Get matched with top door repair pros in Santa Margarita, CA

The average cost to hire a handyman ranges from about $40 to $140 per hour. Average project cost ranges between $180 and $700, but the cost per hour and per project depends heavily on the type, size, and complexity of the project. The pro’s experience level and your location also factor into how much a handyman charges per hour or per project. You can also expect to pay higher rates or additional fees for emergency services, or around periods of high customer demand, like holidays. 

The average cost to install a door is around $1,100, but you could pay anywhere from $150 for a hollow-core interior door installation up to $2,000 or a high-end exterior door installation. There are a few cost factors to consider to get an accurate price, including whether your wall opening exists, the type of door, the quality and security of the door, whether you need to replace the frame, and the door size. You can expect to pay $150 to $700 for a standard 36-by-80-inch door and between $400 and $1,600 for an 80-by-48-inch door.

Door installation usually takes three and four hours, including removing the old door and frame, fitting the new door and frame in place, shimming it to make sure it’s perfectly level, and making adjustments to the hinges and locking mechanisms to ensure proper functionality. A door-hanging professional can replace an interior door in between one and two hours. Door installation will take significantly longer if your installer needs to create a wall opening, and it can take less time if the existing door frame remains.

It’s possible to install a door yourself if the wall opening already exists, but the work is rather complicated, and a professional installation is usually well worth the investment. For your door to work and close properly, you’ll need to shim and level the door frame in your wall perfectly, which can be difficult. Additionally, we recommend you always hire a professional door installer to place an exterior door, as mistakes during the installation process can lead to poor security for your home.

Yes, you should hire a handyman who’s licensed, certified, and insured, if possible. States have different requirements for handyman licensing, registration, and certifications. If licensing is required in your area, you may pay more for a licensed handyman with experience than one who is not licensed or certified, but you’re likely to get a better end result for your project. Be sure to check our state licensing tool to review the local handymen guidelines.