Is the entrance door a 'first fix" item?

[Dreadnaught]

When during my build should I install my entrance door?

Is it ideally a first fix item before plastering? Or can it be left to second fix? When did everyone else install theirs?

 

I have a temporary front door in at present.

With my build, I am can now see the end of external cladding and am heading towards starting first-fix proper.

Given the entrance doors typically have 2- to 3-month delivery times, my thoughts are turning to the spec-and-order.

 

 

[Carrerahill]

It depends, if its going to end up getting ruined by careless contractors bashing past it for the next 6 months then I would say hold off, you could put the lining/frame in and add protection. Depends how your going to trim round the door ext/int when you would need to get it in, but in most normal situations you could screw in a wooden door lining, made from 2x6 and a temp door. Also depends on things like security.

 

Can you obtain a second hand temp door?

 

 

Edited May 13, 2022 by Carrerahill

[Russell griffiths]

Put it in as late as poss, two days before the last sheet of plasterboard goes up. 

[Mr Punter]

I have installed temporary front doors in the past.  18mm OSB and 100x50 frame.  You could add a lock.  Leave the permanent until you have finished plastering / rendering.

[Conor]

As late as possible but before rendering and internal boarding/ skimming

 

[nod]

Before plastering for mainstream builds 

After for all of us 😃

[Nick Laslett]

We already have our front door in.  From a sequencing perspective I thought it needed to be in place so that the external rendering could be completed. 

[Dreadnaught]

Thanks everyone. That's very helpful and clear. Much appreciated!

[Kelvin]

This is interesting and something I’ve been pondering too. My timber kit deal is they install ever Including windows and doors and I was also concerned about it getting damaged. Something to discuss with timber kit company 

[Jilly]

I've got some door frame protectors you can have, ahem, I over ordered slightly. PM me if interested.

[Nickfromwales]

Install the front door, then lock it, and only allow 3rd parties to use the back door. Cover the threshold and buy some £5 strips of PVC 25x25mm angle to stop any damage to the frame by accidental / careless traffic.

For any instances where opening the front door are sensible / practical / outright necessary, be there to open it, monitor, then lock it again.