I went to home depo to purchase an exterior door for the basement. They measured the door but what I am about to provide you with is their measurements and needed instructions on what needs to be done in order that a door be put up.

EXTERIOR DOOR
Special Order - Yes


"Size (rough opening only) - 31 1/2 X 78 (29 1/2 X 76 acutal size)
Hinged (outside looking in) - Right
Jamb Size is 6 9/16

The existing Storm Door Cannot be Rehung.

This is a mMasonry opening so we will have to resecure the blocking in the walls and cut the brick molding.

We will need to build up the Sill area to level off with the Water Barrier - We need a pressure treated 2 X 6 X 8.

5 Tubes of Caulk, 2 Packs of Shims."


I thought when you are ordering a custom made door that it will be made to fit the existing frame. Why is there a need to cut the brick to the house. Also I have a metal frame which home depo wants to install a wooden frame.

Do you know of anyone in the Washington DC area that can make this door fit the frame that already exists.


The

What I forgot to add was that the house is a brick house that was built in 1944. It has a lot of very old features but is very sturdy. I am the second owner. I found out that if Home depo wants to work on the frame of the house, they will have to request a permit. By law a permit is needed if you are going to touch the frame.

The other thing that I want to disclose is that the steel door that I selected only cost $119 but it cost $300 to install, plus the cost to cut the bricks and for treatment.

If you all can't help me, and since the door is sturdy but very old, I will paint the door and leave it where it is. I am working with a small budget around $600.

Thank you.

I do not see where they state that they have to touch the brick at all. They mention cutting the brick molding, which is simply wood trim.Still, it could be a bit of a butcher job.

Did you ask the Home Depot people to clarify their proposal? They should be willing to make absolutely clear what they will and will not do, and what the finished product will look like.

You may be better off leaving the original door.