Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door

 
Thread Tools Search this Thread Display Modes
Old 09-29-2008, 01:06 AM   #1
Clint
 
Shnippy's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Coast USA
Posts: 4
Thumbs up

Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Hi,

Happy to have happened onto this site. I have a question someone might be able to answer. I read a post about the cost of remodeling a outside window and installing an exterior door in its place. I seems like the most were leaning towards the $600.00 mark.

The guy wanting the work done says he has a $300.00 limit, to do this job, and to build a small deck 5'x5' off the front entryway.

Now I'm thinking to myself, it ain't gonna happen.

The job would be done by me and my partner. I was thinkin before I even found the thread on this site, that it would be more like $2-300.00 each plus materials, for the window/door job, and probably in the $50-75.00 +materials for the deck.

Can I get some input on this as to what the going rate is for a job like this. And I know the permits need to be included. Our county, no permit needed for the deck if under 30" above grade, but the doorway definately.

Thanks,
Clint

I should have added that its lath and plaster.


Last edited by Shnippy; 09-29-2008 at 01:07 AM. Reason: added more
Shnippy is offline  
Warning: The topics covered on this site include activities in which there exists the potential for serious injury or death. ContractorTalk.com DOES NOT guarantee the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this site. Always use proper safety precaution and reference reliable outside sources before attempting any construction or remodeling task!

Old 09-29-2008, 01:13 AM   #2
Pro
 
j_builder's Avatar
 
Trade: Specializing in residential remodeling
Join Date: May 2008
Location: So. Cal.
Posts: 326

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by Shnippy View Post
Hi,

Happy to have happened onto this site. I have a question someone might be able to answer. I read a post about the cost of remodeling a outside window and installing an exterior door in its place. I seems like the most were leaning towards the $600.00 mark.

The guy wanting the work done says he has a $300.00 limit, to do this job, and to build a small deck 5'x5' off the front entryway.

Now I'm thinking to myself, it ain't gonna happen.

The job would be done by me and my partner. I was thinkin before I even found the thread on this site, that it would be more like $2-300.00 each plus materials, for the window/door job, and probably in the $50-75.00 +materials for the deck.

Can I get some input on this as to what the going rate is for a job like this. And I know the permits need to be included. Our county, no permit needed for the deck if under 30" above grade, but the doorway definately.

Thanks,
Clint

I should have added that its lath and plaster.
Nice introduction Clint
__________________

j_builder is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 01:33 AM   #3
Handle It!
 
MALCO.New.York's Avatar
 
Trade: Everything The Union Guys Do Not Want To Do
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY ~ Haverford, PA
Posts: 9,384

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by Shnippy View Post
Hi,

Happy to have happened onto this site. I have a question someone might be able to answer. I read a post about the cost of remodeling a outside window and installing an exterior door in its place. I seems like the most were leaning towards the $600.00 mark.

The guy wanting the work done says he has a $300.00 limit, to do this job, and to build a small deck 5'x5' off the front entryway.

Now I'm thinking to myself, it ain't gonna happen.

The job would be done by me and my partner. I was thinkin before I even found the thread on this site, that it would be more like $2-300.00 each plus materials, for the window/door job, and probably in the $50-75.00 +materials for the deck.

Can I get some input on this as to what the going rate is for a job like this. And I know the permits need to be included. Our county, no permit needed for the deck if under 30" above grade, but the doorway definately.

Thanks,
Clint

I should have added that its lath and plaster.

You will not any further decline in todays economy to be quickly out of business with prices like that.
__________________
Something to One may be Nothing to another!

Ultimate Wisdom---------
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OW-cnizLDEE
MALCO.New.York is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 04:02 AM   #4
Money Changer
 
bert0168's Avatar
 
Trade: Residential Remodeling
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Bucks County, PA
Posts: 804

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


You guys would be better off working for a case of beer and some lunch groceries.

Your profit will be in the $ you save not driving to the store.....
bert0168 is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 01:53 PM   #5
Clint
 
Shnippy's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Coast USA
Posts: 4

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Hi,

Sorry for the introduction.

