BLOG/ Interior Door Installation: DIY or hire someone?

There comes a point in every home reno where you think; can I pull this off myself? Or is it time to bring in a professional? Doing a home renovation is no joke. No matter how carefully you budget, there are always surprises that come up that end up costing you more money or taking longer than you would have hoped. Some projects, like an interior door installation, might seem simple enough for your average DIYer but in reality are far more complicated than you would expect. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of doing a DIY interior door installation and some of the things you might discover along the way.

Cost 

Pro DIY 

Buying a slab to put into a pre-existing frame can save you some money, as pre-hung doors are a little more expensive and require more demolition and expertise. Hiring a contractor can be pricey, doing it yourself can save some of your hard earned money. 

Con

Calling a professional (especially one that offers a warranty) can ensure it is done properly and without damage to your door. If you aren’t experienced or well equiped, you could make an expensive mistake that ruins your door. Make sure you hire a professional that is licensed, bonded and insured. 

Time

Pro DIY

During peak seasons, it can take WEEKS to get a contractor out to your house. Something as crucial as a door can’t wait that long. If you do it yourself, you gain a little more control over the timeline of your project. If you are only replacing one door, you could probably pull it off over the weekend or during an evening after work.

Con

Your free time is incredibly valuable. Inbetween all the responsibilities you juggle, do you really have time and energy to take on this task? Are you okay accepting that you may not hang it properly the first time and will have to re-do it? Hiring a professional to help with your interior door installation will certainly save you time as the job will get done quickly and it will be done right the first time.

The Right Tools for the Job

Pro DIY

If you already have the tools for the job, you might have the right skills and equipment to hang a door yourself.  Here is an example of some of the tools you will need.

• 4 ft. level
• Caulk gun
• Countersink drill bit
• Drill/driver – cordless
• Hammer
• Hearing protection
• Leather gloves
• Pry bar
• Putty knife
• Reciprocating saw
• Safety glasses
• Tape measure

Con

We have all seen the jokes about the simple DIY project on pinterest that ends up costing hundreds of dollars. Unless you already have the tools for the job, acquiring them may end up costing more than just hiring a pro. 

A professional who has experience and training doing door replacement will have a full set of the most updated tools to do the job quickly, efficiently and beautifully. 

Doing the job yourself would mean buying expensive tools that you’re probably not going to need that often and learning how to use them properly before you try replacing your doors.

Age of the Home

Pro DIY

The best case scenario for a DIY interior door replacement is if your house is relatively new. As long as the frame isn’t damaged and it is pretty square/level it should be a pretty straight forward project. Finding a door that’s the same size of your existing door should be an easy task in a contemporary home.

Con

If you live in an older home, your house has had a lot of time to settle and shift. It is incredibly unlikely that your door frames are square anymore. This can make for a more complicated DIY project. If you get the door straight and level, it may not be flush with the door. A professional has the right experience to navigate these muddy waters.

Which Will It Be?

Ultimately, the decision is up for you. If you are either skilled, on a budget, or okay with a door with “character”, DIY might be the right choice. If you have the budget for it, and especially if you have multiple doors, hiring a contractor may be the way to go.