Frequently Asked Questions
Below you can find answers to the questions we most frequently receive. If you have a more complex inquiry, or if you would prefer to discuss your individual situation, please feel free to contact us anytime. You can text or call us at (778) 552-9643, or email us at vancouverdoordoctor [at] gmail [dot] com.
How much does it cost?
The most commonly asked and hardest to answer question. The short answer: it depends on the job. It is hard to even give a ballpark price range without knowing many more details about the work you want done. In general, you can expect to pay no less than $150, but every job is very different. Most jobs we do range from around $300 to $5,000.
We are not the cheapest option you can find, and we are also not the most expensive so that we can remain competitive in the market. We are perfectionists that specialize in doors, and that level of craftsmanship and expertise is reflected in our pricing, and also why we have all 5-star Google reviews, and a high rate of repeat customers.
To help us provide you with the most accurate quote, please let us know the following information:
1. Do you already have some or all of the materials (door, jamb, trim, hardware, etc), or would you like us to supply any or all of those?
2. If you need materials, what specifically do you want? Size, style, amount, etc. Please see our doors webpage for more information.
3. If you need labour only, do you need us to pick up the materials, or is it already at the location, or is it being delivered?
4. Location of work.
5. Are you wanting interior or exterior doors? If exterior, are there any sidelites or transom to also be installed/worked on?
6. Are the doors prehung (door and jamb) or slab (door only)?
7. What size are the doors?
- if prehung, sizes of door and jamb are each needed
- if slab only, size of slab is needed
8. Are they single or double doors?
9. Do you want us to dispose of the old door(s)?
10. A photo of the area you want worked on.
11. Your name, phone number, and email address to send quote to.
Do you charge for quotes and are they accurate?
No, we do not charge for quotes that we can provide you without having to physically visit the job site. That is why we ask for detailed information, as well as photos, by email or phone.
We are happy to help you provide us the information needed (ie showing you how to properly measure, etc) by phone or video chat if you prefer.
If you are unable to provide the necessary information, we will happily come to personally take the measurments and discuss the project for a fee of $150, which will be refunded (subtracted from your final invoice) if you accept our quote/proceed with us for the job.
We know how frustrating it is to end up being charged amounts not previously discussed, which is why we ask for detailed information before providing a quote. Our quotes are itemized so you can see exactly what you're paying for. The vast majority of our jobs are carried out within the exact budget we indicated in our quotes, with only a small number of unanticipated exceptions - all of which were previously approved by the customer prior to work being done. We will never charge you for work done without your express consent beforehand.
What does a typical door installation include and how long does it take?
Installation pricing is for labour only (materials and other items are indicated separately on the quote), and includes the removal of the current door, installation of the new door, and installation of hardware (ie door handle/knob, lock, latch and hinges). If it is a prehung door, it also includes the installation of the jamb and flat, squared casing (aka trim) or fascia board on both sides.
There are many factors that can impact the amount of time it takes to install a door. Each door installation will always be completed on the same day it was started so you are not without a door. Barring unforeseen complications, single interior door slabs typically take one hour, prehungs typically two hours. Barring unforeseen complications, single exterior door slabs typically take two hours, prehungs typically four hours. For double doors, it typically taxes 1.5-2 times the amount of time as a single door.
What are some common additional/optional costs I might assume are included with a door installation but are not?
PAINTING/STAINING
The most common assumption people make is that painting is included. Anytime you purchase a door (from us for any supplier), it does not come painted or stained; only primed. You must specifically request it to be painted or stained. Painting or staining a door is HIGHLY recommended for maximum lifespan and protection of your door. It is in your best interest to paint/stain all doors for this reason, and ALL wood exterior doors and all jambs (made of pine) MUST be painted or stained ASAP (ideally before installation, or within 72 hours of installation). Often a door's warranty is not valid unless it is painted/stained within this timeframe.
DELIVERY
Delivering materials is a specific charge so customers can customize jobs to fit into their budgets. If you wish to save on some charges, you can order materials externally and have them delivered, or pick them up yourself.
DISPOSAL
Similar to delivery, disposal of old materials is a specific charge so customers can customize jobs to fit into their budgets. It takes time, and we are charged a dumping fee for large items like doors, and additional fees if certain materials are included such as drywall.
Do you charge for travel or have any hidden fees?
No. We do not charge for travel, and there are no hidden fees. Our quotes are broken down with all charges itemized.
Why should we hire you?
This is a very personal question that only you can answer. Ask yourself what your highest priority needs and wants are when selecting a service provider. Most people have price/budget top of mind of course, but here are some things people have also told us were important to them, and their reason(s) for choosing us:
Timing. Often the second most important consideration for people when choosing a service provider is their availability. Home improvements are an ever-growing activity making service providers in high demand, and often people want or need work done ASAP. While we can not guarantee we will always be available in the timeframe every customer wants, we try our best to be available, find solutions, and manage expectations. We try to schedule work to leave time slots for emergency work, and we help customers meet timelines in other ways like explaining how long door manufacturers/suppliers are currently taking to process orders, and offering alternative suppliers or products that are available immediately or sooner than other suppliers.
Expertise/specialization in doors. We are often called to fix a problem that was caused or unsolved by someone less experienced or a generalist with limited knowledge/experience with such finicky things like doors (ie a handy family member, or handyman/general contractor/construction worker)
Excellent communication and reliability. We are often thanked for how efficiently, clearly, and professionally we communicate with our customers, and that we arrive on time and when scheduled.
Integrity. We take pride in our work. No matter how long it takes, or what the cost, we ensure that all our customers are happy with the job we provided. We guarantee the quality of our work, and will return free of charge to correct any mistakes.
Helpfulness/Friendliness. We don't just fix or install your door. We help you discover and execute a solution to a problem. Not sure if you can put a door where there isn't one already? We can give you a bunch of options to choose from. Doing a full reno? We can work with other trades to fit in our work at the best time for the process, and/or recommend other trades for the jobs you want done. Got kids that are interested in what we're doing? We're happy to include them in our process!
You can learn more about us in our About section.
How soon can you install my door?
Similar to price, the answer to this depends on your unique situation.
If you have the materials already (ie door, jamb, hardware, etc) we can usually schedule the job within the next month, sometimes within the week or next.
If you need to purchase materials, depending on the item(s) and supplier, it typically takes 4 - 8 weeks once the order is placed. Some retailers like Home Depot and others have certain popular styles in stock so we can complete the job much sooner. Inquire with us to learn more.
What payment methods do you accept, and what are your payment terms?
Our preferred method of payment is e-transfer. Cash and bank drafts are also accepted. We accept credit cards but a 3.7% transaction fee is charged in addition to the invoice total. Personal cheques are not accepted; only business cheques.
Quotes are valid for 7 days; after that, prices and availability are subject to change. A 50% deposit is due upon quote acceptance. Deposit is non-refundable. Paying the deposit confirms customer acceptance of quote and binds customer and Vancouver Door Doctor into a contract to complete the work indicated in quote. Order of door(s)/materials will not be placed until deposit is received. If customer cancels job, deposit is forfeited by customer. Balance is due upon job completion/within 1 day of receiving final invoice.