Patio door replacement

[carreauchompeur]

I need new patio doors. They are a standard size, standard block wall construction.

I have been quoted a rather large sum (£2300) by a local window company to replace. They did my front door, so I know will do a good job, however…

…I frequently see this size of door for sale, generally ex display or something, on eBay/Marketplace etc in the 8-900 region.

Is this something that a normal builder would consider installing? I mean, they must put them into new builds and surely there is wiggle room on installation cost as above.

Not a cheapskate, just want to bring the price down a little. Doors don’t need bells and whistles.

[ARHarh]

The only way you will know if the price is right or not is to get more quotes. There will be all kinds of things that could cause the cost to vary.

Plus seeing a discounted door on eBay because it was ordered wrong or a second is not really a gauge of the cost of new one.

Yes a builder or competent person could fit it but not sure they would want to.

[wolfracesonic]

As above, more quotes needed to give a clearer picture, however £2300 doesn’t seem too rapacious when people on here gladly say they’ve spent £1300 on a composite door.

[andy43]

A upvc fitter and helper could have it fitted in a morning so if you can find someone happy to collect and fit a mismeasured or seconds door it’d be a days wages at most. Carpenters could probably do it.
Hardest bit is handling the glass.
ETA May I be the first to mention fensa

Edited by andy43 on Friday 4th April 11:55

[Gas1883]

We are about to replace our patio doors ( standard size ) with French doors , £1900 , I thought it was a lot but after shopping around it was about right .
They’ve done windows for us before and always do a good job .

[windowsdoor_sol]

Ex-display or Marketplace doors are worth looking into; many builders will install them, but make sure they are normal size and undamaged first. Your £2,300 quote probably includes a premium for the company's overhead and guarantees because new-build contractors frequently source comparable basic doors at trade prices (£800–£1,200). To cut expenses:
(1) Purchase the door yourself (make sure the glass and seals are intact)
(2) Employ a reliable builder (ask for quotes for "door fit only")
(3) Forego extras like integrated blinds. Just make sure they correctly reflash the opening because leaks occur here, not at the door. If you mention less expensive options, your original installer might even match your price!

[MattyD803]

That feels like a really top end price to me - what part of the country are you in?

The doors and glass I suspect will be £700-1000 (assuming 'typical' width and a half decent frame manufacturer like Rehau), so your looking at further £1300 for what will be 3-4 hours work for 2 blokes, plus some materials and the disposal of your old door. That's expensive IMO.

All things considered, with the relevant paperwork sorted, I'd expect that figure to be closer to £1500-1800 inc. VAT, depending on your location. Get another quote, maybe with a smaller local company.

Removal and installation of something like this is not outside the realm of DIY, but you'll need 2 people and then size reduce/dispose of the old doors - plus alignment and adjustments, its all a bit faffy. I wouldn't want to do another ideally, but you pays your money / takes your choice etc.

Edited by MattyD803 on Wednesday 21st May 15:00