Reemplazo de puertas para proyectos de renovación: entrada, patio, interior y garaje

Door replacement is one of the most common renovation scopes—and one of the most frequently misjudged. The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report ranks garage door replacement at 268% ROI and steel entry door replacement at 188% ROI, making doors the two highest-return renovation projects available. Yet most replacement projects run into avoidable problems: wrong approach selected (retrofit vs. full-frame), existing rough openings assumed to be reusable when they’re not, or configuration changes attempted without accounting for structural requirements.

This guide covers all four major door replacement categories—entry, patio, interior, and garage—with a focus on the decisions contractors and remodelers face in renovation projects: when to retrofit, when to go full-frame, and how to avoid the mistakes that generate callbacks.

Retrofit vs. Full-Frame: The Universal Decision

Every door replacement starts with the same question: Can we keep the existing frame, or does the whole assembly need to come out?

What Is Retrofit (Insert) Replacement?

A new door unit fits into the existing frame opening. The original frame, exterior trim, and siding stay in place. The new unit is typically installed from the interior side.

Ventajas:

• 30–50% lower total project cost (less labor, no exterior patching)
• Faster installation (often half the time)
• Minimal disruption to exterior finishes—critical for stucco, brick, or stone facades
• Ideal for occupied buildings where speed matters

Limitaciones:

• Slightly smaller glass/opening area (new frame nests inside old frame)
• Higher threshold on some retrofit patio doors (potential trip hazard)
• Cannot fix underlying frame damage—only hides it
• Limited configuration changes possible

What Is Full-Frame (New Construction) Replacement?

The old door, frame, and trim are completely removed. A new unit is installed directly into the rough opening with fresh flashing and weatherproofing.

Ventajas:

• Maximum energy performance improvement (new frame, new seals)
• Can change door size, type, or configuration
• Addresses hidden frame damage, rot, or water intrusion
• Lower threshold profiles available (important for ADA compliance)
• New structural attachment directly to framing

Limitaciones:

• Higher cost (material + labor + exterior finishing)
• Longer installation time
• Requires exterior patching (siding, trim, paint)
• More disruption to occupants

The Decision Framework

Choose retrofit when:

• Existing frame is structurally sound with no rot, rust, or water damage
• Same door type and size (like-for-like replacement)
• Budget or timeline is tight
• Exterior finish is expensive to disturb (brick, stone, stucco)
• Occupied building—minimize disruption

Choose full-frame when:

• Frame is damaged, rotted, or has history of water intrusion
• Changing door type or configuration (sliding to French, for example)
• Changing opening size
• Maximum energy performance improvement is the goal
• ADA-compliant threshold required (retrofit thresholds often too high)
• Exterior renovation already in progress (siding, paint, trim work happening anyway)

When in doubt: Expose and inspect the existing frame thoroughly before committing. Finding hidden damage after the new door is ordered means expensive delays and scope changes.

Entry Door Replacement

Entry doors are the simplest exterior replacement and offer the strongest ROI—the 2025 Cost vs. Value Report shows steel entry door replacement returning 188% of project cost at resale.

Material Selection for Replacement Projects

Retrofit vs. Full-Frame for Entry Doors

Retrofit works well when:

• Replacing same-size, same-swing door
• Existing frame and sill in good condition
• Pre-hung retrofit unit matches the rough opening

Full-frame recommended when:

• Adding sidelights or transom (changes opening width/height)
• Switching swing direction (inswing to outswing)
• Frame shows any sign of rot or water damage at sill
• Upgrading from builder-grade to premium system

Common entry door replacement mistake: Not checking the sill and sub-sill condition. Entry door sills take the most water exposure. What looks fine on the surface often hides rot underneath. Always inspect before ordering.

For detailed material comparisons and style guidance, see our complete Guía de compra de puertas de entrada.

Patio Door Replacement

Patio doors are the most complex replacement category. They’re heavier (400–800+ lbs for multi-panel systems), have more structural requirements, and offer the widest range of configuration change options. This is where retrofit vs. full-frame decisions matter most.

Configuration Change Feasibility

The most common contractor question: “Can I replace X with Y?”

Key takeaway: Like-for-like replacements and “downgrades” in complexity (French → Sliding) are straightforward. “Upgrades” in complexity (Sliding → Bi-fold) almost always require full-frame and possibly structural work, negating most retrofit cost savings.

