Job Description: Fix Two Door Install

I hired someone to install a pair of doors. He didn’t know what he was doing. I want to get a bid for someone to fix the issues with the doors. They are in differing states of unfinished. I have learned my lesson and now as I’m looking for someone to remediate this mess I’m going to be overly explicit about what “finished” looks like. I apologize that this is so detailed as to possibly sound condescending, that’s not my intention. If you know how to properly install a door and trim, all you need to see is the pictures. (the shims are worth a chuckle though).

In both cases, the sheetrock has been indelicately removed, the frames are attached to the wall, there is trim in place (but the corners are misaligned, and they need to be pulled and re-cut, or puttied and sanded). The nails need to be fully driven to be flush.

Of note, painting is in neither of these. Complete here means “ready for paint”, and “would not be an embarrassment to have associated with your workmanship”.

The trim, interior caulking need to be re-done and or re-applied and re-sanded. I believe that the best course of action is:

• Remove trim and re-cut the corners to align properly
• Re-affix the trim
• Apply wood putty to corners and nail holes
• Sand wood putty
• Caulk or mud the gap where the sheetrock was overcut
• Sand the caulking
• Replace the Southernmost trim with a full piece

This door needs the trim fixed and some further work. The frame is not square with the door, resulting in the latch not being aligned with the striker plate; As a result, the door will not latch. I believe that the best course of action is:

• Cut the finish nails in the doorframe on the north (latch) side of the frame, and possible on the top of the frame freeing the frame.
• Cut the bottom of the taller (north/latch) doorframe so it’s the same height as the south (hinge) side.
• Square the frame with the door height on the hinge (south) side
• Re-affix the top and side of the frame
• Caulk or mud the gap where the sheetrock was overcut
• Sand the caulking

The method for remediating is entirely up to you, but the finished result should be professional and ready for paint, meaning:

• No gaps at trim corners or butts
• No protruding nail heads
• No unfilled nail holes
• No unfilled visible drywall scarring
• Shims not visible (I wish this were a joke)
• Smooth and sanded
• The door closes without slamming
• The door does not wedge when closing
• The door is operable, and latches when closed
• When pained the butts and corners will not be visible
• Trash removed and surrounding area left clean

You might ask “wouldn’t it just be easier to fix it instead of making a website”? You might be right, but I’m looking for someone who does quality work that I can hire regularly.