Preparing for Door Installation
Written by Cornwall Composite DoorsReviewed by Cornwall Composite Doors installersLast updated July 20264 minute read
Short answer
Clear access to the door on both sides, remove doormats, hanging baskets, and nearby furniture, secure pets away from the work area, and make sure parking is available nearby. Most other preparation, such as protecting floors, is handled by the installer on the day.
You don't need to do much before your composite door is fitted, but a few small steps on your part help the job run smoothly and avoid delays once the fitters arrive.
Clear the area around the door
Remove doormats, boot racks, hanging baskets, or anything fixed near the frame on both the inside and outside. Fitters need clear space to work and to bring materials and tools in and out.
Think about parking and access
Installers usually bring a van loaded with the door, frame, and tools, so having space to park close to the property saves time. In narrow Cornish lanes or terraced streets, let your installer know in advance if access is tight.
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Manage pets and children
An open front aperture and tools scattered nearby aren't safe for pets or young children. Arrange for them to be in another room or, ideally, out of the house for the morning if possible.
Protect valuables nearby
Fitters use dust sheets, but it's sensible to move anything fragile or valuable away from the hallway just in case. Pictures on nearby walls can also be affected by vibration during removal of the old frame.
Have your paperwork and decisions ready
Confirm your chosen colour, glass design, and hardware finish with your installer before the day, since changes on the day itself can cause delays. Keep any order confirmation or survey notes handy in case questions come up.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to remove internal doors or flooring?
No, this isn't usually necessary for a standard composite door replacement. If your installer identifies a specific reason to during the survey, such as adjusting a threshold, they'll tell you in advance.
Should I turn off my alarm system?
If your door or frame has an alarm sensor fitted, let the installer know beforehand so it can be safely disconnected and refitted. Otherwise there's no need to disable your alarm system.
What should I do with keys for the old door?
You won't need them once the new door is fitted, but there's no harm keeping old keys until you're confident the new lock and handles are working exactly as expected.
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More installation advice
- What Happens During Composite Door Installation?From dust sheets to final checks, here's what a professional composite door fitting actually involves.
- What Happens to Your Old Door?Your old door and frame are removed and responsibly disposed of as part of a standard installation.
- Measuring for a Composite DoorAccurate measuring is what separates a snug, weathertight door from one that draughts or sticks.
