Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to the questions homeowners and businesses actually ask.
Trust & How We Work
How do I know you won't take my money and disappear?
Fair question—we've heard the horror stories too. Here's how we protect you:
You receive a detailed written quote first. If you approve it, we require a 50% deposit to order your specific door. Once materials arrive (typically 2-4 weeks), we schedule your installation. We complete the work, walk through it with you, and you pay the remaining 50% when you're satisfied.
We've been doing this in Calgary for 15 years. We're not going anywhere. See our complete payment terms.
What if I'm not happy with the work?
You walk through with us before final payment. We verify the door operates smoothly, locks work, weatherstripping sealed. If anything isn't right, we fix it before you pay the balance. No argument. You only pay for work you're satisfied with.
Do you show up when you say you will?
Yes. We schedule realistically, not optimistically. If we say Tuesday morning, we show up Tuesday morning. If something unexpected delays us (rare), we call immediately and reschedule. We've heard the stories about contractors who ghost—that's not how we operate.
Can I see examples of your work?
We can show you photos of completed projects. Most of our business comes from repeat customers and referrals—homeowners who were happy enough to tell their neighbors. Check our process page to see how we approach projects.
Are you licensed and insured?
Alberta doesn't require contractor licensing for door installation. We carry liability insurance and WCB coverage. We've been operating in Calgary for over 15 years with no claims against us.
Cost & Payment
How much does a new exterior door cost?
Honest answer: $1,800–$4,500 for most Calgary homes, installed. Steel doors run $1,800–$2,800. Fiberglass doors run $2,500–$3,800. Wood doors run $3,500–$4,500+. See our exterior doors page for detailed pricing breakdown.
Will the price change after you start?
Not unless we find something unexpected (rotted frame, non-standard sizing, structural issues). If we discover problems, we stop, show you, explain options and costs, and get your approval before continuing. No surprise charges.
Do you offer financing?
No. We're a local, family-run business, not a bank. Quality doors are expensive, and we order them specifically for your project—they can't be returned. We require 50% deposit to order materials, then 50% on completion. See our payment terms for details.
What's included in the price?
Everything needed for a complete installation: door, frame, hardware (handle, deadbolt), weatherstripping, threshold, installation labor, cleanup, and haul-away of old door. The only extras are if you want upgraded hardware or if we discover frame damage that needs repair.
Choosing the Right Door
I have no idea which door to choose. Will I look foolish?
You won't. Most Calgary homeowners choose fiberglass for the balance of appearance and zero maintenance. We'll explain the differences, show you options that fit your budget, and help you pick what's right for your home. No pressure, no judgment—just honest advice from someone who's installed thousands of doors.
What's the difference between steel, fiberglass, and wood?
Steel: Most affordable ($1,800–$2,800). Durable, secure, minimal maintenance. Can dent. Good insulation. Best for budget-conscious or rental properties.
Fiberglass: Mid-range ($2,500–$3,800). Looks like wood, zero maintenance, won't dent or crack. Excellent insulation. Most popular with homeowners.
Wood: Premium ($3,500+). Beautiful, classic, requires maintenance (staining every 2-3 years). Best for heritage homes or high-end properties.
How do I know if my door size is standard?
Most Calgary homes have standard 36" x 80" exterior doors. We measure during the quote process and tell you if yours is non-standard. Non-standard sizes cost more and take longer to arrive, but we handle these regularly—it's not a problem.
Performance & Quality
Will my new door be drafty?
Not if installed properly. We use proper weatherstripping, adjust the threshold for a tight seal, and ensure the door closes flush against the weatherstripping. Your heating bill should stay the same or improve—not get worse. If you feel drafts after installation, we come back and fix it.
What warranty comes with the door?
Door manufacturers typically offer 5-20 year warranties on materials (varies by brand and model). We warranty our installation workmanship for one year. If hardware fails, weatherstripping comes loose, or the door doesn't operate smoothly due to installation issues, we fix it at no charge.
How long will my new door last?
Steel and fiberglass doors: 20-30+ years with minimal maintenance. Wood doors: 20-30+ years with regular maintenance (staining every 2-3 years). The frame and proper installation matter as much as the door itself—if installed correctly and maintained, a quality door lasts decades.
Do you handle permits and inspections?
Door replacement typically doesn't require permits in Calgary unless you're changing the rough opening size or doing structural work. If permits are needed (rare), we advise you and can coordinate the process.
For Business Accounts
Do you offer Net-30 payment terms?
Yes, for qualified business accounts (restoration companies, property management companies, building operators). We require materials payment upfront for the first project. After successful completion, we extend Net-30 terms for labor. See our payment terms for details.
Can you handle multi-unit projects?
Yes. We've completed projects ranging from 2-door insurance claims to 50+ unit building retrofits. We schedule efficiently, work cleanly in occupied buildings, and coordinate with property managers and boards. See our property managers page.
Do you provide documentation for insurance claims?
Yes. We provide detailed written quotes, before/after photos, and itemized invoices formatted for insurance submission. Most adjusters prefer dealing with us because we document everything clearly. See our insurance page.
Can you provide proof of insurance and WCB?
Yes. We provide certificates of insurance and WCB clearance letters upon request. Many property management companies and general contractors require these—we have them ready.
Will you try to solicit our clients directly?
No. We don't market to tenants, building residents, or homeowners we meet through restoration or property management work. You're our client—not them. We protect your relationships because we value long-term partnerships with quality companies.
Scheduling & Logistics
How long does installation take?
Most single exterior doors: 4-6 hours. Interior doors: 2-3 hours. Doggy doors: 3-4 hours. Multi-door projects depend on building access and logistics. We schedule conservatively so we're not rushing your project.
How far in advance do I need to book?
It varies based on season and door availability. Generally, plan for 3-6 weeks from quote approval to installation (2-4 weeks for door arrival, plus scheduling). Summer and fall are busiest. Winter often has shorter lead times.
What if the weather is terrible on installation day?
We work in most Calgary weather—cold doesn't stop us. However, if conditions are unsafe (extreme wind, blizzard, ice storm), we reschedule. We don't risk your home's security or our safety. Your home stays warm—we work quickly and seal as we go.
What if my door doesn't arrive on time?
We order doors from suppliers and work around their timelines. If there's a delay, we notify you immediately and reschedule. We don't remove your old door until the new one is on-site and ready to install. You're never left without a door.
Still Have Questions?
Get your specific questions answered with a detailed quote. We'll walk through your project, explain options, and give you exact pricing with no obligation.
Request Your Quote