Please tell me about front doors

[zippyswife]

My front door is a security risk. I can’t leave it any longer but I have been putting it off for ages partly cost and partly because I have no idea how you go about it. Do you order a door and get someone to fit it? Are there some doors that are better than others? What can I expect to pay for this? My house is a fairly ugly 60s semi but nice and contemporary inside. So I’m thinking a plain/contemporary door. Would be so grateful for any guidance!

Hello
Ive done the new door thing about a year ago.
Don’t go to safestyle type people, they cost a fortune and never leave you also need after.
Find your local timer yard, carpentry place and get them out to measure and make. Much cheaper.
Mine didn’t offer as fitting service but carpenters are easy to find.
Chose your lock options and order hardware.
Paint yourself or get a man in

I agree steer clear of Safestyle etc. You could look for a local small independent double glazing company who will supply and fit either a upvc or composite (wood and upvc mix) door, they will fit this complete with locks etc in about half a day.

Thanks for the info. What kind of price would I be looking at? I like the look of wood doors but are there problems with warping?

Shouldn't be any problems with wood as long as you repaint it as and when it needs it, upvc or composite don't need painting so lower maintenance but a really good wood door can last a lifetime if looked after properly.

Composite doors look pretty much exactly like a traditional wood door, they come in a range of colours.

I had a new composite door last year it was £1900 with fitting so not cheap
But worth it.

Oh and I'm sorry but my memory is shocking so can't remember prices

Think our front door was just short of £1,000 (we had some windows, a back door and guttering etc done at the same time). Composite, fitted by a local double glazing company we found via recommendation from friends etc.
We asked the owner to come round for an estimate, he measured up, we chose from a brochure, he sent a quote, took about 8 weeks for him to fit us in. Both doors done in a day, look loads better than the old wood ones we had and are much more secure.
So I’d start by asking around friends and family to see if any local companies are recommended.

Great. Thanks for the advice. I had all my windows done a few years ago by a local firm. Might get them to quote too.