Need a new back door-where to start?
I need to get our our back door replaced but I don’t know where to begin. I think the area around the door might need to be fixed or re-built in addition to replacing the door itself (right now I can see light around the bottom and side of the door and I’ve seen a…
I need to get our our back door replaced but I don’t know where to begin. I think the area around the door might need to be fixed or re-built in addition to replacing the door itself (right now I can see light around the bottom and side of the door and I’ve seen a mouse scurry under it). As you can probably tell I don’t know the first thing about who to call to get this done. I have researched doors but I don’t even know how to order one since I don’t know what size, etc. I need. It seems like most of the door companies I have looked at (Andersen, Pella) don’t install. I feel like I need more than a handyman for this but isn’t an architect overkill? We are on a budget.
Loewe’s (Lowe’s) will also install a Pella door. You go there, pick out a door, pay $35 and someone will come, measure and give you an estimate. Ok, that’s the theory. In truth, someone came two weeks ago to look at my backdoor and I am still waiting the estimate. I thought LWP seemed professional but, to be honest, their product lines were a little..how to put it? Better suited for a split level on Long Island than a brownstone….
I had a rear door installed by LWP (Lucky Window Products) and thought they did a fabulous job – I get a lot of compliments on it. they did my windows too a while back – also a high quality job. AND they show up when they say they will, give a written estimate – no tricks. you choose the door and they install. their phone: (718) 492-7774 or you can go to the show room on 3rd ave (look up the address on the web).
Installing a “pre hung” door is pretty easy. A local handyman or carpenter can do it. You just unscreew the old door and screw in teh new one as a pre hund door is already hung on the door frame.
To determine what size door you need – just measure the actuall width of the door (not the frame). They pretty standard 32 or 36 inches. Something other than that would require a special order.
if you want to see a door i had recently installed at one of my buildings i can send you a pic, you can email me at caseyrosario@aol.com. We replaced a window with a door for backyard access. You can call my handyman at (917) 573-3304, ask for AL.
A good handyman can handle it – or try one of the manufacturers distributors – some may install – like Brooklyn Windows and Doors on McDonald Ave.
You most certainly are not in need of an architect.