How to replace external door?

carpedion

Hi all, 

I am wanting to get a carpenter to install a new external door. (photos below)

I've already purchased the door, and the combination lock but I need the door to be self-closing and self-latching so I haven't yet purchased those mechanisms yet (I have bought a combination lock though). 

The current door frame is metal and warped. I'm assuming I'll need to have a new frame built (is wood ok?)

I'm also wondering what the ballpark cost will be to:

1. Take down the old door

2. Hang the new door

3. Install self-closing mechansim

4. Install combination lock

I have an ad on airtasker but quotes are only in full amounts and not itemised. 

Any other advice would be great!

PS: I’m actually considering keeping the existing door and stripping off all the excess timber to tidy it up. Would it be possible to just replace the top metal jamb and weatherproof the door? Could it be as simple as sanding it back and repainting?

Thanks

JacobZ

Hi @carpedion,

Thank you for your questions about your entrance door.

To make the door self-closing, you can use a hydraulic door closer, which should be included in the quote.

The metal frame, which is known as a jamb, will need to be replaced. Timber, such as this 140 x 30mm LOSP External Door Jamb is perfect for this application. 

You're also going to need an external architrave. There are a number of different timbers that can be used, just make sure it is treated for external use like this 66 x 18mm LOSP Pencil Round.

Unfortunately, I can't give you a ballpark cost as trade pricing has so many variables. 

There are certainly carpenters capable of this work on Airtasker, but you're unlikely to get an itemised quote from someone off Airtasker as they'd need to assess things in person, which Airtasker doesn't really allow for.

You're better off contacting a carpenter directly and asking them to quote the job. This should involve them coming to your home to assess the door. You can use a service such as True Local to find carpenters operating in your area.

So, everything is clear, ask them to provide an itemised quote on the following -

1. Remove and dispose of old door, hardware and jamb.
    
2. Install a new timber jamb.
    
3. Trim, sand and hang the new door.
    
4. Install hardware and test (combination lock and hydraulic closer).
    
5. Install external architrave.

If you want them to paint the door, jamb and architrave you should also ask them to include this in their quote.

If you intend to supply all materials such as the door, timber for the jamb, timber for the architrave combination lock and hydraulic closer, make sure this is reflected in the quote. 

Let me know if you have any further questions.

Jacob