So whats a good estimate for the window/door job?

We did some foundation work for this guy, and came out pretty good, although it was nasty under the house. Crawling in insulation soaked by about about 3 inches of standing water, and about 18" clearance.

So what I am thinking is he is wanting more work done at a heavy discount.

Sorry for getting right to the point, he is wanting the job to start friday, and I could use some help getting a decent estimate that will make us all happy.

Thanks again,
Clint
Shnippy is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:03 PM   #6
Professional Instigator
 
rbsremodeling's Avatar
 
Trade: Design Build Remodeling Contractor DC MD
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington, DC/ Maryland
Posts: 6,872

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Confucius think u no contractor. real contractor no price for this. If you no price maybe it not job for you.

apologies to my Chinese contractors for the stereotyping
__________________

rbsremodeling is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:10 PM   #7
Max Gorietti
 
maxgocon's Avatar
 
Trade: Complete Renovations
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Dallas, Texas
Posts: 13

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


I recently did a job like that (for an outside door) according to the size of the door and window if you can install a door with out making the opening wider I would tell you that I get $500 with the door (not more than $ 150) if you need to make the door opening bigger and there is nothing in the way like electric I would charge $850 that is if you want to stay in business.

Max
maxgocon is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:14 PM   #8
Clint
 
Shnippy's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Coast USA
Posts: 4

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Ok, Thanks for confucious's input.
Shnippy is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:15 PM   #9
Professional Instigator
 
rbsremodeling's Avatar
 
Trade: Design Build Remodeling Contractor DC MD
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington, DC/ Maryland
Posts: 6,872

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by Shnippy View Post
Ok, Thanks for confucious's input.
you welcome grasshopper.
__________________

rbsremodeling is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:16 PM   #10
Clint
 
Shnippy's Avatar
 
Trade: General Contractor
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: West Coast USA
Posts: 4

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Thank you Max,

Now that sounds like a reasonable bid. Much appreciated!

Thanks,
Clint
Shnippy is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:28 PM   #11
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


It's bad luck to start a job on Friday.

That is more information than you
have given or received here so far.
Maybe you're lucky, and everything
about this deal will just go swimmingly.
I hope so, but none of us here have
a clue about what you are looking at,
and it doesn't sound as though
you do either.
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 02:56 PM   #12
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Try this.
Do the job carefully
in your head.
Ask yourself questions.
Will I need to patch plaster?
Will I need to match trim?
Will I need to enlarge the
header? Fill the opening?
Is it balloon framed, or
platform?
Will I need to batch flooring?
And about a hundred more
questions that should come
to mind while you think it through.
Then apply this....
http://www.contractortalk.com/f84/door-installition-45573/
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)

Last edited by neolitic; 09-29-2008 at 05:44 PM.
neolitic is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 04:33 PM   #13
Professional Instigator
 
rbsremodeling's Avatar
 
Trade: Design Build Remodeling Contractor DC MD
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Washington, DC/ Maryland
Posts: 6,872

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by neolitic View Post
Try this.
Do the jobe carefully
in your head.
Ask yourself questions.
Will I need to patch plaster?
Will I need to match trim?
Will I need to enlarge the
header? Fill the opening?
Is it balloon framed, or
platform?
Will I need to batch flooring?
And about a hundred more
questions that should come
to mind while you think it through.
Then apply this....
http://www.contractortalk.com/f84/door-installition-45573/
Confucius think you smart and patient man and give grasshopper good advice
__________________

rbsremodeling is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 04:36 PM   #14
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by rbsremodeling View Post
Confucius think you smart and patient man and give grasshopper good advice
What can I say,
generous mood?



Besides, I just pulled that
out of a fortune cookie!
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 04:43 PM   #15
Pro
 
AtlanticWBConst's Avatar
 
Trade: Lic. GC/Remodr - Commercial/Residential/Industrial
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: New England
Posts: 2,702

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Dude, you need to change your title (occupation) listed. There is no way that you are a General Contractor.

You sound more like a Handy Man with a Buddy operation.