Contractor Field Data: Configuration Change Realities

Based on Hotian’s project database of 500+ patio door replacements (2023-2025):

Most common retrofit scenarios:

• Sliding → Sliding (same size): 68% of projects—96% success rate with retrofit
• French → Sliding: 14% of projects—85% use retrofit (lower threshold concern drives 15% to full-frame)
• Sliding → French: 12% of projects—only 38% retrofit successful; 62% needed full-frame due to:
  • Header inadequate for French door weight distribution (concentrated hinge loads vs. distributed roller loads)
  • RO width insufficient (French doors require additional clearance for swing radius)
  • Client rejected 2.5″ retrofit threshold after seeing mockup

Callback rates by approach:

• Retrofit on sound frame: 3% callback rate (mostly weatherstripping adjustments)
• Retrofit on questionable frame: 28% callback rate (water intrusion, operation issues)
• Full-frame: 5% callback rate (mostly cosmetic finish issues)

This data informs our recommendation: When contractors ask “Can I retrofit?”, the answer isn’t just about frame condition—it’s about configuration compatibility and client expectations around threshold height.

When You Can Reuse the Existing Rough Opening

✅ RO likely reusable when:

• Frame structurally sound—no rot, rust, or soft spots
• Opening size matches new door (or new door available in that exact size)
• Frame is level and plumb within ¼” over 6 feet
• No water intrusion history at sill or jambs
• Same or similar door configuration
• Homeowner/occupant accepts retrofit threshold height (typically 2–3″ vs. ½–1″ for full-frame)

❌ RO needs modification or replacement when:

• Frame rotted, rusted, or structurally compromised
• Changing to a heavier door type (sliding to bi-fold = significant weight increase, header upgrade often needed)
• Opening out of square more than ½” over 8 feet
• Water damage to surrounding framing members
• Changing opening size in any dimension
• Code upgrade required (ADA threshold maximum ½” height)

Cost implications of RO work:

• Reuse existing RO (retrofit): Baseline cost—save 30–50% on total project
• Minor RO modification (shimming, minor reinforcement): Add 20–30%
• Header upgrade (for heavier door type): Add $1,000–$3,000+ depending on span
• Full RO replacement: Add 50–100% (essentially new construction pricing)

Contractor field tip: Always measure RO diagonals to verify square before ordering. Measure width at top, middle, and bottom—use the smallest measurement. Measure height at both sides—use the smallest. A door ordered to “close enough” dimensions causes expensive field modifications.

Patio Door-Specific Challenges (Unlike Windows)

Most retrofit guidance online is written for windows. Patio doors have unique issues:

Structural load: Patio doors weigh 400–800+ lbs vs. 40–80 lbs for windows. Retrofit frames must transfer that weight through the existing structure. If the existing frame has any flex or degradation, retrofit will fail.

Altura del umbral: Retrofit patio doors typically sit 2–3″ above interior floor level (vs. ½–1″ for full-frame). This creates a trip hazard and may not meet accessibility requirements for ground-floor commercial or accessible residential units.

Track system compatibility: Different manufacturers use different track profiles, depths, and drainage designs. Retrofit doesn’t mean “any door fits any frame.”

Weatherproofing access: Retrofit installs from the interior. Accessing and properly flashing the exterior side is harder—but still essential. Skipping this step is the #1 cause of post-replacement water intrusion complaints.

For detailed comparisons between patio door types, see our guides on bi-fold vs. sliding doors, tipos de puertas de patio, and our Guía de compra de puertas de patio.

Interior Door Replacement

Interior doors are the simplest and most affordable replacement category—but in renovation projects, volume changes the math. Replacing 15–25 doors in a single-family remodel or 50–200+ in a multi-unit project requires different thinking than a one-off swap.

Pre-Hung vs. Slab: The Core Decision

For most renovation projects, pre-hung is the better value. The higher unit cost is offset by lower labor cost and more predictable results—especially across multiple doors.

