Front doors are often installed late, under pressure, and alongside multiple finishing trades. When sequencing is unclear, even a well-made door can become a site problem.
This article looks at how builders can sequence front door installation to minimise rework, reduce clashes and keep the build moving. It complements the coordination principles in reducing front door defects through better coordination and focuses on timing rather than product selection.
Why sequencing matters more than specification
Builders often spend time choosing the “right” door but less time planning when and how it will be installed. Sequencing mistakes usually show up as
- Doors installed before wet trades are complete
- Finished floors damaged during door adjustment
- Hardware fitted before final alignment
- Screens or secondary elements added after practical completion
These issues cost time and goodwill, even when they are easy to fix technically.
Treat the front door as a critical path item
The front door should be treated as a critical path element, not a finishing afterthought.
Good sequencing usually involves
- Confirming door details before cladding or brickwork is complete
- Installing the door after primary waterproofing but before final finishes
- Locking in thresholds before flooring is laid
This approach reduces the risk of cutting, packing or compromising finishes later.
Installing one system instead of two
Traditional door-plus-screen setups often require two separate visits
- Door installation
- Screen measurement and installation
A multi-function entry door collapses this into a single operation. From a sequencing perspective, that means
- Fewer trade handovers
- Less waiting between steps
- Clearer accountability if adjustments are needed
This simplification aligns with the broader builder-focused thinking in Air Flow Doors for builders: reducing callbacks, simplifying installs, improving outcomes.
Protecting the door during the rest of the build
One concern builders often raise is damage after installation. Doors installed too early can be exposed to
- Dust and grit from ongoing works
- Impact from materials and tools
- Misuse by trades unfamiliar with operation
Sequencing should include
- Temporary protection where required
- Clear communication to site trades about door operation
- Delaying final hardware fitting until late-stage works are complete
This reduces unnecessary wear before handover.
Using sequencing to support handover quality
A well-sequenced installation makes handover easier
- The door operates smoothly
- Thresholds are clean and intact
- Clients are introduced to a finished, settled system
This supports the client experience discussed in front doors clients actually enjoy using every day and reduces post-handover dissatisfaction.
A sequencing rule of thumb
If the door installation requires backtracking on finished work, sequencing has failed. If the door drops into place cleanly and stays untouched until handover, sequencing has succeeded.