If you have sliding doors in your home, you know they're a bit more finicky than other doors and this can be true if they're patio doors or closet doors. If not installed properly, a sliding door just won't work no matter what you try to do. This is why you should always consider hiring a professional to put in sliding doors no matter where you have them in your home.
Patio doors can be very heavy and of course their installation can be a matter of security, keeping intruders from entering your home. Closet doors don't keep out intruders but of course you use them probably every day, so ones that are hung incorrectly can be very irritating as they may slide off the tracks, sag in areas, or otherwise be defective.
Getting the Right Door
You may already know the type of door you need, if you're replacing an existing sliding door or know the type of door you need. For many new installations or for those unfamiliar with the different types of doors, it's typically good to have a contractor come in and measure the door and double-check the size, style and fit.
Getting A Sliding Door Installer
You may think it's easy to install a sliding door and may have seen programs where they pop them into place, but often they're more complicated than imagined. It's always easier to get the right door installer to do the job from the beginning than it is to have one fix your mistakes afterwards. Here are some tips for finding a sliding door installer:
- Ask if he or she is licensed to work in Virginia.
- Ask if they're bonded and insured.
- Ask about their experience for this type of job.
- Check their references.
- Ask if they are part of any organizations or guilds for contractors.
A sliding door is more difficult to install than a regular hinged door so it may be more expensive to get the job done, and may take a bit longer as well.
But no matter the cost, keep in mind a few points when working with this contractor:
You should always expect a free written estimate before the work begins.
You can and should compare written estimates from many different contractors and also ask about the prices for the doors themselves if they'll be providing them. Always check references for any contractor.
Typically the most expensive part of any home improvement job is the labor involved, not the materials. You may find a cheaper price for the same materials and if so, let the contractor know you'll be using your own. He or she may just work with one supplier and may not have compared prices. However you still want to ask if you're getting the right one before you actually place the order, so check with him or her for that information as well.
