Interior doors might seem like minor details, but they contribute significantly to a home's overall aesthetic and flow. As a house flipper, you need to assess the condition and style of the interior doors to determine if they can be salvaged or if they need to be replaced.
Aesthetics are a primary consideration for interior doors. Outdated, damaged, or mismatched doors can make a home feel less cohesive and stylish.
Ensure the doors are functional and safe to use.
Operation: Open and close each door to check for smooth operation. Do they stick, bind, or scrape? Are the hinges and doorknobs in good working order?
Privacy: For bathroom and bedroom doors, ensure they provide adequate privacy and have functioning locks.
Fire Ratings: If any doors are fire-rated (e.g., leading to a bedroom), ensure they meet the required fire rating for safety.
Consider the aesthetic appeal of the interior doors.
Style and Design: Evaluate the style and design of the doors in relation to current trends and the overall home design. Are they paneled, flat, or have decorative features? Do they have a modern or outdated appearance?
Color and Finish: Assess the color and finish of the doors. Do they complement the walls, trim, and overall color scheme?
Neighborhood Standards: Compare the quality and style of the doors to those in comparable properties. Are other flippers installing new, modern interior doors, or are they leaving the existing doors in place? Don't let your property fall behind the competition.
Evaluate the overall condition of the doors.
Door Material: Assess the condition of the door material. Is it solid core, hollow core, or composite? Look for signs of damage, such as warping, cracking, or holes.
Paint or Finish: Check the condition of the paint or finish on the doors. Is it peeling, chipping, or outdated?Hardware: Inspect the condition of the door hardware, including hinges, doorknobs, and locks. Are they functional, stylish, and in good repair?
If you're familiar with the trends in your local market and what buyers expect in comparable properties, you'll often know right away whether the interior doors need to be replaced. Do they look modern, stylish, and in good condition? Trust your instincts! If the doors appear outdated, damaged, or mismatched, they probably are.
To estimate interior door replacement costs:
Door Count: Count the number of interior swinging doors and closet doors that need to be replaced.
Door Type: Note the type of doors (solid core, hollow core, bifold, etc.) for accurate cost estimation.