A uPVC door looks like a simple purchase until the questions start: which panel, how much glass, which way it opens, what sort of threshold, which handle, what colour inside and out. None of these are hard, but getting them settled before the survey makes the whole thing quicker and avoids surprises when the door arrives.
This checklist walks through the decisions in a sensible order.
1. Decide what the door has to do
A front door is judged on appearance and security first. A back door into a kitchen or utility is usually about durability, light and easy access to the garden. A side door into a garage may need nothing more than to be solid and weathertight. Be clear which it is, because it changes almost every other choice below.
2. Glass or solid?
More glass means more light in a dark hallway but less privacy. Obscure patterned glass is the usual compromise. Think about which way the door faces and whether anyone can see straight in from the street or a neighbour's garden.
- Hallway dark: consider a glazed panel or side screen
- Door faces the street directly: obscure or partly glazed
- Back door onto a private garden: fully glazed is common
3. Which way should it open?
Most house doors open inwards and are hinged on the side that lets the door swing back against a wall. Before the survey, stand in the hall and check that the door will not hit a radiator, a stair, a light switch or a coat hook when it opens. Changing the hinge side is simple at the ordering stage and impossible afterwards.
4. The threshold
The threshold is the bottom part of the frame you step over. A higher threshold keeps weather out better, which matters on an exposed door. A lower threshold is easier for prams, wheelchairs and anyone unsteady on their feet. On a wind-exposed elevation that trade-off needs a proper conversation rather than a default choice.
5. Locks and hardware
Ask what locking system the door comes with and what the cylinder is. Choose a handle you are comfortable using every day; long lever handles, short handles and pull bars on the outside all look quite different. Letterbox position, a spyhole, a door chain and house numbers are all easier to add at the ordering stage than later.
6. Colour and finish
White is still the most common choice, but coloured and woodgrain finishes are widely available. Many people choose a colour outside and white inside so the door matches the hallway. If you are thinking about new windows at some point, pick a door colour you will be happy to match them to.
Checklist to take to the survey
| Decision | Your choice | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Front, back or side door | Changes the priorities | |
| Glazed, part glazed or solid | Light versus privacy | |
| Opening direction and hinge side | Check against radiators and stairs | |
| Threshold height | Weather versus access | |
| Handle style | Lever, short or pull bar | |
| Outside and inside colour | Match any future windows | |
| Extras | Letterbox, spyhole, numbers |
7. Questions to ask whoever fits it
- Who will measure the opening, and are they the person fitting the door?
- Is the quote fixed, in writing?
- Is removal and disposal of the old door included?
- Is the fitting done by your own team or subcontracted?
- Who do I phone if it needs adjusting later?
How we handle it
We arrange a survey of the structural opening and provide a clear written quote. It will set out the proposed door, fitting work and whether removal and disposal are included.
Common questions
Sometimes a door leaf can be changed on its own, but on most replacements the frame is replaced too so the new door seals and locks properly.
Both suit different situations. See our uPVC vs composite comparison for the details.
It depends on the opening, door and finishing work. The expected fitting time should be discussed after the survey.
Want a straight answer on your own windows or doors?
DM Installations fits and repairs windows and doors across Central Scotland — Cumbernauld, Glasgow, Falkirk, Stirling and the surrounding towns. Free survey, written quote, and an honest answer on whether you need a repair or a replacement.
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