Be open to a professional who can help
Much like a picture hanging on your wall, a door isn’t complete without a quality frame. But when those frames look a little worse for wear, it may be time to replace them. Luckily, there are a few professionals who you can hire to replace door frames, and the process is relatively simple.
Replacing a door frame can be tricky, often resulting in a lengthy and meticulous process. When installed incorrectly, a DIY frame can lead to expensive problems, so hiring a local door frame professional is almost always worth it.
One small mistake you make while replacing a door frame can send the whole project flying off the hinges—literally. Hiring a pro specializing in door construction can ease stress and save time for other DIY projects your skills might be better suited for.
A lot can go wrong with your door frame repair. Misalignment, mismatched hardware, structural issues, and unsecured frames—there’s nothing worse than working on a DIY project only to repair mistakes months later. The right professional can get your frames done right the first time so you can close the door on this replacement once and for all.
Don’t knock it ‘til you try it. Some homeowners can DIY a door frame replacement. If you already own the tools required for the project and are handy around the house, replacing a door frame yourself shouldn’t pose too much of a challenge.
But the difficulty of this DIY depends on whether you’re replacing an existing door, buying a prehung door versus a door framing kit, and if there’s any damage or rot around your existing frame. If you’re not completely comfortable, let a professional handle it.
Sure, a local handyperson can replace your door frame, as this is a relatively simple job. Get to know their experience level and credentials before you lock them into a job they may not be comfortable with.
Here are a few questions to ask your potential handyperson:
What’s included in the replacement?
What kind of warranty do you offer?
What happens if you find rot?
Make sure their answers are clear and concise while putting your needs first. If you’re unfamiliar with the process, don’t be afraid to ask them to explain it.
You don’t need to peek through the keyhole for some secret. The process for replacing a door frame has a few basic steps. A prehung door may have fewer steps to install, but here’s the basic process:
Remove the old door and all its components.
Assemble the new door frame.
Measure the door opening to ensure everything will fit before nailing things in.
Secure the door frame to make sure everything fits nice and snug.
Install the trim to finish it off.
Pro installation should take only three hours to complete—no open-door policy required.
The cost of replacing your door frame depends on the size of the door, if you’re using a slab or prehung door, the materials used for the door and hardware, and if you need your doorway resized or repaired. There’s also a big difference between the cost of exterior door frames and interior door frames. On average, replacing a door frame costs $200 to $700.
Hiring a professional handyperson costs anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour or $350 to $600 per day. If you DIY this project, you can purchase a frame separately for around $150 to $300, but you’ll have to spend several hours on the project. Remember that improperly installing a door frame can lead to structural issues over time, so it’s often best to hire a pro in the first place.
