Garage side door (installing, light, cost, standard)

[ferrickhead28]

I want to put a side entrance door in to my garage (not the huge main door but one off the side). I am having a hard time finding someone to do this, they all keep thinking that I mean the main door.

Nothing fancy, just a standard door that I can install a doogie door.

Also, if you know a random price too, that would be great. I have no idea what I'm working with here.

Thanks!

[gastric]

Alternative: Why not just install a doggie door in your garage door? Doggie doors simply require an opening, then clamp into the opening with some screws. You could possibly do it yourself or hire a handyman. However, you might have to replace the garage door if the next owner doesn't have pets and/or doesn't want to look at a doggie door. But it'd most certainly be the least expensive option.

[MikeJaquish]

You want a "3680 entrance door cut into your garage wall where there is no door."
Don't say "garage door." That is all they will hear.

Unless you pick an expensive door, I would expect you would pay $650-$800 for the job to be done by a professional.

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by gastric

Alternative: Why not just install a doggie door in your garage door? Doggie doors simply require an opening, then clamp into the opening with some screws. You could possibly do it yourself or hire a handyman. However, you might have to replace the garage door if the next owner doesn't have pets and/or doesn't want to look at a doggie door. But it'd most certainly be the least expensive option.

Hmmm..thats actually not a bad idea...I have my garage door halfway up right now and it just looks so tacky. I figured with the side door, the dogs wont be seen as much. But cost wise, that might not be a bad idea!

thanks!

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by MikeJaquish

You want a "3680 entrance door cut into your garage wall where there is no door."
Don't say "garage door." That is all they will hear.

Unless you pick an expensive door, I would expect you would pay $650-$800 for the job to be done by a professional.

Geez...really? I think I might go with the above poster and put a doggie door into my existing garage door. I know its about $500 to have that replaced. Might be cheaper.

Thanks!

[sacredgrooves]

If your dog isnt too big you can just install a doggie door in the wall. If you need a door installed, you will have to use a fire rated door. These are costly, and will need to be replaced again when you sell as you cannot breach a fire rated door. The inspector will ding you on it and you will be buying another one.
Personally I would install it in the wall. If you have a big dog just header off the studs to cut a wider opening. That would need to be done for a pedestrian garage door anyway. A permit is required to header studs no matter where you do it. If you need further questions answered I will be more than happy to help, just shoot me a PM. I am an inspector, and my father is a licensed GC. We do not do the work as we are too busy with our inspection biz, but we can definitely shed some light on the situation. Good luck!

[sacredgrooves]

ps overhead doors for a garage are very expensive(cheap ones are 7-800 bucks then you have the install to pay for). I wouldnt install it there unless you plan on living in that house forever.

[ferrickhead28]

Originally Posted by sacredgrooves

If your dog isnt too big you can just install a doggie door in the wall. If you need a door installed, you will have to use a fire rated door. These are costly, and will need to be replaced again when you sell as you cannot breach a fire rated door. The inspector will ding you on it and you will be buying another one.
Personally I would install it in the wall. If you have a big dog just header off the studs to cut a wider opening. That would need to be done for a pedestrian garage door anyway. A permit is required to header studs no matter where you do it. If you need further questions answered I will be more than happy to help, just shoot me a PM. I am an inspector, and my father is a licensed GC. We do not do the work as we are too busy with our inspection biz, but we can definitely shed some light on the situation. Good luck!

Wow, I'm so glad I asked!!!
I have three big dogs, one is a mastiff.
I was thinking about installing a hole in the wall, but it would look kind of tacky plus not sure what I would do if I had to sell the house. Ugh. Never thought about the fire rated door, thanks for pointing that out!

I think I will just put the doggie door in the main garage door and replace it if we sell it. Its a bit banged up anyway from being slammed down on a weight, lol.

THANK YOU SOOOOO MUCH!!!!

[sacredgrooves]

My pleasure! Yeah I guess you would be making a pretty big hole in the wall for a Mastiff lol.

[North_Raleigh_Guy]

Originally Posted by sacredgrooves

If you need a door installed, you will have to use a fire rated door. These are costly, and will need to be replaced again when you sell as you cannot breach a fire rated door. The inspector will ding you on it and you will be buying another one.

Can somebody explain what it means to "breach" a fire rated door? I am not understanding why you would need to replace it when you sell. How and why is this door different from say your front door?

Thanks!

~ NRG