So you need a new door. Maybe the old one is drafty. Maybe it’s warped and doesn’t close right anymore. Or maybe you just want something that looks better. Whatever the reason, you’re now facing a choice. Do you tackle this yourself or call in a professional?
It’s a fair question. YouTube makes everything look easy. And the idea of saving money on labor is pretty appealing. But door installation in Rochester isn’t always as simple as those videos make it seem. There’s more to consider than just watching a few tutorials.
The Appeal of Doing It Yourself
DIY projects have exploded in popularity over the past decade. According to a 2023 survey by the Home Improvement Research Institute, over 60 percent of homeowners have attempted at least one major home improvement project on their own. The main reasons? Saving money and the satisfaction of doing it themselves.
For door installation, the potential savings can look pretty good on paper. You’re only paying for the door and materials, not labor. That could mean saving anywhere from $150 to $500 depending on the type of door and complexity of the job.
But here’s where it gets tricky. Those savings only count if everything goes right.
When DIY Goes Wrong
Door installation requires precision. We’re talking about measurements that need to be exact. Frames that have to be perfectly level and plumb. And hardware that needs to line up just right.
If something is off by even a quarter inch, you could end up with:
- A door that doesn’t close properly
- Gaps that let in cold air and moisture
- Locks that don’t align with the strike plate
- A frame that puts stress on the hinges
- Drafts that drive up your energy bills
A poorly installed door can actually cost you more in the long run. You might need to buy new weatherstripping, pay to fix damage, or even replace the whole thing sooner than expected.
The US Department of Energy estimates that air leaks around doors and windows account for up to 30 percent of heating and cooling losses in homes. A door that doesn’t seal right is basically throwing money out into the cold Rochester winter.
What Professional Installation Actually Gets You
When you hire someone for door installation in Rochester, you’re paying for more than just labor. You’re paying for experience, proper tools, and a guarantee that the job is done right.
Professional installers know how to:
- Handle older homes where nothing is square or level
- Work with different door types, including entry doors, storm doors, and patio doors
- Deal with unexpected issues like rotted frames or structural problems
- Install weatherstripping and thresholds correctly
- Make sure locks and hardware function perfectly
They’ve seen every problem and know how to fix it. That kind of experience is hard to match with a weekend and a YouTube playlist.
Also Read: Door Installation Tools Every Homeowner Needs
The Hidden Costs of DIY
Beyond the risk of a bad install, there are other costs people don’t think about. Tools, for one. If you don’t already own a level, drill, saw, and other equipment, you’ll need to buy or rent them.
Then there’s time. A professional can usually complete door installation in Rochester in a few hours. For someone without experience, the same job might take an entire weekend. And if something goes wrong, you’re looking at even more time trying to fix it.
There’s also the warranty factor. Many door manufacturers only honor their warranty if the door was installed by a licensed professional. Install it yourself, and you might void the coverage entirely.
When DIY Might Make Sense
Not every door project requires a pro. If you’re just swapping an interior door where the frame is already in good shape, that’s a simpler job. Pre-hung doors that come with the frame attached are also easier for beginners.
But for exterior doors, especially in Rochester’s harsh climate, professional installation is usually worth the investment. These doors need to stand up to snow, ice, rain, and temperature swings. There’s no room for error.
Why Rochester Door Company Is the Right Call
At Rochester Door Company, we’ve been handling door installation in Rochester for years. We know the weather here. We know the homes here. And we know what it takes to install a door that lasts.
Our team shows up on time, does clean work, and makes sure everything is perfect before we leave. No shortcuts. No surprises. Just a door that works the way it should.
Your door is the first thing people see when they visit your home. It’s also your main barrier against the elements. Don’t leave that to chance. Give Rochester Door Company a call today and get the job done right the first time.
