Homeowners often assume that replacing an exterior door is as simple as swapping one slab for another. In reality, professional installation involves detailed measurements, structural adjustment, weatherproofing, and finish carpentry—tasks that directly influence labor cost. At CountBricks, we generate accurate, line-item labor estimates in real time, giving residential clients complete transparency before the first hinge is removed.
The typical labor cost to replace an exterior door in a New York home falls between $450 and $1,050, depending on:
• Door type (solid core, fiberglass, steel, or French patio)
• Frame condition and need for reframing
• Exterior cladding material (brick veneer, siding, stucco)
• Required code upgrades such as additional insulation or wider egress clearance
• Specialty hardware installation (smart locks, multi-point security systems)
CountBricks AI combines regional labor databases, voice-captured site details, and blueprint takeoffs to produce a blended hourly rate tailored to your zip code. Our algorithm breaks the project into discrete tasks—demolition, framing, door hanging, trim carpentry, and finish painting—then applies crew productivity factors validated on more than 1,000 CountBricks residential jobs.
1. Remove existing door and jamb — 1.5 crew hours
2. Inspect and repair rough opening — 2.0 crew hours
3. Install new flashing and sill pan — 0.8 crew hours
4. Hang pre-hung exterior door — 1.2 crew hours
5. Install casing and weatherstripping — 1.0 crew hours
6. Touch-up paint and site cleanup — 0.5 crew hours
Total crew time: 7.0 hours
Multiply by the CountBricks regional carpenter rate of $68/hour and the labor line equals $476. Add complexity factors such as brick removal and the rate adjusts automatically inside CountBricks.com/services.
• Structural modifications: Widening an opening for a larger door can add 4-6 crew hours.
• Masonry work: Removing and relaying brick veneer around the jamb often requires a second trade at a higher hourly rate.
• Custom transoms or sidelights: Additional framing and finish work increase both time and skill requirements.
• Limited site access: Multi-level brownstones or tight urban lots extend material handling time.
• Schedule installation after major framing but before final flooring to minimize protection time.
• Opt for factory-finished doors to eliminate on-site painting hours.
• Use CountBricks voice notes to flag potential framing issues during the walk-through—our AI adjusts labor in seconds.
• Bundle multiple openings (front door, patio slider) in one mobilization to reduce set-up and travel costs.
• Real-time voice estimates: Talk through the scope on-site and receive an itemized labor cost in under five minutes.
• AI-driven change orders: If homeowners upgrade hardware mid-project, CountBricks automatically updates labor without manual re-calculation.
• Blueprint takeoffs: Upload plans and let our neural network detect all exterior doors, pulling precise quantities and swing directions.
• Branded quotes: Instantly export door replacement proposals, complete with your logo and CountBricks cost data, ready to send.
A CountBricks partner contractor faced a 120-year-old brownstone with a warped double door. Using CountBricks.com/portfolio historical pricing, the team forecast labor at $1,225 due to masonry arch work. Actual site hours came in within 3% of the AI estimate, and the homeowner approved a change order in the field via our mobile app—avoiding schedule slips and protecting profit.
Ready to see how much you can save on estimating overhead? Visit CountBricks.com/services to schedule a live demo or start a free trial. Our residential specialists will walk you through door replacement workflows, regional labor rate customization, and one-click invoice generation.
Although material prices get most of the attention, labor can consume up to 65% of an exterior door replacement budget. CountBricks data scientists track the following hidden drivers so you don’t have to.
• In coastal New York zones, code now requires pan flashing and continuous seals that add 0.6 to 1.0 labor hours per opening.
• CountBricks templates automatically insert this task when you tag a property within 10 miles of tidal water.
• Landmark homes often need reversible installation methods, increasing carpentry time by 20%.
• Our estimate engine cross-references NYC LPC guidelines and adjusts the crew rate for specialized craftsmen.
• Installing Wi-Fi locks or multi-point security adds electrical coordination. CountBricks splits the labor between carpenter and electrician lines to maintain clarity for the client.
1. Verify rough opening size during the initial call so the correct door arrives on day one.
2. Order factory-notched hinges to eliminate on-site mortising.
3. Schedule door painting with trim installation to avoid a second mobilization.
• Predictive labor analytics: Our platform flags when your crew hours are trending above benchmark mid-project, allowing real-time course correction.
• One-tap invoicing: Convert approved door replacement estimates into invoices that sync to your accounting software.
• Collaborative workspace: Invite homeowners to review scope items, reducing approval lag by up to 48% according to CountBricks user metrics.
Exterior doors are the first line of defense against weather and intruders—don’t leave their installation costs to guesswork. Partner with CountBricks and let AI precision drive your residential margins.
