Choose doors for the entrance and everyday use
Compare wood, fiberglass, steel and glazed assemblies against appearance, exposure, privacy and use. Discuss sidelights, transoms, panel configuration and swing direction with the dimensions of the actual opening. A custom door selection should feel intentional while allowing practical circulation and access.
Specify hardware, locks, handles and any access-control interfaces with the selected assembly. Exterior and interior doors serve different purposes. For commercial work, identify accessibility, egress and any required rated-assembly questions with the responsible design team and local authority before choosing a decorative product.
Coordinate the opening, threshold and finishes
Confirm field dimensions, jamb depth, support conditions and whether the existing opening will change. Identify removal, adjacent wall repairs and any structural design responsibilities. A door leaf alone is not the full scope: the frame, threshold, seals and surrounding finishes also need to be coordinated.
For exterior doors, define sill and threshold preparation, flashing, drainage and weather sealing at the surrounding wall. Review porch exposure, floor transitions and clearances. Include interior casing, exterior trim and finish touch-ups, with a written process for concealed damage found during removal.
Confirm supply, installation and completion
Bring photographs of both sides of the opening, available plans and your preferred door styles. Review the named product, finish, glass, sidelights, hardware and delivery expectations before ordering. Custom manufacture by the selected supplier should not be confused with on-site fabrication or assumed stock availability.
Plan occupied-property security, temporary weather protection and installation access. At handover, check operation, alignment, latching and the agreed finish scope. Retain product records, care instructions and the specific written warranty terms, including responsibilities for owner-supplied hardware or later finish work.
What to compare in a written proposal
- Named door assembly, frame, glass and sidelights
- Hardware, swing, locks and access-control boundaries
- Opening preparation, threshold, flashing and finishes
- Security during work, supply lead times and completion records
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Find guidance for your city
Choose your city for local project questions and building-department resources. Confirm the authority for your property address before applying.