Most doors projects don't fail because a contractor made one dramatic error — they fail because small, cheap-looking decisions stack up.
These are the mistakes we see most often on Houston jobs, and the ones we vet every scope against before we start.
1. Buying hollow-core interior doors
They sound cheap and feel cheap. Solid-core is the single biggest tactile upgrade in a remodel.
2. Wood exterior doors in Houston humidity
Wood warps within a few years. Fiberglass with a factory finish is the durable choice.
3. Not shimming pre-hung frames properly
A door is only as good as its install. Shims at every hinge and the strike are required.
4. Skipping weatherstripping and sweeps
An unsealed door leaks air, water, and bugs. Compression seals plus adjustable sweeps are cheap.
5. Cheap hinges that sag
Standard hinges bend under solid-core doors. Ball-bearing hinges are the right answer.
How to vet your contractor
Read your doors bid line by line and ask which of these mistakes are being avoided — in writing. A contractor who welcomes the question is the one you want; a contractor who deflects is the one to walk away from.
If you'd like a second set of eyes on a scope of work or an existing bid, we're happy to walk through it with you.
