He says its more economical

What's the difference in cost?

for 4 exterior doors around 2K.... ( Front, side, patio, basement)

What will the painter charge to paint them? Factory finished is typically a considerably better finish that field painted.

What type of doors are you getting, i.e Fiberglass, Steel, etc?

Therma Tru doors are an economy door not worthy of the extra costs of a factory finish. Paint them onsite, that way they will match the rest of your paint job.

They will be fiberglass doors....

My front door is a fiberglass thermatru door. Installed about 7 years ago. It was painted and has held up great. I do have a storm door also so that probably helps.

Thanks all for answering but I still don't see a clear consensus..... so will wait for more people to answer before i pull the trigger... seem like pros and cons to both.

Factory finish is worth it. Our factory finished dark Provia fiberglass door and sidelights have been bulletproof for 5+ years, no fading or chipping, they look brand new.

What did you decide? If factory finish are you happy you did?

I went with site finished.

my decision was prompted by cost savings at the time i made the decision. ( i told myself doors can be chnaged out easier than windows if i regret my decision in 5 years or so)

having done that, i am glad because the painting cost was marginal ( it is built into exterior paint cost) Meaning if we had no doors to paint, it would have not taken off a big amount off my paint bill. it also gave me an opportunity to pick the color of main front door AFTER the entire front was complete with brick and roof and gutters to see what looked best. At that initial stage that i was having to pick out an exterior door, i would never have picked the color i finally went with…

they also ended up having to touch up the side and basement doors ( white) after landscaping ….

now, not sure how it will stand the test of time, but like i said, i saved enough to be able to replace or repaint a door if needed.

I appreciate your update. I hope you are happy with your home!