Door Inspection: A Complete Guide for Homeowners

Are the doors in your house making noises? Do they maybe have cracks in them? Do they not lock properly or smoothly? Are you the owner of a building with fire doors, and do you want to make sure they do what they are supposed to? These and many other issues are signs that you probably need a door inspection to let you know what’s wrong and what needs fixing. This article will provide you with all the information you must know when it comes to door inspections.

What Is a Door Inspection?

A door inspection is when a professional checks all the different aspects and components of all the doors in a property to see if anything needs fixing or replacing. Door inspections are especially important when it comes to fire-rated doors in big buildings that can put people’s safety at risk if there is something wrong with them.

When Should You Get a Door Inspection?

Door inspection is not a standalone service you purchase when it comes to residential homes; rather, it is included in normal home inspections or home maintenance plans that take place annually or every few years. Otherwise, there are certain times when you want a door inspection for your house or for a building:

1. Fire-Rated or Emergency Exit Doors

These types of doors, which you find in large buildings with a lot of people, are the main customers of door inspections since they are crucial in keeping everyone unharmed during a major fire accident.

2. Noticing Certain Signs

Things like extreme creaking or weird noises, doors not shutting or opening smoothly or getting stuck, or cold and hot air getting through might mean that there are problems with alignment, hinges, or even a shifting frame if the door is very, very old.

3. After Extreme Storms

If you heard something very loud hitting the door(s), it is a good idea to have them checked.

4. Before Buying or Selling a House

As always, it is a good idea to have someone check the condition of all the doors before buying or selling a property.

We also have an article about Gas Fireplace Inspection if that piques your interest.

What Does a Door Inspection Include?

A door inspection includes an entry door inspection and several different checks to make sure all the other doors in a property are in good condition. Here is a breakdown of everything that is examined:

• Door Surface & Frame: Checking to see if there are any cracks, warping, rot, rust, dents, or other visible damage.
  
  
• Alignment and Operation: Seeing if the doors open and close without any problems, such as sticking, dragging, or slamming.
  
  
• Hinges & Hardware: Examining the hinges, screws, knobs, locks, handles, and latches for wear, looseness, or damage.
  
  
• Weatherstripping: Looking to see if there are any gaps, drafts, or worn-out seals that might let the warm or cool air in and reduce the energy efficiency of HVAC systems.
  
  
• Glass Panels: If there are glass doors in a property, the expert checks them to see if they are intact, properly sealed, and free of cracks.
  
  
• Fire Doors: These types of doors are always thoroughly checked because they concern the safety of the people inside a building. They are typically checked to verify that the label is intact, that self-closing devices work, and that no modifications reduce fire resistance.

If you live in Ontario, Canada, and you ever need a door inspection, make sure to check out our own home inspection services on Houmse.

Door Inspection Cost

First of all, you need to know that door inspections in residential homes are not a standalone service provided by companies or individuals; rather, they are usually a part of comprehensive home inspections. On the other hand, we have fire door inspection in commercial buildings, which is a standalone service, and it requires specialized examinations.

Now, according to multiple sources such as winrightlaw.com and wowa.ca, home inspections in Canada cost anywhere between $250 and $800, and fire door inspection costs are as follows:

*Note that fire door inspections in commercial buildings are a legal requirement.

You might wonder what affects the price:

• The Number of Doors: The more doors, the longer the inspection and the higher the cost.
  
  
• Complexity & Hardware: Doors that have advanced locks, smart systems, glass inserts, or heavy-duty security features may require a more detailed inspection.
  
  
• Location & Region: Some states or cities have more expensive services than others. Also, costs can increase if the property is in a remote area or outside the inspector’s usual service zone.

Sort of irrelevant, but if you ever wanted to know about lead paint inspections, have a look at our article.

Benefits of Regular Door Inspections

There are a few benefits to having your doors checked often:

• Safety: Ensures locks, deadbolts, and hinges are all strong and working correctly. In the case of fire doors and emergency doors, inspections ensure that they are going to work as intended in case of an accident.
  
  
• No Annoying Issues: By doing regular inspections, you make sure that the doors open and close smoothly without sticking, dragging, or making noise.
  
  
• Energy Efficiency: When there are no worn weatherstrippings, gaps, or drafts, the air coming from the outside will not enter the house, and your heating and cooling bills will stay low.
  
  
• Fixing the Little to Avoid the Big: The sooner you fix an issue with a door, the less likely that there will be any major problems in the future that will cost you way more.

FAQs

1. How often should I get my doors inspected?

Either once every few years or when you notice problems.

2. Does a home inspection include doors?

Yes, most home inspections include a check of interior and exterior doors.

3. Can I inspect doors myself?

Yes, you can check the doors on your own to see if there are any cracks, gaps, loud noises, etc., but if there are hidden issues, especially when it comes to fire doors and more complex types of doors, you need a professional to do the job.

4. What are the signs that a door needs replacement?

Warping, rot, cracks, constant drafts, broken locks, or if the door no longer closes or latches securely.

We also have an article called Stucco Inspection in case you do have that finish on your walls and would like them checked.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Doors Secure and Functional

We have covered basically everything there is to know regarding door inspections, whether it is normal doors we are talking about, or fire doors, or doors with more complex builds. In the end, we must conclude that most residential house owners only need annual home inspections in order to have their doors examined as well, but when it comes to commercial buildings and fire doors, special inspections are in order, and it is illegal to install these doors without the proper inspections and papers.