There is nothing wrong with that. Just be honest about what you do.
__________________
- Build Well -
AtlanticWBConst is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 04:48 PM   #16
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by AtlanticWBConst View Post
Dude, you need to change your title (occupation) listed. There is no way that you are a General Contractor.

You sound more like a Handy Man with a Buddy operation.

There is nothing wrong with that. Just be honest about what you do.
I think he means he
contracts, generally.
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 05:26 PM   #17
Contractor
 
72chevy4x4's Avatar
 
Trade: Remodeling & Home Additions
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Delaware
Posts: 2,434

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


you're going about this the wrong way. If you're trying to underbid the other Craigslist guys, you're off to a good start. That $300 figure is crazy-a new cheap steel door is $200-install rates would be easily $500-800 depending on type of siding and if the opening is large enough for a 36" door.

Try this, make a list of the items which this project will require. i.e. 1) buy materials (list out ALL materials), 2) remove siding, 3) remove window, etc... then add a time to each item. Finally, add up times, materials and multiply by whatever you choose to use as your base pay. For instance, if you come up with 25hrs and want to charge $8/hour, you're got an estimate for $200! Now you're coming in less than the guys $300 price limit.

Seriously, $300 to install a door and build a deck?

Get this: I'm building a brick stoop and someone rolls up in a MB, so I walk over and the driver asks if I "do this stuff on the side". The embroidered shirt gave away that it's not a side job working for beer money. Is this your sidejob or your sustenance?
72chevy4x4 is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 05:39 PM   #18
Pro
 
genecarp's Avatar
 
Trade: LI,NY designer, new homes, renovation work, concre
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Long Island, NY
Posts: 5,426

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


is it not funny? the only way for a new guy to get info on pricing is from another new guy, now if new who gave the pricing info stays around long enough, he to will become jaded and will soon be giving wise ass remarks to the new guy with a pricing question!!!! what did i just say?
__________________
genecarp is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 05:48 PM   #19
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Quote:
Originally Posted by genecarp View Post
is it not funny? the only way for a new guy to get info on pricing is from another new guy, now if new who gave the pricing info stays around long enough, he to will become jaded and will soon be giving wise ass remarks to the new guy with a pricing question!!!! what did i just say?
I gave him the best I could.

I could have told him I just did a
32" change out for $2k.
But that has nothing to do
with his job.
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  
Old 09-29-2008, 05:49 PM   #20
Curmudgeon
 
neolitic's Avatar
 
Trade: carpentry/remodeling/"Yes M'am we do"
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Beech Grove, Indiana, Birthplace of the "King of Cool"
Posts: 11,707

Re: Estimate To Change Window To Ext. Door


Besides, in case you haven't
noticed yet, how much per door
is the question du jour!
__________________
Put your location in your profile!
(Sorry....it seems there really are dumb questions)
neolitic is offline  


Thread Tools Search this Thread
Search this Thread:

Advanced Search
Display Modes Rate This Thread
Rate This Thread:

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are Off
Pingbacks are Off
Refbacks are Off


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Need Window & Door installer in Miami, FL Amber Help Wanted or Looking For Work 8 01-21-2011 10:21 AM
Exterior Door Installation BoydS Remodeling 59 02-20-2009 04:54 PM
Door install hell - customer angry HellisLikeNewrk General Discussion 17 06-04-2008 10:40 AM
Cut and install new house window mustanger Remodeling 2 11-30-2007 09:39 PM
Honoring your original estimate A.W.Davis General Discussion 8 10-11-2007 11:28 AM

Join Now... It's Fast and FREE!

Privacy Badge
I am a professional contractor
I am a DIY Homeowner
ContractorTalk.com is for
PROFESSIONAL CONTRACTORS ONLY!

At ContractorTalk.com we cater exlusivly to professional contractors who make their living as a contractor. Knowing that many homeowners and DIYers are looking for a community to call home, we've created www.DIYChatroom.com DIY Chatroom is full of helpful advices and perfect for DIY homeowners.

Redirecing in 10 seconds
No Thanks
terms of service

Already Have an Account?