Top 3 reasons why a high-quality door replacement can be costly

Whether you’re thinking about replacing your front door with an elegantly engrained fiberglass door or upgrading your sliding patio doors to French swinging doors, the first thing you’re probably thinking about is how much it will cost. 

As you research different types of doors, you can’t help but notice the wide range of pricing for different doors. 

Why do some cost so much more than others? 

With so many options, it can be difficult to find which is right for you, perform how you need it to, and fit your budget. 

Choosing the least expensive door on the market and having it installed by the least expensive contractor can be tempting. And, as much as we don’t like to admit it, sometimes that might be the right option for you. But, to help you make the most informed decision, you should know some key differences between a more expensive, high-quality door and installation and the least expensive one. 

At Southwest Exteriors, we’ve been a door replacement contractor in San Antonio since 1989. We install high-quality fiberglass, vinyl, clad entry doors, and sliding and hinged patio doors. Our professional installation and lifetime warranty guarantee your new door will last a lifetime in your home. 

Our doors are made of durable materials that withstand the weather elements and look fabulous. 

We know that we are not the least expensive contractor out there. However, the quality of our products and expert installation are reflected in our pricing. While we want you to experience a high-quality door replacement, we know it might not be an important factor to you and your budget. 

We just want you to understand why high-quality door replacements are more expensive than others so you can better understand the type of door replacement you need. 

Your budget for your project depends on your goals for your new door. So, it’s essential to understand what goes into the cost of your door replacement to have realistic expectations for your project. 

This article will outline three key factors differentiating a high-quality door from a lower-quality one. 

A high-quality door replacement will consist of the following: 

• A high-quality door that is durable and resistant to rot
• A high-quality, turn-key installation 
• Will last for many years in your home

A lower-quality door replacement may consist of the following: 

• An inexpensive door that is not durable or built to last
• A half-done installation
• Flaws in installation
• An installation that will fail in less than a year

After reading, you can understand why some doors are more expensive than others and how to choose a door that fits your needs. 

#1. The quality of the door is higher

The first reason why a high-quality door is more costly is because of the quality of the door. Like with any product, the cost and quality have a direct relationship.

Part of the overall door is the quality of the components. A door is made of many more parts than just a swinging slab. The quality of the hinges, locking mechanism, and slab are all details to inspect to assess the quality of the door. 

The quality of the door and installation directly affects the durability and longevity of the door. Lower-quality doors that are not made well will fail faster than high-quality, durable ones. 

The most common reason a door fails is rotting around the bottom threshold of the door. If a wood door is not sealed properly, water will infiltrate and cause rot across the entire door.

A lower-quality door will be on the lower end of the cost range. For example, you can find a hinged exterior door for around $600 from Home Depot. Other high-quality doors can cost upwards of $3,000.

But, the durability and longevity of your new door will not be as high as a more expensive door. This is the first major difference between a higher- and lower-quality door replacement.  

It is important to have realistic expectations for the performance and cost of your new door. The highest quality door will never be the least expensive, so you will have to pay a little more if you are looking for a long-term solution to replace your door. 

#2. The quality of the installation is higher

After looking at the quality of the door, the second-largest differentiating factor between a high-quality and low-quality door replacement is the quality of installation. 

How well a door is installed also affects the durability and longevity of the door. The quality of the installation also depends on what is included with the installation. 

The quality of the installation can include how well the door is sealed around the jambs and if it is leveled properly. If the door is not sealed properly, water can get into the broken seal and cause rotting around the door frame. 

If the door is not installed level vertically and horizontally, it will cause functional issues with the door, making it difficult to open and close properly. 

A high-quality installation should be a complete turn-key process. A full door replacement will include replacing the entire door system. This includes the interior and exterior trim, painting, caulking, and staining. 

In other words, you shouldn’t have to call an additional contractor to finish the details on your new door that a low-quality contractor left behind. This is a crucial differentiator between a high and low-quality door replacement installation. 

A lower-quality door replacement may save you thousands of dollars. However, if not installed properly, you will deal with functionality issues and potential rot. 

Like with the quality of the door, the quality of the installation and contractor is reflected in the cost of your project. A high-quality door replacement will cost more. But it will be the better option if you are looking for a replacement door that will last in your home. 

#3. The quality of the warranty is higher

The third and final differentiator between a high and low-quality door replacement is the quality of the warranty.  

Your new door's warranty ensures that if anything breaks or becomes damaged, the manufacturer will replace or repair it. 

When you buy a cheaper door, the quality of the warranty becomes cheap, too. For example, if you buy a $300 door from your local hardware store and install it yourself or with a neighborhood handyman, the warranty for the door may be less than five years with no installation warranty. 

With a higher quality door and contractor, your door can be warranted for a lifetime against manufacturing defects. 

On top of the quality of the warranty for the door, the warranty for the installation must also be considered and factored into the cost. A high-quality contractor backs their door installation with a high-quality warranty, so you know they have your back and will fix it. 

The warranty for the door will cover future damages or manufacturing defects. The warranty for the installation and labor will cover any mistakes made or problems caused by the installation. 

When analyzing a door warranty, consider how long the warranty is, what is included and excluded in the warranty, and how the manufacturer and contractor handle warranty claims. These will tell you the quality of the warranty. 

What type of door replacement is right for me? 

Now you know what the biggest differentiators are between a high and low-quality door replacement. Then, you can choose which type of door replacement is right for you. 

While a high-quality door replacement will cost more than a lower-quality one, it’s essential to understand why. The quality of the door, installation, and warranty directly influence the cost. 

Choosing a high-quality door and contractor will align with your goals if you are looking for a door replacement that will last for years in your home. 

However, if you want the least expensive option to replace your door, you cannot expect it to be the best. This is why you must have realistic expectations for the cost and quality of a door replacement. 

Whether you’re looking to pay more for a high-quality door replacement or are just looking for the least expensive option, you may be searching for the right contractor out there. 

This article will outline nine questions to ask a door replacement contractor during a consultation so you can ensure they will meet your needs and goals for your project. 

High-quality door replacement in San Antonio 

Southwest Exteriors provides high-quality door system replacements with the best products, installation, and warranty. 

We know the difference a high-quality installation makes. This is why craftsmanship is one of the core values we incorporate into every aspect of our work. We might be the right contractor for you if you’re looking for a high-quality door replacement and contractor. 

Schedule your free, in-home consultation with a design consultant by filling out the form on our webpage. A representative will call you within the same day to talk with you about your project and schedule your appointment.