What to Expect During a Professional Door Installation

Hint: It’s more than swapping one slab for another.

If you’ve never had a door professionally installed, you might picture something simple: a quick hinge swap, a screw here, a shim there, and voilà—your new door swings like a dream.

In reality? A good door installation is part craftsmanship, part precision, part “your home is charmingly not square, but don’t worry, we’ve got you.”

Here’s what the process really looks like—starting from the very first phone call.

1. A quick phone estimate to make sure we’re the right fit

Every project begins with a short, friendly phone chat.

You tell us what you’re wanting—new interior doors, upgraded style, better privacy, or replacements for the builder-grade originals—and we walk through the details with you.

We’ll ask for photos, talk through the scope, and give you a ballpark estimate right over the phone so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.

Simple. Clear. Zero pressure.

2. Confirming the right door for your home

Once you give us the green light, we help you confirm the style and construction that fit your space, including:

– Hollow-core vs. solid-core
– Panel style and profile
– Right-hand or left-hand swing
– Trim and casing considerations

This ensures your new doors don’t just function well—they fit your home’s personality.

3. Gathering measurements

We start with precise measurements.

Homes settle over time, and those small shifts add up. Floors dip, walls lean, frames twist just enough to make a supposedly simple project…. not so simple.

Accurate measurements ensure your new doors look like they were built for your home—not borrowed from your neighbor’s.

4. Removing the old door (without the mess)

A pro removes the existing door and hardware cleanly and carefully, protecting your trim and walls in the process. No cracked casing, no damaged drywall, no “oops.”

5. Shimming, leveling & aligning

This is where true craftsmanship shows. We will:

– Shim the frame so the door is perfectly plumb
– Adjust hinges for a smooth, even swing
– Create consistent spacing around the door
– Ensure the latch meets the strike plate just right

This step is why professional installation feels different. The result? A door that closes with a quiet, confident click instead of a “maybe-if-I-push-harder.”

6. Hardware that lines up like it should

Handles, hinges, and latches all need precise placement. A pro ensures everything is installed securely and aligned so your door swings and closes exactly the way it should.

7. The final test: the “wow” moment

Before we wrap up, we make sure the door is aligned, making micro-adjustments until it feels perfect. No drifting open. No sticking. No guessing.

8. Cleanup & finishing touches

We tidy up, walk you through what we completed, and discuss any painting or touch-ups needed. If you're working with Hammer & Nail, we coordinate with our painter so your new doors look crisp, clean, and custom.

Why Professional Installation Matters

Proper installation affects:
– Long-term durability
– Sound control and privacy
– Smooth daily function
– Overall look and feel

A well-installed door instantly elevates your home—no remodel required.

Ready for a door that looks beautiful and works flawlessly?

Start with a quick phone estimate. We’ll walk you through your options, talk through your project, and help you upgrade your Lincoln home with doors that feel as good as they look.

Reach out today for an easy estimate—you’ll be amazed what a perfectly hung door can do.