DIY vs Professional Door Installation: What You Need to Know
So, you may be thinking, “Hey, fitting a new door is easy! I could even save a few hundred pounds if I do it myself” - or you might think it best to hire an experienced installation to do it for you, “…But how much is THAT gonna cost?”
In this blog, we’ll highlight the options on door fitting UK homeowners can choose from, including the pros and cons between do-it-yourself and professional installation, and what you’ll get from ordering your new door Supply Only or Fully Fitted. From this, you’ll be ready to make an informed decision on how you wish to get a newly fitted door for your home.
Can I fit a door myself?
- The short answer is yes – It is possible to install a door yourself, and certainly not uncommon to see DIY door installation UK wide, with the right experience and tools.
Should I DIY or hire a pro for door installation?
- A Supply Only door is cheaper than one that is ordered Fully Fitted, so the lower price tag can make DIY fitting appear more attractive.
- While DIY installation sounds straightforward, it takes a good amount of experience to do it right. Having the proper tools and patience are also essential.
- Allowing a professional installer to fit your door may cost more, but their experience will ensure that installation is done right. Fitting services like ours will also include a survey to accurately measure the doorway, as having a door made to the correct size is vital for good security and thermal efficiency.
Off-the-shelf vs made-to-measure
- Off-the-shelf doors are readily available. They are made to size, but their quality is not guaranteed, as they will be mass-produced. As an off-the-shelf door is not made specifically for your doorway, there is a risk of poor insulation and security as a result of potential gaps.
- Made-to-measure doors are specifically made to each customer’s order. While it will take time to produce, the purposely built sizes of a made-to-measure door ensures that it will fit more neatly within your doorway and not compromise on security or thermal efficiency.
DIY fitting
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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For an experienced handyperson, it can prove cheaper to install a door than hiring someone else to do it. |
Without the right tools or experience, attempting to DIY fit a door can lead to mistakes, and even cost more than a Fully Fitted door as a result. You will also be responsible for the removal of the old door before installing the new one. |
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You can fit the door at your own convenience. |
While a Supply Only door is covered by guarantee, the installation will not be. |
Professional installation
Benefits |
Drawbacks |
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Your door is installed by a reliable and experienced fitter, who understands aspects of door fitting, such as taking measurements, removal of the old door and proper fitting of the new one. |
The higher cost and timescale may appear unattractive to those pressed for time and budget. |
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The guarantee for a Fully Fitted door covers the door itself AND installation. |
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What’s included with a DIY Supply Only door?
- Your new door made to measure – Using your measurements, your door is made to a size for a perfect fit within your doorway.
See below for a detailed diagram on how to measure your door. - The door is pre-hung – Already fitted within the frame, the door will line up correctly with the locking mechanisms and draughtproof seals.
- Finishing trim is available for purchase – For a tidy finish, you can purchase trim in the same colour and profile as the frame, whereas trim purchased from elsewhere may not correctly match.
- A fitting kit is available for purchase – This includes packers, masonry screws and a tube of silicone.
What’s included with a professional Fully Fitted door?
- A detailed survey – A fitter will take the necessary measurements of your doorway, thus ensuring that your new door is made to the appropriate sizes. They may also make recommendations, such as the inclusion of cosmetic finishing trim.
- Professional installation of the new door – Your new door will be installed with attention to detail, and no mess left for you to tidy.
- Removal and disposal of the old door – During installation, your fitter will remove the old door and take it away for disposal at no extra cost to you.
- Aftercare cover on fitting – Should you require servicing on your fitted door, both it and the fitting will be covered by guarantee.
Supply Only & Fully Fitted order processes
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Supply Only |
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Fully Fitted |
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Door order |
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A survey is scheduled for measurements |
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Final confirmation of specifications |
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Manufacture of the door |
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Delivery to the customer |
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Delivery to the fitter |
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Schedule a fit date |
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Installation by the customer |
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Installation by the fitter |
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Ready to get your new door?
Whether you want us to Fully Fit a door, or Supply it to you for DIY fitting, there are a few easy ways to place an order.
- Call us free – Speak to our Door Experts by phoning 0800 910 1122.
- Send a message – Either via the blue tab on the right, or our Contact Us page.
- View our styles and customise online – Browse hundreds of composite and UPVC doors directly online, and customise your favourite as you desire.
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