How difficult is it to install a door?

Question

I have a window in the side of my garage, and I have decided to hire someone to remove the window and put in a 36 inch metal door with a doggie door in it so my dog can get in and out this winter.

I plan to go to Menards or Lowes and pick the door out myself, but I have to have a carpenter install it.

How difficult is it to put in a door and how much should I expect to be charged. I know they will need a header and do some other things, but how much work is it actually? How much should I expect to pay the carpenter?

Answer 1

depending on the type of siding you have on your garage this is about a 2- 4 hour job, unless you have brick or a concrete knee wall. if thats not the case i would suggest talking to your neighbors looking for a handy man, this is not a permit required job ( in my area anyway). a good handyman could install this door at around $150- $200, having one of lowes contractors will cost you about double that, or more, most of them jack there prices up if it is not a full day job.

Answer 2

The carpenter should not have to install a header for the door if the existing widow is at least 36 inches wide. He can use the window header. It should have the same top rough opening as a door rough opening.

The carpenter may have to put up some new door frame wall studs if the existing window is more than 36 inches or less than 36 inches.

Worst scenario, if the carpenter has to re frame the entire opening, plan on about 8 hrs. labor.

Don't forget the possibility of electrical wires running through the wall. You might need an electrician to reroute the wires.