November 6, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: Cost to Install Commercial Door for Residences

James Miller
Head of Sales

Commercial-Grade Doors in Residential Construction: What Do They Really Cost?

“How much does it cost to install a commercial door in my home?” It is one of the most common questions our estimators hear during a CountBricks voice session. Whether you are converting a garage into a studio, upgrading security on a luxury residence, or building a live-work space, a commercial door brings unmatched durability and safety. Yet the price tag can vary widely. In this in-depth guide we break down every cost driver, share current Fort Worth labor benchmarks, and explain how CountBricks uses AI to give you an exact number before the first hammer swings.

Why Homeowners Choose Commercial Doors

• Enhanced security against forced entry

• Fire-rated assemblies for code compliance on accessory dwellings

• Superior acoustic and thermal performance when paired with the right frame

• Sleek, minimalist aesthetics popular in modern residential design

Key Factors That Influence the Cost to Install a Commercial Door

1. Door Type and Material

Hollow-metal, aluminum storefront, stainless steel, or fiberglass each carries a different material cost. On average, CountBricks clients pay:

• $750 – $1,200 for a basic insulated hollow-metal leaf

• $1,100 – $1,800 for aluminum with glass lites

• $1,800 – $3,200 for stainless steel in coastal applications

2. Frame Configuration

Knock-down frames installed in new block walls run less than welded frames retrofitted into an existing opening. Expect an additional $300 – $600 for custom jamb depths in thick residential walls.

3. Hardware Package

Locks, closers, exit devices, kick plates, and smart access controls can double the hardware budget. A standard commercial lever set costs roughly $150; a multi-point electronic smart lock can reach $900 or more.

4. Site Conditions

• Demolition of an old wood jamb adds labor hours

• Re-framing or shimming non-plumb openings increases install time

• Finished floor elevation changes demand custom thresholds

5. Labor Rates

CountBricks tracks real-time local labor data. In Fort Worth today, commercial door installation on a residential site averages $70 – $85 per man-hour. A straightforward swap needs 6-8 man-hours; complex retrofits climb to 12 – 15.

Sample Cost Breakdown for a Fort Worth Residence

1. 18-gauge hollow-metal door and frame – $1,050

2. Grade 1 hardware package – $450

3. Demolition of existing unit – $175

4. Installation labor, 8 hours @ $78 – $624

5. Finish paint and touch-up – $95

Total Estimated Cost: $2,394

Hidden or Overlooked Expenses

• Building permit fees for structural alterations

• Fire-rated seals or smoke gaskets for code compliance

• Integration with home automation wiring

• Temporary security measures while the opening is exposed

How CountBricks Generates Accurate Door Estimates

Our AI-driven platform combines blueprint takeoffs, on-site voice notes, and live materials pricing. During a five-minute call, CountBricks extracts:

1. Rough opening size and wall thickness

2. Desired fire rating and energy requirements

3. Preferred hardware level and finish

4. Accessory needs like sidelites or transoms

The engine cross-references national CSI cost codes, local wage indexes, and supplier inventories to produce a line-item quote. You receive a downloadable PDF plus a share-ready proposal branded with your logo—instantly.

Step-by-Step Residential Installation Process with CountBricks

1. Schedule a voice estimate at CountBricks.com/consultation

2. Approve the AI-generated proposal and digital contract

3. Our project manager orders materials through CountBricks.com/services

4. Certified installers arrive, remove the existing door, and prep the opening

5. New commercial door is hung, squared, and anchored

6. Hardware is fitted, adjusted, and tested for smooth operation

7. Finish paint, sealant, and site cleanup complete the job

8. Final walkthrough and digital punch list are issued via the CountBricks mobile app

Saving Money Without Sacrificing Quality

• Opt for pre-finished doors to minimize on-site painting costs

• Combine multiple openings in one project to leverage volume pricing

• Use CountBricks predictive scheduling to avoid overtime premiums

Return on Investment

A commercial-grade door can last 30 years or more—twice as long as many residential units. Added security can also lower homeowners-insurance premiums by 5 – 10 percent, recouping installation costs within a few years.

Ready to Get Your Exact Number?

Skip hours of spreadsheet guesswork. Book a live CountBricks voice session, upload your floor plan, and know the precise cost to install your commercial door today. Visit CountBricks.com/estimate to start.

Are you a construction professional? Use AI to build and edit full estimates, quotes and bids.

CountBricks Case Spotlight: Luxury Loft Entry Upgrade

A recent CountBricks client converted a historic warehouse loft into a high-end residence. The existing wood double doors leaked energy and failed modern fire codes. Our team recommended a pair of 16-gauge steel commercial doors with insulated glass panels.

Project Metrics

• Door and frame package: $3,850

• Custom satin-black powder coat: $430

• Electrified mortise lock integrated with the homeowner’s smart system: $1,120

• Installation labor, 14 hours @ $82: $1,148

Total Installed Cost: $6,548

Outcome

The new entry achieved a 90-minute fire rating and improved the blower-door test result by 22 percent. Insurance premiums dropped $312 per year, projecting full payback in just over six years.

Pro Tips from the Field

• Coordinate your locksmith and low-voltage contractor early to avoid door drilling delays

• Request factory-installed glazing to prevent job-site glass breakage

• Verify sub-floor height before ordering thresholds to avoid ADA clearance issues

Next Steps

If your project demands commercial durability inside a residential envelope, CountBricks has the data and the crews to deliver. View additional success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio or schedule a same-day AI estimate at CountBricks.com/consultation.