Yikes! Replacing Interior Doors AND Frames

13 years ago

Okay, so this wasn't the original plan, I was going to just replace the doors. But after looking at the worn and dented frames and trim, I decided to buy very nice prehung doors and new trim. The doors were $200 each, but very pretty.

So, started with the coat closet at the front door. Removing the old door was okay, but difficult with the trim trying not to ripe the drywall paper. However, I still have some drywall patching to do because of it.

Am I missing an easier way? Am I going to have to patch up the drywall and repaint the walls around every door I replace?

I'm starting with the first floor which only has 3 doors. But I'm thinking I might just hire an expert. If I do that, what do you think the average cost would be per door in Ohio? Labor is reasonable around here.

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Comments (5)

sombreuil_mongrel
13 years ago
You must cut the caulk with a utility knife before prying off the trim, and even so you will tear some paper along the way.
Then if there's a ridge of caulk/pint at the margin, a paint crape will pare it down.
One possible scenario would have been to order the new doors with wider trim, which would cover more wall, but add the problem of needing the baseboards trimmed back by some amount. But, if you had a Fein Multimaster, that would quickly and neatly cut the baseboard (and your caulk line for that matter).
Casey
clg7067
Original Author
13 years ago
I would love a Fein Multimaster! It might just be worth my time for the money. I've been considering purchasing the one from Harbor Freight since it won't get much use.

Well, you pretty much confirmed what I was doing. I wish the doors had a trim option that I liked. I had to order without trim, and purchase it separately.
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sierraeast
13 years ago
You might be money ahead to remove the old doors/jambs/casings yourself and have a pro install the pre-hungs. If you have experience hanging pre-hungs, then I stand corrected, but if not, leave it to a pro as even pre-hungs have variables concerning problems with the openings that you can run into that a pro knows how to deal with. They have all the tools and are in and out efficiently. If you aren't experienced at trim work, you might have them case them out as well. Seek out a reputable finish carpenter and get referrals from suppliers, door outfits, folks you know who have hired one in the past, etc.
sherwoodva
13 years ago
Cig, we have a house that was built in 1938 and had two or three owners before we brought it in '92. Some of the door frames have small dents, gouges, etc. but one at a time I filled them in with wood putty, sanded and painted. It takes time and patience, but can be done. Even good sized gouges can be filled. Ripping out all the door frames seems like doing it the hard way. I'd rather spend the $$ on upgrading the kitchen or the bath.

Maybe I'm just a contrarian.
allison1888
13 years ago
I would lean toward a professional for the install with you taking out the old framing, but it depends on how level and plumb your doorways are. We're in an old house where almost nothing is straight, so we need a good carpenter. So, assess how much intense carpentry is needed. Maybe take all the doors out and measure first? (Yes, then you have a mess for awhile...)

Yikes! Replacing Interior Doors AND Frames

Comments (5)

sombreuil_mongrel

clg7067
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Yikes! Replacing Interior Doors AND Frames

Comments (5)

sombreuil_mongrel

clg7067Original Author

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