How long does AWR take to fit a composite door?

It usually takes 3 to 6 weeks from your survey to fitting day, and sometimes quicker. Your door is made to measure in our Doncaster factory, then fitted by our own team.

Why does a made-to-measure door take longer than one off the shelf?

A made-to-measure door is built to the exact size of your opening after the survey. That takes longer than fitting a stock door, but the door fits the opening properly. That makes it easier to seal against draughts and rain.

Do I need to be at home when the door is fitted?

Yes, plan to be in. The installers need to get in and out of the house all day. At the end they will hand over the keys and show you how the locks work.

Will fitting a new door damage my walls?

Taking out an old frame can disturb the plaster or render around it. A good surveyor checks the opening first. Ask what making good is included before you agree the job.

Does a new front door need building regulations approval?

A replacement external door is a controlled fitting in England. If your installer is registered with a competent person scheme, they can self-certify the work. You should get a certificate within 8 weeks of completion.

How Long Does a Composite Door Take to Fit?

Stage 1: the survey

A made-to-measure door starts with an accurate measurement. The surveyor measures the opening and checks the frame, sill and brickwork around it.

They also talk you through styles, colours, glass and handles. This is the time to mention side panels, a top light or a new canopy, because each one changes the job.

Stage 2: making the door

A composite door is built to the size of your opening, so it is not taken off a shelf. This stage is usually the longest part of the wait.

Ask your installer for a fitting date in writing once you order. A firm that makes its own doors can tell you where your door is in the queue.

Stage 3: fitting day

On the day, the installers protect your floor and take out the old door and frame. They fix the new frame into the opening, pack and seal it, then hang the door.

Before they leave, they should set the locks, check the door closes and locks cleanly, and show you how it works. The area should be left tidy.

Plan to be at home for the whole visit.
Clear the hallway and the path to the door.
Move anything fragile away from the door.
Have a place ready for the old door if you want to keep it, or ask if it will be taken away.

The three stages of a new composite door
Stage	Who	What happens
Survey	Surveyor	Measures the opening, checks the frame and wall, and talks through styles
Making	Door maker	Builds the door and frame to the exact size of your opening
Fitting	Installers	Removes the old door, fits and seals the new frame, hangs and checks the door

What can make it take longer

A simple swap of one door in a sound opening is the quickest job. These things add time:

Side panels or a top light fitted with the door.
A rotten sill or damaged brickwork that needs work first.
An odd-sized opening, or a change to the size of the opening.
Plaster or render around the frame that needs making good.
A canopy or porch roof fitted at the same time.

Building regulations for a new front door

A replacement external door is a "controlled fitting" under the Building Regulations in England. You do not need to apply yourself if your installer is registered with a competent person scheme.

A registered installer can self-certify the work. GOV.UK says you should get a certificate within 8 weeks of completion. Keep it safe, because it can show up in solicitors' searches when you sell.

Sources

General facts on this page come from these official sources. Rules can change, so check the latest version before you rely on them.

How long does a composite door take to fit?