Home Improvement

Professional Installation or Do It Yourself?

Article by Healthy Landscapes

Professional installers can charge several hundred dollars to put a door front door up in your home. For some people who aren’t handy with tools, it’s a small price to pay for the knowledge that the door will be installed correctly the first time. But for DIY homeowners, installing their own doors is a task that they relish taking on. Whether it’s the right choice for you will depend on a few items:

• Do you have the right tools for the job? Some of the basic tools you’ll need are likely tools that any homeowner will have, like a hammer, screwdriver and tape measure. But not everyone has other tools like a reciprocating saw or wood shims handy that might be needed to finish the job.
• Think about the type of door that you have. If it’s a basic interior door that’s made out of wood, it will likely be very easy to install and only require a minimal amount of time and skill. However, exterior doors that are very ornate, heavy or custom built will likely require more work and time.
• What are the true costs of the job? Having to buy specialized equipment that you won’t use again can quickly add up to as more — or even more — than the cost of hiring a professional installer. Your time is also valuable, so make sure you keep that in mind when you consider the costs of doing it yourself.

At the end of the day, the decision to install your new door yourself or to hire a professional is a personal preference. If you are the type of person who enjoys a challenge and loves the feeling of pride you get when completing a DIY home improvement project, putting in your own door is a perfect project.