5 Problems that Could Arise from a Bad Door Installation

The Importance of Professional Door Installation

There’s more to buying a door than choosing the door itself. You also need to find the right door installation crew. Many homeowners place emphasis on the quality of the door itself: how well the materials stand up to the elements, how affordable the door might be, and how well it suits your home’s aesthetics. All of this is important, but what homeowners often neglect is the importance of holding the installation to the same standards.

Here are a few problems that could come from a bad door installation and tips to avoid them.

1. Bad Seal Means Bad Insulation

In order for your door to be properly sealed, the door installation crew has to be very careful to make everything square and level. Because the door is exposed to the elements—and in Naperville that often means strong wind and rains—a water barrier is essential. If the door installation crew slacks off on the seal of your door, your home’s insulation will be at risk. You could have drafts to contend with, high energy bills, and pests.

Tip: Ensure your contractor uses high-quality weather stripping and checks for proper alignment.

2. Damage to the Product or Home

A bad door installation could lead, in worst-case scenarios, to your door or even your house being damaged. Of course, no one is above an occasional accident, which is why it’s important for your contractors to be insured and bonded. With a responsible and insured installation crew, any damage will be taken care of quickly and at no cost to the homeowner. However, a careless installation could hurt the door or surrounding area of the house not just during the installation but later, as the door will be less protected throughout everyday use and weather than it would be with a quality installation.

Tip: Always verify the insurance and bonding of your contractors before hiring them.

3. Technical Difficulties

If your door hasn’t been installed just so, you’ll always be able to tell. Maybe it won’t lock properly, or it swings open too often in the midst of heavy winds. On the other hand, your door might jam too easily. Remember you need to use this door every day. You don’t want to struggle with it, so it’s better to have the door installation done right the first time.

Tip: Test the door thoroughly immediately after installation. Ensure that locks, hinges, and seals work smoothly.

4. Pesky Noises

Does your doorknob rattle even when the door’s closed? Does the door creak or squeak when you open and close it? Both of these are signs of a poor door installation. A rattling doorknob may be too loose or ill-fitted, while a squeaky door is probably the result of problematic hinges. While sometimes squeaking can occur over time (and can be fixed easily by oiling the hinges), your door installation crew should check these problems before they leave. If you notice them within the first few days, you should call them to repair the problem promptly.

Tip: Address any unusual noises immediately to prevent long-term damage.

5. Home Improvement Fraud

While not a problem resulting from an installation itself, home improvement fraud is something to watch out for when searching for door installation contractors. Home improvement fraud can occur when a supposed contractor shows up at your door, offering a replacement door installation, takes an advance, and then is never seen again. It’s important to see proof of license and do a little online research on their reputation and reviews before doing business with any contractors.

Other contractors may seem legitimate and even be technically legitimate but might charge you for your initial estimate or might be a little too available when you try to schedule your door installation. If a contractor says that they’ll be available to perform the installation on the same day, you have to wonder why they’re quite so available. Always be careful and do thorough research on a door installation contractor before hiring them.

Tip: Always check reviews and ask for references from past clients to ensure you’re hiring a reputable contractor.

Selecting a Reputable Door Installation Contractor

Choosing the right door installation contractor is crucial to avoiding these problems. Here are some tips to help you select a reputable contractor:

• Check Credentials: Verify licenses, insurance, and bonding.
• Read Reviews: Look for online reviews and testimonials from past customers.
• Ask for References: Contact previous clients to hear about their experiences.
• Get Multiple Quotes: Compare quotes from several contractors to ensure fair pricing.
• Avoid High Availability: Be cautious of contractors who can start work immediately, as it might indicate a lack of other jobs.

At The Door Store, we’re proud of our experienced, careful installation team and the quality customer satisfaction they provide. Our past work speaks for itself. Interested in hiring us for your door installation? Contact us today for a free quote.

Areas We Serve

We proudly serve Naperville, Westchester, Lombard, Elmhurst, and the surrounding Western Suburbs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What should I look for in a door installation contractor? A: Look for contractors who are licensed, insured, and bonded. Check online reviews, ask for references, and ensure they provide detailed quotes.

Q: How can I avoid drafts and high energy bills? A: Ensure your door installation is done correctly with proper sealing and weather stripping. High-quality materials and professional installation are key.

Q: What if I experience issues after installation? A: Contact your installation contractor immediately to address any problems. Most reputable contractors offer warranties and will resolve issues promptly.

Q: How can I prevent home improvement fraud? A: Always verify the credentials of your contractor, ask for references, and be wary of those who demand large upfront payments or are overly available.