself?
Doors can be deceivingly complicated, even if they come pre-hung. Because of this, we recommend leaving any major repairs to the professional, especially fixes that involve the door frame or hardware. Hung even slightly incorrectly, and you could end up with a drafty doorway that jacks up your heating bills.
However, if you need to simply adjust the fit of an interior door with sandpaper or fill in small holes and dents, assume the project will cost under $50.
Door Repair Cost Breakdown
When you reach out to a local door installer, you should receive a straightforward quote after they survey the extent of the work. Your price will include:
An hourly rate for labor
The cost of tools and materials
Price of a new door (if necessary)
Disposal of old materials
How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Door by Type?
There are many types of doors—some seal in our home with multiple locks while others simply protect the pantry. Take a look at the range of prices between exterior and interior doors.
Exterior Door Repairs
The majority of exterior entryways come with solid wood or steel doors, often with multiple locks and latches. When these doors come off their hinges, the safety and comfort of our homes are on the line. For this reason, repairs cost between $350 and $1,050 on average.
On the other hand, fixing a screen door for the summer can cost as low as $45 to $55.
Interior and Hollow Core Doors
Hollow core doors are the lighter-weight varieties often found inside your home. You'll rarely, if ever, find hollow doors facing the exterior. Both solid and hollow doors cost a bit less to fix, typically between $350 and $650 depending on the extent of the repair. For major fixes, you may be better off replacing the door for an average of $180.
Unique Door Materials
The material of your door will also play a role in the price tag, especially if the design requires a specialist. For example, steel and wrought-iron doors often cost more to repair than traditional oak doors.
What Factors Influence the Cost to Fix a Door?
Not sure what to expect from your door repair invoice? If you need to call in a pro, the cost of your door repair will come down to:
Your door material and design
Hardware repairs
The extent of the repair
Where you live
Disposal costs for old parts
FAQs about Door Repair Costs
How much does it cost to install a new door?
The average cost to install a door is about $1,000. Similar to door repair prices, the price ultimately comes down to whether the door is an exterior or interior entryway, the amount of hardware, and the material of the door itself.
What should I consider when choosing a door repair professional?
Professional installers and repair experts specialize in the safety, stability, and structure of doors. If you have a complex issue—such as a door coming off its hinges, a rotting door frame, or broken hardware—search for a door specialist in your area that has:
Transparent pricing
Glowing customer reviews in your area
Proven experience working with your door design and materials
What other projects should I do at the same time?
Altering your door is a great time to ensure its hardware and the surrounding frame are in strong working order. Consider rekeying or changing out the locks on your exterior doors for extra protection. You can also consider painting or refinishing your door for greater curb appeal and durability against the elements.
