prehung-interior-doors-pic1Do you have prehung interior doors? Are they in need of repair? Interior doors are used for bedrooms, bathrooms, closets and any other rooms that require a level of privacy. Generally they have a door knob that can either have a locking or passage function. Doors also help with sound transmission in the home. It's great when the kids can shut the door and you don't have to listen to their music.

Not sure if this is your problem? See the article 'Troubleshooting Door Problems' for all of the door topics. Working on an exterior door? See the article, 'Fixing Exterior Doors' for more information.

This article will discuss some common problems that occur with prehung interior doors. We are going to focus on the operational problems that can arise. Visually, you may need to paint or caulk some items that need attention.

You want your door to open and close correctly and the locks to provide privacy. These features can be addressed without replacing the door. Read on and evaluate what you need to do, to start repairing your prehung interior doors.

Repairing Prehung Interior Doors - Information

What Can You Save?

That depends on whether you repair the door or replace it. Often, people will equate repairing prehung interior doors with door replacement. A decent off the shelf prehung door will run from $50 to $100. Solid wood or high end doors can run a lot more. It will cost another $100 to $200 to have it installed, assuming there are no problems.

You may be fortunate and find a carpenter that will repair the door and be honest with you. Minimum it will involve a service call, around $50 plus any parts. This would be to adjust the door or lock set. You will need to be the judge on whether or not you want to be sold a new door. So you could save from $50 to $450. The lower figure is for something that might take you fifteen minutes to accomplish.

How Hard Could It Be?

Working on prehung interior doors is not that difficult. Take your time and be patient.

These repairs will have a Difficulty Range of: Easy to A Bit of Work
These repairs require a Skill Level Range of: Total Novice to Handyman

Check the Simple Things!

Over time doors get out of adjustment, this will cause them to sag and not close correctly. The common culprit is the top hinge. Check the adjustment on the door before you do anything. The alignment on the strike plate can also cause the lock not to work.

What Can Go Wrong?

Worst case, you take the door out and cannot get it put back in. Your prehung interior door repair problem has escalated. If you take the door off and can't get it re-installed you will have to put something up temporarily. You can also make things worse if you start adjusting the door the wrong way. A sticking door could turn into a door that won't close at all. Make sure you understand what you are trying to accomplish before you do anything.

Repairing Prehung Interior Doors - The Steps Involved

Adjusting Interior Doors - Most of the problems you will have with a door are related to adjustments. The alignment of the door in the opening and the alignment to the hardware is very important. This step covers where adjustments can be made.

Problems With Hinges - Hinges can start to make noise and in extreme cases seize up. This step covers lubricating and replacing hinges that are causing trouble.

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Troubleshooting Door Locks - The door lock and door strike need to work together. Adjusting a replacing the hardware are options that this step covers.

Sanding and Planing a Door - When adjustments won't work, you may need to sand or plane the door.