Door checklists

Before you hire. Ask each bidder: your license number (then verify it on the state board yourself), proof of liability and workers' compensation insurance, whether the quote is prehung or slab, how they will flash the opening, what happens and what it costs if they find rot, who does interior and exterior trim, who paints, who hauls the old door away, and their labor warranty length.

In the contract. Door manufacturer, model and finish; hardware make and model; prehung or slab stated explicitly; handing in plain words; itemized price; start and completion dates; the rot-discovery rate; payment schedule with a meaningful holdback until final inspection; and both the product and labor warranty terms in writing.

At final walkthrough. Even reveal gaps all around; no daylight visible with the door closed and locked; latch and deadbolt engage smoothly without lifting or pulling the door; door stays put when opened halfway; weatherstrip contacts all the way around; sill and threshold sealed; trim and caulking complete inside and out; site cleaned and old unit removed.

Do not release final payment before that walkthrough. Once the crew has left with full payment, small defects get very hard to get fixed.

How to choose

Verify the license yourself

Don't accept a photo of a card. Look the number up on your state's board and confirm the status is active and the classification covers this work.

Ask for a certificate of insurance direct from the insurer

Liability plus workers' compensation. If a worker is injured on your property and the contractor has no coverage, that can become your problem.

Refuse a large deposit

Some states cap deposits by law. Check your state's rules, and be wary of anyone wanting most of the money before materials arrive.

Never sign at the kitchen table under time pressure

Same-day discount pressure is a known pattern in the replacement-door sales channel. A real price is still there tomorrow.

Photograph the opening once the old door is out

It costs nothing and documents the framing condition if there's later disagreement about rot or scope.