Hi!
We need to remove a kitchen backdoor, which opens up to the garden. This is for a rental property.
We need a door that lasts min 3-5 years.
Don’t mind if it comes finished or unfinished. Just need something for a long-term rental.
Here are the two I am looking at - please advise if you have used either and what you would recommend. Budget for door is max £150. I have been quoted £120 to pick up and install door - is this a good price?
Expensive option:
Cheap option: Wickes Chester White Grained Moulded 4 Panel Internal Door | Wickes.co.uk
Thanks!
The second door you’ve linked to is cheap for a reason: it’s an interior door and not suitable for exterior use.
You prob do mind if it’s unfinished because, if so, it will have to be finished. That will involve protecting the door from the elements (2 x undercoat, 2 x paint). I doubt that the quote you’ve got includes finishing because finishing is time-consuming and needs skill to get right. Getting it wrong leads to having to replace rotten doors.
You’ve not mentioned furniture. You’ll need three solid hinges because that door (being a fire door) weighs 27 kilos. Along with handles, you’ll also need to install a BS3621 five lever mortice deadlock to keep your insurance company happy.
As you say, this is for “long-term rental”. If so, I wouldn’t be skimping on anything. This will be paid for many times over and IMO, a total budget of £150 is insufficient.
That’s only a door. Do you also need to replace the frame?
As you are asking for opinions, personally, I haven’t used either, and wouldn’t be using this type of door for my rental properties. Its quite plain, and doesn’t create a high-end image for the property, but then it depends on your market & tenants. Would you not prefer something with a vision panel to let some light in?
Personally, I’d be using UPVC for a rear door.
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That sounds a good price for installation.
I’ve got some great exterior doors on Ebay, brand new, hardwood. Recently got a solid oak part glazed door with slight edge damage (removed during installation anyway) for £180 delivered. Normally £500. Another, part glazed, stained double glazing, hardwood £500 for £100 - but I had to collect. Installed these look pucker
Don’t forget you’ll need draft proofing as a hardwood door will not be energy efficient so it will get flagged on EPC
Personally I would put in a composite door
They are low maintenance.
It ticks the box for security and energy efficiency and it doesn’t need painting every three to five years to prevent rotting
Also if you need to change locks because a tenant walked off with your keys you can change a pvc/ composite door yourself so that saves money .
Don’t forget you also need an internal thumb lock on your door to meet fire regulations ( not a key operation internally)
See if you can get a cheap one from a big glazier that has surplus stock from a big local authority contract provider
Look on the fensa register and ask them if they have one going cheap
Agree, composite doors are very good. On a period property however sometimes wood is preferable, or even required.