DIY home improvement projects can be satisfying. There is something rewarding about fixing, building, or upgrading something in your own home. For smaller jobs, DIY can be a great way to save money and learn new skills.
But when it comes to installing doors, especially external doors, the risks are much higher than you realise.
Store-bought doors can seem like a convenient and affordable option at first. You choose a door, bring it home, watch a few tutorials, and hope the installation goes smoothly. Unfortunately, door installations are rarely that simple. A poorly installed door can lead to gaps, leaks, security issues and so much more, leading to a final finish that does not look the way you imagined.
We know how important proper measurements, materials, alignment, and finishing are to the long-term performance of a door. Before attempting a DIY installation, here are the key drawbacks worth considering.
A door needs to be level, square, sealed, aligned, and properly secured. If any of these elements are slightly off, the door may not open or close smoothly. It may catch on the frame, leave visible gaps, let in drafts, or fail to lock properly.
This is especially important for external doors, where weather protection and security matter. Even a small installation error can affect how well the door performs over time.
Store-bought doors are often designed for standard openings, but many homes, especially older properties, do not have perfect standard measurements. Walls can shift; frames can settle, and previous renovations may leave uneven openings. Without the right experience, it can be difficult for you to identify these issues before installation begins.
A professional installer can accurately assess the opening properly, check alignment, and make adjustments to ensure that the door fits and functions as it should.
One of the biggest challenges with store-bought doors is sizing.
Many doors purchased from hardware stores come in set measurements. While this may work for some homes, it can quickly become a problem if your existing opening is slightly wider, narrower, taller, or uneven.
If the door does not fit properly, homeowners may try to fill gaps, trim materials, or adjust the frame themselves. This can create a poor finish and may also compromise the door’s durability, insulation, and weather resistance.
A door that is forced to fit is rarely going to perform as well as one that has been measured and manufactured for the space.
This is where custom aluminium doors offer a major advantage. If you are planning to upgrade older doors or windows, you may also find our guide on window and door replacement in Perth helpful.
Door installation requires more than a basic drill and a measuring tape. Achieving a secure and professional finish often depends on using the right tools, hardware, levels, fixings, sealants, and installation techniques.
Without the correct equipment, it can be difficult to achieve proper alignment and secure attachment. This can lead to frustration during the installation process and problems after the door is in place.
It can also increase the risk of damaging the door, frame, walls, flooring, or surrounding finishes.
For larger aluminium doors, such as sliding, stacking, or bifold systems, professional installation becomes even more important. These products can be heavy, detailed, and difficult to position correctly without experience.
If you are preparing for a professional installation instead, our guide on how to prepare your home for a new door installation outlines the steps that can help the process run smoothly.
Doors are one of the most important security features in your home. If a door is not installed correctly, it may not close securely, lock properly, or sit firmly within the frame.
This can leave your home to become more vulnerable.
A professional installation helps ensure the door, frame, lock, and hardware all work together as intended. This is particularly important for external doors, patio doors, and any doors that connect your indoor living space to your outdoor living spaces.
When a door is installed poorly, even a good lock may not perform properly. The strength of the full system matters, not just the individual product.
Some store-bought doors may be suitable for basic internal use, but they may not offer the same durability, weather resistance, or finish as a custom-made aluminium door, designed for your home, would.
This matters in Perth, where external doors need to handle heat, wind, rain, sun exposure, and, in coastal areas, salt air. A lower-quality door may deteriorate faster, become difficult to use, or fail to provide the insulation and protection your home needs.
The Australian Government’s YourHome guide to glazing explains that windows, doors, and glazing can play an important role in heat transfer, comfort, and energy efficiency within the home.
A poorly fitted or lower-quality door can allow unwanted heat, drafts, or moisture to enter, reducing comfort and potentially increasing reliance on heating and cooling.
One of the main reasons we understand that most homeowners choose DIY is to save money. But it is worth considering the time and effort involved.
Installing a door properly can take much longer than expected, especially if the opening is uneven; the measurements are slightly off, or unexpected issues appear during the process.
What may seem like a simple weekend project can quickly become a drawn-out job involving multiple trips to the hardware store, extra materials, and a lot of trial and error. Which not only costs more money than intended, it also costs you your valuable free time.
Some of the most common issues homeowners run into include:
By the time these issues are fixed, the DIY option may not work out as cost-effective as it first appeared.
A new door should improve the look and feel of your home, but when installation is not done correctly, the result can have the opposite effect.
Crooked placement, uneven gaps, visible patching, poor sealing, and rough finishing can all make a new door look out of place. This is especially noticeable in high-use areas such as living rooms, alfresco entrances, and front-facing doors.
External doors also need to align with the overall style of the home. A store-bought door may not suit the proportions, materials, or façade of your property as well as a custom option.
Professional installers consider both function and appearance. The goal is not just to make the door fit, but to make it look seamless and perform properly.
If you are still comparing aluminium door options, our blog on bifold doors in Perth and other aluminium door styles may help you decide which style is right for your space.
Installing a new door is an investment in your home’s comfort, security, appearance, and functionality. While DIY may seem appealing at first, the risks can outweigh the savings if the door is not installed correctly.
A professional installation gives you confidence that the door has been measured, fitted, sealed, and finished properly. It can also help avoid damage, reduce delays, and ensure the door performs as expected over time.
This is especially important for aluminium sliding doors, stacking doors, hinged doors, and bifold doors, where precision matters.
If you are looking for professionally installed aluminium doors in Perth, we can help you choose a solution that works for your home, lifestyle, and outdoor space.
Perth Window and Door Replacement Company: What Sets the Best Apart
Learn what sets the best Perth window and door replacement company apart, from custom aluminium products to expert installation and local support. Read More…
Perth Window and Door Replacement: A Step-by-Step Overview
Learn what to expect from perth window and door replacement, including assessment, measuring, custom aluminium options, installation and aftercare. Read More…
Bi-Fold Doors Perth: Choosing the Right Style for Your Home
Explore bi-fold doors Perth homeowners can choose from, including panel styles, glazing, frames, screens and installation tips for your home. Read More…
