When you need to replace or upgrade your front door, there are a lot of things to consider and various factors that can affect the cost. Here’s what goes into the cost of replacing a front door:

1. Material of the door
2. Style of the door
3. Hardware options
4. Other door options
5. Energy-efficient door options
6. Manufacturer warranties
7. Complexity of the installation

1. Material of the Door

The material will affect the cost of a new front door. Common door materials are wood, steel, fiberglass, and aluminum, with steel and fiberglass being the two best types of entry doors. High-quality materials tend to carry a higher upfront cost, but also more than pay off in cost savings over time. This is something to keep in mind as you are evaluating options and weighing costs for your new front door.

Fiberglass doors are durable, long-lasting, and resistant to dents and scratches. Not only do they tend to offer more protection and insulation for a home, but they also require less maintenance and repair over time and last longer than other door materials. These are some benefits of fiberglass entry doors that make them a worthwhile investment for your home.

2. Style of the Door

The style of the door is another thing that goes into the cost of replacing one. From standard paneled front entry doors to French doors, Dutch doors, double doors, and more, there are several types of doors to choose from.

Double doors and oversized doors may be door style trends, but these also tend to be larger than standard single doors. As such, they can carry a higher cost as well. However, if those doors are the ones that work best for your home, they are worth the cost, especially if they are replacing an outdated or damaged door that is a security issue or a source of energy loss.

3. Hardware Options

Knobs, locks, hinges, and other hardware also go into the cost of replacing a door. The materials, finishes, brand, design, and features of hardware options will vary in cost. Various hardware upgrades are available for doors, as well as additional options for security, like deadbolts, upgraded locks, strike plates, upgraded hinges, and hinge guards. These are things that can affect the cost of replacing a door and also improve front door security.

4. Other Door Options

There are many things to consider when replacing your front door. The material, style, color, and hardware are just a start. There are other door options that you may want to consider, especially if the door you are replacing has them.

For example, transom windows above doors and sidelights on the sides of doors are popular options. If you already have these and like them, you’ll want to consider options for those as well if they also need to be replaced.

If you like them and don’t have them, your home improvement contractor can work with you to remodel your entryway to include them. These are also not the only window options for entry doors. For homeowners who want them, there are also doors with glass panels and glass options built in as part of the door design and style.

Check out the time-lapse video below to see the Zephyr Thomas team install a new front door with a glass panel and sidelights for this homeowner!

5. Energy-Efficient Door Upgrades

Drafty doors and windows are some of the biggest sources of energy loss in homes. If you notice damage to your front door, signs of poor installation, or drafts, those are signs your door needs to be replaced.

Well-insulated doors are important for protecting your home, preventing energy loss, and maintaining comfort. A properly-fitted, properly-installed, and well-insulated front door is also essential for energy efficiency. In addition to the type of door you need, you can also explore energy-efficient door upgrades for your front door.

If you’ll be looking at glass options for the door, glass with low-E, or low-emissivity, coating is available to further reduce heat gain and prevent energy loss. There are also other energy-efficient door options and additional components to further prevent drafts, like bottom expanders with sweeps, long-lasting weatherstripping, and more.

6. Manufacturer Warranties

Most of the costs associated with your new front door will be related to the door itself and the installation. However, the manufacturer and warranty on the product can also have an effect on cost. Established manufacturers with a long history of quality products may also offer extended warranties, or even lifetime warranties, on their products.

This can also sometimes come with extra features that increase the performance and quality of their doors. Sometimes, this can increase costs upfront. But, it is also an investment that tends to more than pay for itself over time as you benefit from the better overall performance of the door and the additional warranty protection provided. This is also one of the things that goes into the cost of replacement windows.

7. Complexity of the Installation

Other costs that go into the cost of replacing a front door will include the complexity of the installation and the labor involved. An installation that includes removing and replacing a damaged door frame or door jamb and making frame adjustments or repairs, in addition to the door, or a custom door with new framing, will carry a higher cost than a simple front door replacement that doesn’t require those things.

Poor installation damages your home and can damage your new front door, too. It’s worth it to look for a contractor you can trust who you know will provide quality work and proper installation, and who will guarantee their work.

Experience, references, warranties on work done, and more are all questions to ask a home improvement contractor you’re considering for a home improvement project. When you are replacing a door, you want to make sure you’re working with someone who has experience in similar projects.

Whatever your door replacement requires, a good contractor will go over everything with you to make sure you know what your project entails and all costs associated with it. The scope of the project, price, terms & conditions, and more are all things that should be in a home improvement quote when you get one.

Replace Your Front Door With Zephyr Thomas

There are many reasons to replace your doors. What goes into the cost of replacing a front door will depend on the door you choose, what your installation requires, and more. Working with an experienced contractor makes a big difference.

In addition to competitive prices and quality materials, you also get peace of mind that your new door is installed correctly. If you need to replace your door, contact Zephyr Thomas at 717-399-4708 to schedule a free estimate. You can also stop by our showroom to see some door options in person!