If the drawings do not include a door schedule, it may be worth the estimator’s time to develop one, especially if the project is large or complicated. The schedule should indicate the opening number, door type,size material, glass or louver requirements, and remarks.

The door schedule should include a frame schedule listing the frame material, type, and jamb, head, and sill details.

Hardware requirements should be listed on the door schedule as well. Keep in mind the fact that the hardware can, in some instances, be more costly than the door itself.

Metal Doors and Frames - Most metal doors and frames look alike, but there may be significant differences among them. When estimating these items, be sure to choose the line item that most closely compares to the specification or door schedule requirements. read more.

Wood and Plastic Doors - Wood doors vary considerably in price. The primary determinent is the veneer material. Lauan, birch, and oak are the most common veneers. read more.

Exterior Doors - All exterior doors should be addressed for their energy conservation.

Interior Door Ratings - For walls to be considered fire-rated, any doors in those walls must be fire-rated. Most plans do not spell out which interior partitions are to be considered fire-rated. In commercial applications, a rule of thumb is that all partitions that have drywall (or masonry) from the floor to the above structure, and few, if any, penetrations should be considered fire-rated.

Handicap Access - While the drawings may not show it, local codes may require special hardware and opening systems to allow a structure to be accessible to the handicapped. Contact the local authorities for their codes and requirements.

Special Doors - Special attention should be given to any oversized or unusual type of doors. These items should not be priced on a prorated basis, as they are generally special order items. The costs of special doors can skyrocket, especially if they involve exotic woods, special finishes, or special attention (which usually means higher labor costs). Note also that special doors may require a considerable amount of lead time for ordering and shipping.

Building Hardware - As a rule of thumb, building hardware for an average quality building can be expected to run in the neighborhood of 2% of the entire building cost. However, security requirements and wiring of the hardware may drive up the cost.

Other Related Estimating Tips:

• Openings
• Windows
• Glazing