Our process
No surprises, from first call to final walkthrough.
Here's exactly how a door project works with us — what happens at the estimate, how long doors take to arrive, how permits work in Central Florida, and what installation day looks like.
Six steps
How your project runs
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Call, text or request an estimate
A quick conversation covers the basics — which openings, what is bothering you about the current doors, and any HOA or timing constraints. Photos you text us help us arrive with the right samples.
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In-home measure & options
We measure the rough opening, check for rot, level and square, and note anything that affects installation — stucco, tile, alarm contacts, ramps. You see and handle real samples instead of guessing from a catalog.
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Written, itemized quote
Your quote lists the exact product line and options, what is included in installation and finish work, the permit and inspection plan, the expected lead time and the warranty terms. No pressure, no expiring "today-only" pricing.
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Order, permit & schedule
Most exterior doors are made to order. While they are built, we prepare and submit the permit (with the Florida Product Approval documents) and keep you posted on delivery and scheduling.
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Professional installation
We protect floors and furniture, remove and haul away the old unit, install a sill pan and flashing, fasten per the product approval, insulate, seal and finish the trim. Most single doors are done in a day.
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Inspection & walkthrough
Before we leave, every lock, latch and weatherstrip is adjusted and tested with you. We handle the final inspection when one is required, then register warranties and send your paperwork.
Lead times
How long until my doors arrive?
Most exterior doors are built to order for your exact opening. These are typical ranges — your quote includes the lead time for your specific products.
Lead times vary by manufacturer and season, and can stretch before and during hurricane season. We give you a realistic date and keep you updated.
| Door type | Typical lead time |
|---|---|
| Closet, barn and many interior doors | Days to about 2 weeks |
| Standard entry and storm doors | About 2–6 weeks |
| Sliding and French patio doors | About 3–8 weeks |
| Impact-rated and custom-size doors | About 6–12 weeks |
| Multi-slide, folding and pivot systems | 8–16+ weeks |
Installation standards
What goes into every exterior door we install
- 1 Sill pan under the threshold A pan beneath the sill catches any water that gets past the threshold and sends it back outside — the single most skipped step in door installs.
- 2 Flashing at the jambs and head Self-adhered flashing laps the opening shingle-style so wind-driven rain cannot track into the block, framing or drywall.
- 3 Set plumb, level and square The frame is shimmed solid at every hinge, strike and fastener, so the door swings freely and seals evenly for years.
- 4 Fastened to the product approval Anchor type, length and spacing follow the door's Florida Product Approval. It is what holds the door under wind load — and what the inspector checks.
- 5 Insulated and sealed Low-expansion foam fills the gap around the frame, then backer rod and sealant close the exterior joint against air and bugs.
- 6 Hardware and weatherstrip tuned Locks, strikes, sweeps and weatherstripping are adjusted with you so the door latches easily and closes tight.
Installation day
What happens on installation day
Most single doors are completed in one day. Here's the sequence.
1. Arrival & walkthrough
We confirm the plan with you, check the doors against the order and set up a clean work area.
2. Protection
Floors, furniture and landscaping near the work area are covered before anything comes out.
3. Removal
The old door and frame come out carefully to limit damage to stucco, tile and drywall.
4. Preparation
We inspect and repair the opening, then install the sill pan and flashing.
5. Installation
The new door is set plumb, level and square and fastened per its product approval.
6. Finishing
Insulation, sealant, trim and casing — then touch-ups and a thorough clean-up.
7. Walkthrough
We adjust every lock, latch and weatherstrip with you and explain care and warranty.
Permits & inspections
We handle the paperwork
Most exterior door replacements in Central Florida require a building permit from your city or county. We prepare and submit the application, including the Florida Product Approval for each door and its installation instructions.
For larger jobs, Florida law generally requires a recorded Notice of Commencement before the first inspection when the contract exceeds $5,000. We will tell you if your project needs one and walk you through it.
After installation we schedule the inspection and meet the inspector when required. Once the permit is closed, we send you the paperwork along with your warranty registrations.
Before we arrive
How to prepare
- Clear a path from the driveway to each door and move furniture and décor at least 6 feet back.
- Take down wall hangings near the opening — installation can cause vibration.
- Keep pets and kids away from the work area; doors will be open at times.
- Let us know about alarm sensors, cameras or smart locks on the doors.
- If you have an HOA, make sure approval is in hand (we can help with the application).
- Plan for a few hours without the door in place — we keep the home secured before we leave.
After the install
Warranty & aftercare
You're covered twice: the manufacturer's warranty on the product and our written workmanship warranty on the installation. We register product warranties for you and leave a care sheet for your specific doors.
Door care before hurricane seasonHow long does installation take?
Most single entry doors, sliding doors and French doors are installed in one day. Doors with sidelites, double doors and anything that needs reframing may take two. Multi-slide and folding glass walls that involve structural changes can take several days.
How long until my doors arrive?
Stock interior and storm doors can be quick. Most exterior doors are made to order: expect a few weeks for many entry and patio doors and longer for impact-rated, custom-size or specialty units. We give you a realistic lead time with your quote and keep you updated.
Do you remove and haul away my old door?
Yes. Removal and disposal of the old door, frame and debris is included in every installation quote.
Will you fix the stucco, drywall and trim around the new door?
Standard trim, casing, caulking and touch-up are included. When an opening needs stucco patching, reframing or tile work, we spell that out in the quote so there are no surprises. Unrelated repairs are quoted separately.
Do I need to be home during installation?
We ask that someone is home at the start to confirm details and at the end for the walkthrough. In between, we just need access to the work area and a place to set up.
Let's talk about your doors.
Tell us which doors you want to change. Your in-home estimate is free, comes with a written price, and there is never any pressure to decide on the spot.
Military, first-responder & senior discounts available.