A delayed timeline is frustrating for all parties involved in a renovation or new build. While people often blame bad weather or slow permits for construction delays, the door package, including both exterior and interior units, is a surprisingly common culprit.
Selecting a door seems straightforward, but the technical details are complex. A mistake in timing or sizing for a front entry or a house full of bedroom doors can bring a job site to a complete halt. At SimplyDoors, we act as your partner to ensure the build runs smoothly and on schedule.
Here are three common mistakes we see in San Antonio projects and how we help you avoid them.
1. Waiting Until Framing is Done to Place the Order
The biggest error is poor timing. It is a common misconception that you can purchase high quality custom doors just a few weeks before installation. This assumption often leaves exterior entryways boarded up with plywood or delays the interior trim crew because the bedroom and bathroom units are missing.
Custom door lead times often range from 8 to 12 weeks. This timeline can extend even longer depending on specific materials or brands. This applies to custom front doors, as well as large orders of matching interior units.
To avoid this bottleneck, you need to finalize your door ordering timeline early. This is critical if you are buying doors in bulk for a development or ordering a complete interior and exterior package for a single home. Planning ahead guarantees that the materials arrive exactly when the team is ready to install them.
2. Confusing “Rough Opening” with “Door Size”
A 36 inch door does not fit into a 36 inch hole. The “rough opening” is the open space left between the studs. It must be larger than the actual door unit to allow for the frame and shims.
Rough opening measurements are specific to the manufacturer and the material. If a framer builds a standard opening but the final choice is a custom iron unit or a specific interior wood door, it likely will not fit. This mismatch leads to expensive tear downs and reframing work.
The best way to prevent this headache is to select products before framing begins. We provide exact specifications for builder supply doors before the walls go up. We review the architectural plans to ensure the new construction doors fit the framing perfectly the first time. This proactive approach protects your budget and your schedule.
3. Underestimating Custom Features
Not all doors have the same production timeline. Standard options may be ready quickly, but custom pieces are different. Intricate glass inserts for a pantry, specific iron details for the entry, or solid core upgrades for soundproofing all require extra production time.
If you do not account for these manufacturing times, the move in date will slide.
It is vital to ask about the timeline for every specific feature you want. At SimplyDoors, we prioritize transparency. We help you balance your design goals with the construction schedule so you are never caught off guard. We ensure you get the custom look you want without sacrificing your completion date.
Planning is the Solution
The doors define the style and function of the home. You should not have to navigate the complexities of lead times and technical specs alone. SimplyDoors acts as your local guide to ensure the project stays on track and within budget.
We coordinate directly with you to guarantee that your door installation in San Antonio happens exactly when it should. We handle the logistics so you can focus on the final result.
Don’t let a scheduling error delay your move in date. Contact SimplyDoors today to request a consultation. Call our team at 210-903-8450, visit our showroom at 17750 Lookout Rd Suite 150 in Schertz, TX, or reach out online to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to order a custom door?
You should generally plan for a timeline of 8 to 12 weeks. This allows enough time for manufacturing and shipping without causing unnecessary construction delays.
When should I choose my doors for a new build?
We recommend selecting your doors during the design phase. This allows the builder to frame the rough opening measurements correctly from the start to avoid costly changes later.
What happens if the rough opening is the wrong size?
If the opening is wrong, the framer will need to rebuild that section of the wall. This costs time and money. It is best to have the manufacturer specs ready before framing begins.
Do you work with builders?
Yes. We work closely with builders and homeowners. If you need to buy doors in bulk for a large project, we can coordinate the logistics to match your timeline.