Slab makes sense when:

• Existing frames are in excellent condition and perfectly square
• Matching historic or custom profiles that aren’t available pre-hung
• Budget is extremely tight AND installer has slab experience
• Replacing one or two doors only

Bulk Replacement Strategy (Multi-Unit)

For multi-unit renovations (apartments, condos, hotels):

• Standardize sizes across all units—reduces per-door cost and simplifies ordering
• Pre-hung for speed—installers can do 6–8 pre-hung doors per day vs. 3–4 slabs
• Order 5–10% extras for damage during shipping or installation
• Hollow-core for bedrooms/closets ($150–$350 installed)—adequate for standard residential
• Solid-core for bathrooms, corridors, noise-sensitive rooms ($250–$650 installed)—better sound isolation
• Fire-rated where required by code—corridor-facing doors, garage-to-house connections

Opciones de materiales

Hollow-core composite/MDF: $150–$350 installed. Budget-friendly, lightweight. Suitable for rentals, closets, bedrooms where sound privacy isn’t critical.

Solid-core engineered: $250–$650 installed. Noticeably better sound blocking, substantial feel. The 2025 “sweet spot” for most residential renovations.

Madera maciza: $350–$1,200+ installed. Premium applications—libraries, studies, feature rooms. Requires more maintenance.

For comprehensive interior door pricing, see our interior door installation cost guide.

Garage Door Replacement

Garage doors are the #1 ROI renovation project for the second consecutive year. The 2025 Cost vs. Value Report shows an average cost of $4,672 returning $12,507 in resale value—a 268% ROI. No other renovation project comes close.

Why Garage Doors Deliver Outsized ROI

Curb appeal impact: Garage doors represent up to 30% of a home’s front-facing facade. A dated garage door drags down the entire exterior.

Visible from the street: Unlike kitchen or bathroom renovations, buyers see garage door improvements immediately.

Relatively low cost: $1,000–$5,500 for most residential replacements—a fraction of kitchen or bathroom renovation costs.

Functional improvement: Modern insulated doors with reliable openers directly improve daily life.

Replacement Considerations

Full system vs. component replacement:

Full system (door + tracks + springs): Recommended when existing system is 15+ years old. Springs and tracks have finite lifespans—replacing just the door panels on worn-out hardware creates problems.

Panel-only replacement: Possible if tracks, springs, and opener are in good condition and the manufacturer still makes matching panels. Verify compatibility before ordering.

Opener-only upgrade: Smart openers with WiFi/smartphone control are increasingly expected by buyers. Can be done independently of door replacement for $250–$600 installed.

Opciones de materiales

Steel (most common): $800–$2,500 installed. Durable, low maintenance, wide range of styles and insulation options.

Aluminio/vidrio: $1,500–$5,000+ installed. Modern aesthetic, lightweight, excellent for contemporary homes. Hotian offers custom double-glazed garage doors for premium applications.

Wood/wood-composite: $2,000–$6,000+ installed. Premium carriage-house look. Higher maintenance.

Insulation matters for attached garages: An insulated garage door (R-12 to R-18) reduces energy loss through the largest opening in the building envelope. For attached garages, this directly impacts whole-house energy performance.

Safety note: Garage door springs are under extreme tension. Spring replacement is not a DIY project—professional service required. See our garage door spring replacement cost guide for pricing details.

For style comparisons and design guidance, explore our garage door styles guide.

Common Replacement Mistakes by Project Type

Mistake #1: Not Assessing Frame Condition Before Ordering

Applies to: Entry doors, patio doors

Assuming retrofit is possible without thorough inspection. Ordering a retrofit door, then discovering frame damage during installation = expensive delay, possible reorder, and schedule impact.

Prevención: Inspect the frame thoroughly—including areas hidden by trim. Look for soft spots, discoloration, rust, or evidence of past water intrusion. When in doubt, remove a section of interior trim to expose the rough opening before committing to an approach.

Mistake #2: Measuring the Old Door Instead of the Rough Opening

Applies to: All door types

“Standard size” varies by manufacturer and era. The existing door’s dimensions don’t tell you what the rough opening will accept.

Prevención: Measure the rough opening (distance between framing members), not the existing door or frame. Check width at three heights, height at both sides. Use the smallest measurements. Verify square by measuring diagonals.

Mistake #3: Attempting Configuration Changes with Retrofit

Applies to: Puertas de patio

Trying to convert sliding to French or French to bi-fold using a retrofit approach. Configuration changes almost always require rough opening modifications—negating the cost and time savings that justify retrofit in the first place.

