Five Steps to a New Door

- The product The "Pasadena" (A) Doorlite Kit has been added to comparison list.

You’re looking for a new front door and you're interested in a Doorlite Kit by Crestview Doors. But how do you get started? And how long will it take?

Here’s how to get that awesome new door in just five easy steps.

Step One: Select Your Design

Picking out the design of your new door may be the most difficult step of all. You love the “Allandale,” but you think it is too mod for your house. You’re pretty sure the “Carlysle” will do, but your sweetie wants you to be bold and go for the “Woodrow.”

If you are having difficulty deciding, snap a pic at the curb and upload it to Door-o-Vision to get a real-time idea of what that new door will look like. Or upload your photo to the Crestview Doors Facebook page and ask other fans what they think.

Step Two: Find an Installation Professional

Installing a Doorlite Kit is like installing new countertops: most of us would rather leave it to the pros. All you have to do is find one. Click here to locate a Crestview Doors dealer or installer near you, or ask around for a recommended local remodeling professional. If you don't have referrals from a friend or associate, try contacting the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

When talking to a professional Installer who has never heard of Doorlite Kits, show them our website or print this handy brochure. Most remodelers with experience in trim carpentry or door and window replacement have more than enough credentials to do the job.

If you are a remodeling or residential construction professional who would like to join our Installer Network and receive pre-qualified leads, please contact us today at (866) 454-6302!

If you would rather DIY, check out our Buying Guide and Video Library for complete how-to information!

Step Three: Get a Quote

In order to give you a valid quote on parts and installation, the Installer will need to come to your home to assess the existing entry system and take measurements for removal and installation. If your existing door and sidelights are not your style but are still in pretty good shape, please make sure to ask your Installer to take the old units to an architectural salvage shop for resale rather than throwing them in the dumpster. This is an excellent opportunity to ask the Installer about their recommendation for materials appropriate to your climate and lifestyle.

Your quote may include the following materials expenses: Doorlite Kit, pre-hung door unit, screws and caulk, door casing and trim, drywall, texture and paint. Your quote will also include the cost of labor for removal of the old entry system, Kit installation, door installation, and repair or replacement of trim, drywall, paint and other areas around the new entry system both directly outside and inside the entry.

Once you have received and accepted your quote, ask your Installer to provide a detailed, written contract that includes price, payment terms, sales tax, permit fees (if any), warranties, and the work to be performed.

Step Four: Finalize and Order the Materials

Installers are independent consultants that do not work directly for Crestview Doors. Some Installers prefer that the homeowner purchase the materials themselves, and they do all work including assembly, installation and finishing on site.

You will need a flush door for your Doorlite Kit. It can be wood (aesthetically-pleasing), fiberglass (energy-efficient) or metal (cost-effective). Doorlite Kits will work with doors that are hollow or solid. We prefer wood veneer doors with a solid “stave” core pre-hung in a stain-grade solid pine jamb. These are usually available via special order from your local lumber supply or millwork company. Finding these places online can be a little tricky. Hint: They still use phone books and fax machines!

Other Installers prefer to include the price of materials into their overall quote and have everything delivered to their place of business for assembly and finishing only to deliver to the customer at the time of installation.

Step Five: Schedule Installation

To make it easy for the Installer and for yourself, prepare for installation by clearing your front porch or stoop of all furniture, plants, or other decor so that nothing is in danger of being damaged or acting as a hazard during construction. You may need to temporarily take down your mailbox or turn off the braker to the doorbell and porch light. Locate the nearest exterior and interior electrical outlets for your Installer to use. Assuming everything’s in order, installing your new door should be the quickest part of the process.

That said, you will want to schedule at least three consecutive days for installation; it will probably only take one day, but in construction it is always best to be prepared for the unexpected, so block out three days just in case and then spend two of those days relaxing after everything turned out smoothly on the first take.

You earned those bragging rights! Make sure to take before and after photos and post them to Facebook, Flickr or just send them to us by email.

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