Front Door Installation: What You Should Know

Before we dive in, it’s crucial to understand the importance of proper exterior door installation. Improved comfort, energy savings, sound control and security all depend on your door being installed correctly. Let’s discuss your options for installers, the benefits of pre-hung door installation and what to expect on installation day.

Not every homeowner has to go the same route when it comes to installing a replacement front door. Find the installation method that is right for you, whether you do it yourself or have someone do it for you. Choose the installer that will get the job done right and offer you peace of mind. Before you make a decision, take time to explore the four options below and understand the key differences between them.

If you are looking for someone to guide you through the front door replacement process from start to finish, working with one of Pella’s installers is the way to go. They are the experts, after all. It’s definitely best to work with a Pella expert if you have a more complex project. For instance, you plan to add sidelights or a transom window that didn’t previously exist, or you want to switch from a single to a double door.

Pella professionals are recertified annually to install our front doors. They’ll work with you to coordinate a convenient date for installation, develop and review an installation plan with you, and will even take the time needed after installation to show you how to operate and maintain your new front door.

If you order through a Pella showroom, our team of professional installers are all backed by the Pella Care Guarantee. As part of our commitment to the satisfaction of every customer, we offer protection for your Pella products and their installation.

Trust is important when choosing an independent contractor. Independent contractors are not employed by Pella and will provide their services under a written contract or a verbal agreement. Homeowners will often rely on recommendations from friends and neighbors who have previously had a good experience with a contractor. Testimonials can help you identify contractors with good reputations for their quality of work and reliability.

Here is a list of questions to ask an independent contractor before you decide to work with them:

1. Have you or your crew been certified in remodeling?
2. Do you have your own crew, or do you subcontract?
3. What type of warranty do you offer on the installation, and how would I handle service issues after the installation is complete?
4. Do you have a list of referrals?
5. Can you or your crew install under any weather conditions?
6. How long do you estimate the installation to take?
7. Do you finish the interiors after installation?
8. Are you certified to install Pella products?

The goal of the conversation should be to gauge the knowledge and experience of the installer, get a better sense of the scope of the work, establish a rough timeline and determine cost. Just as you would research your style options before purchasing a door, you should carefully research potential installers before entrusting them with your project.

If you need help finding a reliable contractor, use our Pella Certified Contractors search tool to find someone near you. These contractors are trained to quote and install Pella windows and doors. The certification will offer a measure of confidence that you might not otherwise have working with other contractors.

For those who live near a Lowe’s store, stop by to shop for an entry door and speak with a project specialist who can give you a quote that includes installation. If you don’t have a Lowe’s near you, visit any local home improvement store and ask an employee if they have partnered with a subcontractor to install products sold in their store. Much like when you work with an independent contractor, you are relying on a recommendation, since the store will have more than likely worked with the subcontractor previously. Ask the store’s subcontractor the same questions you would pose to an independent contractor.

If you have a straightforward, simple replacement project and DIY experience, you can always take care of front door installation yourself. Many people choose this option if they purchased a front door online or at Lowe’s. Before you begin, learn how to install a front door by researching all the steps and purchasing the tools and materials you’ll need. You can research how to install a storm door as well if that pertains to your project. As long as you are comfortable undertaking the task and trust your level of expertise, this is a great project to do yourself. For those with a more complicated project, we recommend you leave it to the pros.

If you are installing a new front door, it is important to know all Pella front doors come pre-hung. This means that the panel, or the swinging part of your door, is already hung in a frame. When you buy a pre-hung door to replace your old one, the existing door, frame and trim must be removed first. The biggest benefit of pre-hung doors is that they arrive weathertight, meaning you don’t need to worry about weatherstripping a new door to fit tightly in the existing frame. Pre-hung doors also help ensure the new door opens and closes smoothly and correctly.

While a full-frame front door installation is more time- and labor-intensive, requiring the installers to work both inside and outside your home, it does allow you greater design flexibility. When you replace the door, frame and trim all at once, you have the opportunity to completely transform your entryway and add your personal style. The size and shape of the opening can be changed to accommodate a new type of door — wider, taller and arched are all possible.

If you are working with a Pella professional, expect them to coordinate a convenient date for the installation and review the plan with you in advance. To prepare for installation day, move any furniture or decorations away from the area where the installers will be working. It will make the job easier if there is more room to work.

Installers will cover their work area with drop cloths to help protect your space. They will carefully remove your old door and its frame, disposing of it themselves once the work is complete. Expect the installers to keep you updated on the status of the front door installation throughout the day. After they are finished putting the pre-hung door in place, they will add the necessary hardware and interior and exterior trim.

Before leaving, the installers will thoroughly tidy up after themselves, leaving the work area as clean as it was when they first arrived. You’ll have the opportunity to ask any additional questions about the installation or how to care for your beautiful new door.

Proper installation will help you maximize your investment and ensure you have a door that performs well for years to come. When all is said and done, sit back and enjoy the improved curb appeal of your home thanks to a refreshed entryway.