Prevención: If the project involves a configuration change, plan for full-frame from the start. Budget accordingly, and set client expectations early.

Mistake #4: Skipping Flashing on Retrofit Installs

Applies to: Entry doors, patio doors

The logic: “It’s a retrofit, we’re not touching the exterior, so flashing doesn’t matter.” The result: water intrusion within 1–2 years.

Prevención: Even retrofit installs need proper water management. If the existing flashing is inaccessible or suspect, plan for limited exterior access to verify and update it. This single step prevents the majority of post-replacement water complaints.

Mistake #5: Ignoring Threshold Height Changes

Applies to: Patio doors (retrofit)

Installing a retrofit patio door with a 2–3″ interior threshold without warning the homeowner. The result: trip hazard, complaints, and in commercial settings, potential ADA non-compliance.

Prevención: Discuss threshold height difference with the client before ordering. For accessible units or commercial spaces, full-frame with a low-profile threshold is usually required.

Mistake #6: Replacing Garage Door Panels on Worn-Out Hardware

Applies to: puertas de garaje

New panels look great for six months—then a 20-year-old spring breaks, or worn tracks cause the new door to bind. The second service call costs nearly as much as a full system replacement would have.

Prevención: If the existing system is over 15 years old, recommend full system replacement (door + springs + tracks). Bundle the opener upgrade for the best client value.

Mistake #7: Ordering Before Understanding Client Threshold Expectations

Applies to: Patio doors (retrofit)

Real project scenario (Hotian client, anonymized):

A contractor ordered retrofit sliding doors for a 10-unit condo renovation. All frames structurally sound—retrofit seemed ideal. After installation of units 1-3, residents complained about the 2.5″ threshold creating a trip hazard, especially for elderly residents.

Resultado: Had to re-order full-frame units for remaining 7 units ($18,000 additional cost) and offered to retrofit the first 3 at contractor’s expense.

Prevención: Show clients threshold mockups BEFORE ordering, especially for:

• Ground-floor units with elderly/disabled residents
• High-traffic commercial entries
• Any accessible or ADA-compliant applications

Retrofit thresholds are code-compliant for residential, but “compliant” doesn’t mean “acceptable to client.”

For a comprehensive guide to installation errors across all door and window types, see our common installation mistakes guide.

Cost-Benefit Summary by Door Type

Highest-ROI renovation spend: If a project has limited budget, garage door and entry door replacements deliver the strongest measurable return. Patio doors deliver moderate ROI but significant lifestyle/function improvement. Interior doors rarely recoup cost at resale but are necessary for function and aesthetics in full renovations.

Project Planning & Lead Times

Multi-Unit Project Tips

• Order 5–10% extra units for damage, defects, or field changes
• Sequence installations from least disruptive to most disruptive
• Coordinate tenant access schedules for occupied buildings
• Verify that all units within a building use the same rough opening dimensions before assuming one size fits all—buildings settle over decades

Conclusion: Matching the Right Approach to the Project

Door replacement decisions come down to three factors: existing frame condition, scope of change desired, and budget/timeline constraints.

The general rules:

• Like-for-like replacement with a sound frame → Retrofit saves 30–50% and causes less disruption
• Configuration change, size change, or damaged frame → Full-frame is the right approach despite higher cost
• When in doubt about frame condition → Investigate before ordering, not during installation
• For maximum renovation ROI → Prioritize garage door and entry door replacements first

The most expensive mistake in door replacement isn’t choosing the wrong door—it’s choosing the wrong installation approach and discovering the problem mid-project.

Need help specifying the right door systems for a renovation project? We work with contractors and remodelers to match door systems to project requirements—from single entry door replacements to multi-unit full-building renovations. For custom configurations, bulk pricing, or technical guidance on retrofit feasibility, contact our project team early in the planning phase. Custom door systems require 4–10 weeks lead time depending on type and complexity—early coordination keeps renovation schedules on track.

Related Resources

• Door Cost Guide: Prices & Installation Chart
• Guía de compra de puertas de entrada
• Guía de compra de puertas de patio
• Bi-fold Doors vs. Sliding Doors
• Door Slab vs. Pre-Hung Guide
• Garage Door Styles Guide
• Guía de costos de instalación de puertas interiores