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To keep costs down, stick with a standard door that fits your existing frame, opt for budget-friendly materials like composite wood, and choose a slab over a pre-hung unit if you’re comfortable with hanging it yourself. Get at least three written quotes to keep labor costs in check. A solid installation matters, too; a door that seals tightly saves on energy bills and spares you future repair costs.

A straightforward door swap takes four hours or less. If the project involves resizing the opening, adding new framing, or installing an exterior door with storm protection and hardware, expect it to stretch into a full day. The timeline encompasses removing the old door, preparing the opening, installing the new slab, fine-tuning the alignment, and sealing against the weather.

Most solid-wood doors can be planed or cut slightly to fit an irregularly sized opening. Hollow-core and metal styles leave less wiggle room, so you’ll only be able to remove a small amount before weakening the structure. When a door needs significant trimming, let a professional handle the job to ensure the cut is square, the edges are sealed, and the door’s integrity remains intact.