November 10, 2025
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Construction

CountBricks: Installing a Steel Entry Door Made Easy

James Miller
Head of Sales

Why Homeowners Choose Steel Entry Doors

Steel entry doors have become the go-to upgrade for residential construction projects because they combine unmatched security with sleek curb appeal. When paired with CountBricks’ AI-driven estimating platform, installing a steel entry door becomes faster, clearer, and more predictable than ever.

Key Benefits of Steel vs. Wood or Fiberglass

• Superior impact resistance for enhanced home security

• Factory-applied finishes that resist warping in harsh climates

• Higher R-value insulation for energy savings all year

• Long-term value that can boost resale potential

How CountBricks Streamlines the Process

Traditional door replacement can involve lengthy site visits, handwritten quotes, and hidden variables. CountBricks compresses that timeline with voice-activated onsite measurements, real-time materials pricing, and instant labor calculations. The result is an accurate estimate on your phone before we leave the driveway.

Step-by-Step CountBricks Workflow

1. Voice capture of existing rough opening dimensions

2. AI cross-checks local code requirements and climate zone data

3. Instant material match with live supplier pricing

4. Auto-generated scope of work, timeline, and fixed cost

5. Digital signature to lock schedule—no paperwork needed

Pre-Installation Planning

Every successful install begins with preparation. Our project portal at CountBricks.com/services lists all required pre-install tasks, but the essentials include:

• Confirming swing direction and hardware style

• Verifying that electrical or security wiring is clear

• Scheduling debris removal to keep the jobsite clean

Pro Tips from CountBricks Site Leads

• Order the door ¼-inch smaller than the framed opening for easier shimming

• Have spray foam rated for door installations on hand to prevent bowing

• Use composite shims—they never compress or rot

Installation Day: What to Expect

1. Removal of existing door and inspection of sub-sill

2. Flashing membrane applied to protect against moisture intrusion

3. New steel pre-hung unit set, leveled, and temporarily tacked

4. Hinge side fully shimmed and fastened through jamb into framing

5. Insulation foam applied around jamb perimeter

6. Interior casing reinstalled or upgraded per design package

7. Hardware adjusted for smooth latch and deadbolt action

Common Pitfalls—and How We Avoid Them

• Over-tightened screws can distort the jamb—CountBricks techs use torque-limited drivers

• Improper threshold flashing invites water—our crews follow ASTM E2112 best practices

• Uneven shimming leads to latch bind—laser levels keep reveals square on every install

Cost Breakdown & Typical Timeline

A standard 36" x 80" steel entry door with half-lite glass and satin nickel hardware in the Bronx averages:

• Materials: $510–$680 (live pricing updated hourly in CountBricks)

• Labor: $420–$540 for a two-person crew

• Disposal & site protection: $55–$85

Total turnkey investment: $985–$1,305

Most projects run 4–5 hours onsite, so homeowners can lock up that same afternoon.

Why Builders Partner with CountBricks

Residential contractors value predictability. By letting CountBricks handle measurement, ordering, and invoicing, builders gain:

• Fewer callbacks thanks to data-driven accuracy

• Automated project paperwork that syncs with accounting software

• Time savings that translate directly into higher profit margins

Next Steps

Ready to experience friction-free door replacement? View our portfolio at CountBricks.com/portfolio or book a consultation at CountBricks.com/consultation.

CountBricks Quality Promise

We back every steel entry door installation with a five-year workmanship warranty and free one-year tune-up visit. Security, style, and peace of mind—all under one roof.

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

Case Study: Brownstone Security Upgrade in the Bronx

A 1920s brownstone owner contacted CountBricks after two failed attempts to replace an aging wood door. The issues were air infiltration, misaligned hardware, and a swelling jamb that kept the deadbolt from latching in winter.

How CountBricks Solved It

1. Our field tech captured voice measurements and uploaded photos directly into the CountBricks dashboard. Within 12 minutes the homeowner received a fixed-price proposal including a 20-gauge steel door, low-E half-lite, and smart-lock prep.

2. Blueprint takeoffs confirmed that enlarging the rough opening by ⅜-inch would prevent future binding. The AI flagged this as a task and auto-added framing labor to the estimate.

3. On installation day, moisture levels in the sill plate tested high. Our crew replaced the compromised wood with composite blocking—an adjustment instantly reflected in the live invoice the homeowner reviewed on her phone.

Results

• Door closed with two-finger effort—no seasonal sticking

• Indoor temperature fluctuation dropped by 3°F, improving HVAC efficiency

• Insurance provider granted a security discount after seeing the steel rating

The client left a five-star review, highlighting “transparency from measurement to payment.” View additional success stories at CountBricks.com/portfolio.

Extra Tips for Contractors

• Use CountBricks voice capture to document shimming points; attaches to project files for warranty tracking

• Offer homeowners color upgrades—our portal shows real-time lead times on custom finishes

• Bundle entry doors with smart-lock installs; CountBricks auto-generates combo pricing to increase ticket size

Partner With CountBricks Today

Whether you manage ten renovations a month or a single dream remodel, CountBricks removes guesswork from installing steel entry doors. Schedule a demo at CountBricks.com/consultation and see how our AI can sharpen your competitive edge.