Second hand front door replacement basic logistics?

[pretzelz]

I would like to get my pvc front door replaced, possibly with a second hand door. What steps do I need to do to coordinate this effort?

I'm guessing:

1. Measure the width and height of my door (Inc frame)

2. Get quotes off "door fitters" from checkatrade (or "builders"?)

3. Find a door+frame on facebook marketplace of identical dimensions (any other place I could look?)

4. Arrange a courier to collect it

5. Get door fitter to swap them

Anything I should particularly be wary of?

What happens if I cant find something matching my existing dimensions?

Can my existing frame be kept but just change the door?

If a door is sold without frame, can builder make a new frame? (is that a normal approach?)

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

I considered this for an exterior door a while ago, lots of frantic searching of various selling sites and eBay, visited a few possibilities but in the end concluded it was all just too much hassle trying to find the right style, in a suitable condition, ensuring it's all working OK, communicating with crappy marketplace sellers etc and that wasn't even to fit an existing opening so I had some flexibility so just a massive PITA unless you happen to stumble upon that golden find that ticks every box.

 

[pretzelz]

So what is the alternative? Pick something new from wickes or B&q and they will fit it for you?

 

[crank39]

No, go to a double glazing manufacturer and get the exact style you like made to measure

 

[ronniecabers]

Whatever you do don't buy a upvc/composite door from wickes or b&q . It won't last

 

[pretzelz]

Is there a better place at a comparable price?

 

[ronniecabers]

As Crank says... a local double glazing firm. You' should get a better door, better fitting and all the right paperwork to show it conforms to building regs

 

[mcprinter]

Try a local Door/Window place.
One local to me keeps old doors and sells them on cheaply or gives them away. Might be worth asking.
Our attached neighbour had our old door and side windows.

 

[robinbanks]

Is there a structural or mechanical problem with the door itself, or is it just draughty because the perimeter seals have got old and broken down? You can buy new "bubble gasket" (search eBay for this) by the metre and fit it yourself

I ask because you seem keen to keep costs down and maybe don't care too much about the look of the replacement for, so maybe you're happy enough with your old door, it just has some issue that needs attending to

Even locking mechanisms, gearboxes and spag rods etc are available as replacement parts

 

[cdbe]

If you need to pay someone to fit it you shouldn't be buying a second hand door. Generally you'd be better with a miss-measure but even then if you can't DIY it then the hassle compared with a local company making and fitting won't be worth it.

I bought a nice miss-measure for our porch:

Unfortunately my wife decided she didn't like it and want one with a big handle on it!

Fortunately I managed to find another near perfect size miss-measure (you'll generally find them on eBay not faceache) just had to pack up and shave the frame down a tiny bit.

 

[Odds]

Reclaimed Victorian and Edwardian doors. For projects or panels. @EBay. Can't go wrong for a tenner...(+cost and time to do 'em up, o'course.)
Other sites, like Gumtree or Preloved, are available.
Happy hunting.