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How Much Will It Cost to Replace Your Front Door?

How Much Will It Cost to Replace Your Front Door?
Susan Guillory
Susan GuilloryUpdated August 15, 2022
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Editor’s note: Lantern by SoFi seeks to provide content that is objective, independent and accurate. Writers are separate from our business operation and do not receive direct compensation from advertisers or partners. Read more about our Editorial Guidelines and How We Make Money.
Does your front door stick every time you try to open it? Or do you have trouble getting it to close properly? If your front door isn’t doing its job like it used to, it’s probably time to replace it. But if you don’t have cash in the bank to cover the expense, don’t fret. There are front door finance options that can help cover the cost.

When Is It Necessary to Replace the Front Door? 

A good front door that is well cared for should last about 30 years, depending on the weather conditions it’s subjected to. But some doors may show signs of wear and tear after 15 years and be less energy-efficient as a result. If air can get through the door frame, that’s a sign it’s time to replace your front door. You may end up paying more to heat and cool your home if your door isn’t blocking the air from flowing in and out.And of course, if your front door is no longer secure — perhaps the door is damaged or the lock wiggles — or if you’d prefer a door with the latest security technology, a replacement is in order.If you’re simply ready to give the exterior of your home a new look, this is also a good reason to replace your front door with something more aesthetically pleasing.Recommended: 3 Smart Exterior Home Remodel Ideas

Average Cost to Replace a Front Door and Frame 

It’s important to create a budget for your front door replacement cost — as well as for any other home remodeling costs you might have in mind.

Typical Front Door Costs

The cost to replace your front door and frame depends on the material you use. Typically, you’ll pay between $130 and $400 for an exterior door frame, and $200 to $900 for a security steel door frame. If you get a pre-hung door, the door comes with the frame.

Typical Installation Costs

In addition, you’ll need to pay someone to install your new front door. Front door installation costs vary, depending on where you live.Averages across the country range from $398 to $998. If you opt for a double entry door, the costs will be on the higher end.The total costs for the front door and frame plus installation are $528 to $1,898. 

What Options Are Available to Finance a Replacement Front Door? 

There are several front door finance solutions available to you. They include:

Refinancing Your Mortgage 

If you’ve built equity in your home, you may be able to leverage it by refinancing your mortgage. You can then use the extra cash to cover the cost of installing a new front door.

Personal Loans 

What is a personal loan and how does it work? It’s a loan that can cover a variety of expenses. You take out a certain amount and then you repay it monthly with interest.There are different personal loan types. Some may require you to have excellent credit, while other personal loans are an option for people with poor credit (they may require you to pay more in interest, however). There are also personal loans for home improvements. If you’re remodeling more than your front door, consider home improvement loans that let you cover all your remodeling expenses at once.If you decide to replace your windows along with your front door, there are window financing options you can explore.

Credit Cards 

Using a credit card for your front door cost is another option. If you can buy the door with a credit card that lets you accumulate points for purchases and you can redeem those points for cash back or travel perks, that may be worth considering.

Home Equity Loan 

If you have equity in your home, you could take out a home equity loan to purchase your new front door. Based on the amount of equity you’ve accumulated, you may be able to borrow money at a low rate and use that to buy your new front door.

HELOC (home equity line of credit) 

Another option is a home equity line of credit if you have equity in your home. A HELOC is similar to a home equity loan, except that instead of a lump sum of cash, you get access to a line of credit that you can borrow from over and over again.

Contractor Financing 

You might also have a financing opportunity with the contractor you hire to install the front door. Some contracting companies offer financing, which means you can pay off the purchase over time. Just be aware of the terms — there may be higher interest rates or fees involved.

Personal Loans for Home Improvement

If you’re considering a personal loan for your front door replacement project, you can easily compare personal loan rates with Lantern by SoFi. With a single application, you can get information on multiple loans quickly to help you find the right lending option for your home improvement needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much should you budget for a front door replacement?
What is the average front door installation cost?
Can you use a personal loan to finance a front door?
Photo credit: iStock/PC Photography
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About the Author

Susan Guillory

Susan Guillory

Su Guillory is a freelance business writer and expat coach. She’s written several business books and has been published on sites including Forbes, AllBusiness, and SoFi. She writes about business and personal credit, financial strategies, loans, and credit cards.
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