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How to Budget for a New Front Door

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How to Budget for a New Front Door

Upgrade your home entrance without breaking your cash flow by timing the project and spreading out the payments.

VoAtlas editorial Updated · 3 min read
Typical cost $1,800 before anything else
Across the 0% window $120.00/mo 15 months, no interest

How we got that: $1,800 spread evenly across the 15-month introductory window on the Discover it® Cash Back. Checked · at the bank Carry a balance past the window and the standard APR applies to what is left.

A new front door changes how your home looks and keeps the draft out when winter hits. Most installs take just one day, leaving you with better insulation and a cleaner look by dinner.

Aim for the fall to schedule your project. Contractors are often trying to fill their calendars before the cold sets in, which can make them more likely to negotiate on price.

The 0% intro APR is a tool for planning, not free money. If you have a remaining balance after the 15-month window ends, the standard interest rate will start applying to whatever you still owe.

The steps

  1. 01

    Get three quotes

    Don't take the first price you see. Call three local contractors and show them the same specifications to compare their labor costs fairly.

  2. 02

    Check for local deals

    Ask if they have any leftover inventory from other jobs or if they offer a discount for scheduling during a slow week in the fall. A little flexibility goes a long way.

  3. 03

    Use your card for the cost

    You can use the Discover it® Cash Back (Discover) to pay for the materials and labor. This card offers 0% intro APR for 15 months on purchases, which lets you pay off the $1800 project in smaller, manageable chunks.

  4. 04

    Automate your payments

    Divide your total cost by 15 to get a monthly payment of $120.00. Set up an auto-pay through your bank so you never miss a month.

  5. 05

    Inspect the seal

    Once the door is in, check the weather stripping. Make sure it sits flush against the frame so you actually get the energy savings you paid for.

  6. 06

    Check the card terms before you commit

    Every figure we publish for the Discover it® Cash Back carries the date a person verified it against Discover and a link to where they checked. Intro windows and APRs change without notice, so confirm the current terms before applying.

    See Discover it® Cash Back terms →

Common questions

Should I buy the door myself or let the contractor do it?

Let the contractor handle it. They get trade discounts you don't have access to, and they take responsibility if the measurements are wrong.

How long does a front door last?

A high-quality steel or fiberglass door can last 20 to 30 years if you keep up with the paint or finish. Wood doors look great but usually need more maintenance every few years.

Is the cheapest door always the best choice?

Not usually. A cheap door might save money now, but if it doesn't seal well, you will lose that money back in higher heating and cooling bills over time.

What is the biggest hidden cost in a door install?

Rotten wood in your existing door frame. If the contractor finds water damage under your old trim, they have to fix that before they can hang the new door.