Picture of gaps in caulk under threshold

Picture of extra wood trim by the strikeplate.

Very slight gap widening in piece next to threshold...

Example of gaps in caulking?

"1) The caulk between the threshold and the brick has some gaps after partially drying - this one seems like an obvious problem that the installer should immediately address. See the picture below"

If he followed the manufacturer's instructions, the caulk doing the work wouldn't be visible, as it would be under the threshold. If you can slide a thin blade under the threshold easily, it probably isn't there and the caulk you see is only topical. I looks a bit sloppy to me.

"2) The installer added 2 pieces of wood trim on the inside - I have no idea why this was added..the only thing I can think of is that without this extra trim the strikeplate may stick out further? See pics. The problem with this wood trim is it does not match up smoothly with the vertical trim that it meets on top of the door....maybe when painted I would not notice."

Are you sure you meant "vertical trim" and not "horizontal head casing"? I believe this trim is to cover where the new pre-hung jamb meets the sidelight jambs.

"3) When closed, there is pressure on the door bolt/lock. In other words when I turn the handle the door pops open to relieve the pressure. If I swing the door close (not excessive force), the lock often will not catch. Is this something that should be expected to subside over time...or does it sound like the strikeplate/locking mechanism is not properly aligned? also only the very end part of the locking mechanism(bar? not sure of the formal name) actually sits in the strike plate."

You want a new door to seal tightly; the gaskets will break in eventually. The deadbolt should throw completely into the pocket in the jamb.

"4) There is a very narrow widening of a small piece of trim that runs parallel to the threshold on the floor. This seems very minor, but was still noticeable to me. See picture."

I can't see this.

"5) The screw caps from one of the sidelites were missing. The installer said they would return to install the missing caps. However, it it expected for the installer to sand down any caps that jut out or is that not typically included?"

This is a tough call. You want a happy customer, but jeezeâ¦.

"6) There are some other areas where there the caulk does not seem well applied. I've included an example where there is a a small missing spot right in the corner. Is this sloppy work or nothing with which to be concerned?"

This guy flunks caulking.

"7) Lastly in one bottom corner, where the new door frame meets the existing houseframe, there is a small amount of wood rot (softness in about a 1 inch section of the house trim/support). The installer informed us that they would replace an rot under the old door so I would expect them to replace this too."

It could be consolidated with epoxy, but I can't imagine a mega-store installation including such a thing.

Here is a link that might be useful: Door Installation

Unfortunately this happens allot with a box store installer. They get paid a fraction of what a normal qualified installer would charge and unfortunately the consumer is the one who ends up holding the bag. Trebruchet is correct on all the points but I think you will have a hard time getting a box store installer to do any better in my opinion. There is a reason they are doing installs for a box store......

Thanks for the responses.

The vertical trim I am referencing are the unpainted pieces that run the length of the door - only on the inside of the door frame. It is tough to see in the picture but the top of these pieces does not match up well with the horizontal trim running across the top of the door.

The deadbolt seems to sit well within its pocket, but the other latch from the regular door handle only extends maybe 1cm at most into the strike plate pocket. It seems reasonable to assume that the pressure exerted on this latch will decrease over time.

I would just paint the new trim pieces.
And you can add caulking if you want to.
I did not see where there was a gap at the threshold.

In any event, tell the big box store you are not sastisfied.
Im not sure exactly what they would do though.

Good luck.

I'm definitely not an expert in home repair. But the first pic looks like the door is installed at a slight angle, Can see gaps on top right. Plus the last pic shows frame at an angle too. Also the trim added is not formed to the lock plates, just cut squared. Are your hinges the same way? And yes, that is one sloppy caulk job. My opinion is the door didn't fit the opening and your guy cludged it to go in. I would definitely complain to the store and not accept this installation. You may have to order another door specific to size of opening, along with door frame.