Using Home Depot/Lowe's For Home Improvements

I would not. I used them for a similar project: replacement door w/sidelights. It seemed okay at first, but quickly the door began to sag & the installer was nowhere to be found. Disconnected cell number, Home Depot said the issue was between me & the installer, and I ended up fixing the problem myself. Door had to be replaced within three years due to his shoddy work (jamb rotted due to poor installation/water intrusion).

Keep looking. I don't know where you're located, but it shouldn't be too hard to find a decent carpenter who specializes in small repair jobs. Do you know any general contractors? They may be able to refer you to trustworthy, competent subs who want to pick up some work on the side/weekend.

it wouldnt scare me off


i had a remote start installed by best buy a few years ago

the way I looked at it was....the guy doing the install does several a day, just like the guy over at mike's audio or other specific shops....so why is he less competent at doing it considering he has the same experience and does the same thing day in and day out

We used HD when we installed a pavestone paver patio in our backyard maybe 7 years ago. Not a problem at all, the crew was outstanding, and never had an issue with the patio.

However, to the poster that said the store would not stand behind their sub, I would have raised all sorts of hell. If the store is going to sub out the service and get a cut, they need to back it up.

I have two experiences with Home Depot installs. The first was awesome and great customer service the second horrible and had to get corporate involved.

2009 purchased our house and had granite installed. Installers were professional and friendly at all times. They had to post pone the original install because the granite had not been cut. Home Depot sent us a $300 gift card because they were 2 weeks late installing.

2014 flooring install. Nightmare. Had them come out and lay 900 sq feet of tile. Day of install, the installer shows up and explains the flooring needs to be level before they can lay. Tells my wife he has to call it in and the store will be calling her. Wife gets a call from local Home Depot store manager saying it's going to be 1600 and he needs to know now or guys walk from job. Wife 8 months prego calls me crying. We agree to let them do it. I call around after and it appears I could have gotten it done for around 800. Here is the worst part they make you buy 15 percent more. Which I understood in case of breakage. Well when it was all said and done I returned close to 300 feet which the store refunded. They did not want to refund the labor for the product that was returned. I felt like I was talking to a special needs person when I said "why should I pay for the labor of the 300 square feet that was returned". I felt like I literally blew her mind. Ended up with a customer service rep in GA. After two months they refunded the labor for the product that was returned

I might have been raised different, but hanging doors is VERY easy. For the exterior, I am almost certain you can find a buddy/family member to help you.

You tube it and save your self the $$$.

However, if you have to do any brick work or things like that, have a professional do that. But simple door frame replacement is easy.


With regards to Lowes, I have had them install carpet at my house on several occasions. Some guys are better than others, but they all did a good job.

I'm a door guy.

To replace your entry way it will be extremely expensive to do it correctly.

The 6k+ is actually on the low side.

The cost of the entryway you are describing itself, it in the 4-8k range depending on the style you pick, then install will be anywhere from 2-4k.

And this is to do it right. Don't just trust Raul to do it as he will surely screw it up.

And do not use home depot. Use a reputable door company that creates doors for a living.

ive got lowes coming to put in quartz countertops throughout the house next tuesday. the fabricator/installer they use seems pretty legit (stone interiors out of the kenner area). i asked them about making some changes and cutting lowes out of the equation and they seemed very apprehensive about pissing lowes off. lowes is probably a significant portion of their revenue

anyway, it seems like you did your homework on the sub that HD wants to use. i wouldn't worry about it. just find out what your recourse is if they do shoddy work.

I'm not a fan of the big chain stores, especially when it comes to sub-contracting out a job.

Your local HD/Lowes may have some great subcontractors, so ask for some references.

Try to find some smaller independents in your area. Most of the big-boys in your area probably has 6 months of work lined up.

Good luck.