Door Replacement

[ODDJOB]

I'm replacing some interior doors for a realtor. He got a good deal on some solid wood doors and would like to use them. These appear to be exterior doors ie. very heavy and metal threshhold. (prehung units) Can I use these and just remove the threshold plate. I can see one draw back, that the doors are heavy for interior use and may seem awkward when closing. any other problems that I encounter that any of you can think of, or should I just tell him to get prehung interior units.

[tooltroll]

Ah, yes. The customer who 'got a good deal' on something. #2 pain in the ass, in my book.

You're absolutely right about them not being suitable for interior use. Not that they'd cause any harm, per se, but you'd have to fart around adapting them, removing the thresholds, and then you'd have to make sure they're secured really well into a double stud (to take the weight.)

If you're lucky, he'll be willing to spring for some proper interior units that will cost less (in labour) to install, and that'll look and feel better. Unfortunately, in my experience, these guys who get 'good deals' are rarely willing to get proper materials if it means they have to write off their 'bargains.' My response is usually "If you know so much about it, why th'hell did you hire me?"

[ODDJOB]

Thanks Bob, That's what I'll do then. Try to convince him to use them on some other property.
Another Question: Ive been using mostly the prehung metal units,(for ext. doors) but these are Wood w/ a what appears to be some sort of particle board filler
I would be concerned about using these for an exterior door. Where do you use them at or is this why they were such a good deal? :)

[tooltroll]

Those are just standard solid "wood" doors. I see 'em on rental housing all the time, usually with a wraparound metal plate with the handle and lock through it. Since they're usually hung as apartment doors, (ie. in heated hallways,) the lack of insulation is not an issue. Using a solid door, rather than a hollow-core door, improves security and sound-proofing.

Although... the metal threshold you mention is unusual, unless they're actually insulated, with just an edge of particle board... or really cheap, cold exterior doors for slumlords...

[TnAndy]

"Ah, yes. The customer who 'got a good deal' on something. #2 pain in the ass, in my book."


ahahahaaaaaaaaaaa......Man, isn't THAT the truth !

Followed by:

"I've got all the materials you need to do the job already" which of course, they don't, because if they had a clue what it took to do the job, they would also know HOW to do it.

[Sparks]

Couldn't agree more. Set a policy now and avoid the many headaches that will ensue by trying to save these people money by using their used or "good deal" material. They could care less (usually) about all the headaches you will have trying to install their junk and will blame you when all doesn't go as they had planned. Of course this needs to be explained diplomatically and they will usually respect you more as a professional when you explain your rationale and how this reasoning benefits them. :idea:

[ODDJOB]

Thanks, guys. I'll try that diplomacy thing too. :)