FairangeDoor and lock jobs: DIY or hire it out?
Door work ranges from a quick lock swap to a garage door spring that can seriously hurt you. Here's how the common jobs break down, with prices from our full guides.
Deadbolt Replacement
Try it yourself: If the door is already drilled, a new deadbolt goes into the same holes. Measure the backset and door thickness first, and use long screws in the strike plate.
Call a pro if: The door needs new holes, the frame is split, or you want all the locks keyed alike.
If you hire it out: $32–$236 across the US, midpoint near $97. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Interior Door Installation
Try it yourself: A sticking door often just needs a hinge screw tightened or replaced with a longer one.
Call a pro if: You're replacing the whole door and frame (prehung), or the opening is out of square.
If you hire it out: $138–$830 across the US, midpoint near $337. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Storm Door Installation
Try it yourself: Adjusting the closer and sweep on an existing storm door is a simple job.
Call a pro if: You're installing a new one and the entry trim isn't flat and square. Kits assume it is.
If you hire it out: $228–$1,170 across the US, midpoint near $538. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Entry Door Replacement
Try it yourself: Weatherstripping and a new door sweep are easy ways to stop drafts.
Call a pro if: The door or frame is rotted, or you're changing the size. That's carpentry and trim work.
If you hire it out: $455–$2,401 across the US, midpoint near $976. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Garage Door Opener Installation
Try it yourself: Test the opener monthly. The federal opener rule's required instructions say the door must reverse when it hits a 2x4 laid flat on the floor; see CPSC garage door operator rule, Federal Register (2016).
Call a pro if: It doesn't reverse, or the door itself is hard to lift by hand. Fix the door before the opener.
If you hire it out: $268–$910 across the US, midpoint near $454. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Garage Door Spring Repair
Try it yourself: Don't. The same federal instructions say to have a qualified service person repair cables, spring assemblies and other hardware.
Call a pro if: Always for springs and cables. Don't use the opener with a broken spring.
If you hire it out: $91–$571 across the US, midpoint near $235. Full cost guide · Price it for your ZIP
Sources: CPSC garage door operator rule, Federal Register (2016). Prices are the national ranges from our guides (BLS OEWS May 2025 wages and cited parts prices). Fairange does not book contractors or sell parts.