What is the cost of adding French doors during a renovation in NB?

French door installation during a renovation typically costs $2,000-$6,000 per opening in New Brunswick, depending on whether you're creating a new opening or replacing an existing door, the door quality, and structural requirements.

Basic French door replacement in an existing opening runs $1,500-$3,000 for mid-range vinyl or fibreglass doors with installation. Premium wood or fibreglass French doors with decorative glass and quality hardware cost $3,000-$5,000 installed. If you're creating a new opening in an exterior wall, add $1,500-$3,000 for structural work, including proper header installation, framing, and finishing both interior and exterior surfaces.

Interior French doors between rooms are significantly less expensive at $800-$2,000 installed, since there's no weatherproofing, insulation, or structural header requirements. However, most NB homeowners choose exterior French doors leading to decks, patios, or gardens to maximize natural light and outdoor access.

New Brunswick's demanding climate makes door selection critical. French doors face the full brunt of NB's 100+ annual freeze-thaw cycles, driving rain, and temperature swings from -25°C to +30°C. Cheap doors will warp, leak, and fail within 5-10 years. Fibreglass French doors perform best in NB conditions - they won't rot like wood, warp like vinyl in extreme cold, or require the maintenance of wood doors. Look for doors with triple-pane glass, multi-point locking systems, and adjustable thresholds to handle seasonal movement.

Structural considerations are crucial when adding French doors to existing walls. Most exterior walls in NB homes are load-bearing, requiring a properly sized header to carry the load above the new opening. A structural engineer's assessment costs $500-$1,000 but prevents catastrophic settling or cracking. The header installation, new framing, insulation, vapour barrier, and interior/exterior finishing easily adds $2,000-$4,000 to the project cost.

Timing matters significantly for French door installation in NB. Schedule exterior door work between May and October when temperatures stay consistently above 10°C. Installing doors in winter risks poor sealant adhesion, difficulty with materials, and exposing your home to harsh weather during installation. Spring installation also allows you to enjoy your new doors through the full outdoor season.

Professional installation is strongly recommended for exterior French doors. Proper installation requires precise measurements, structural knowledge, weatherproofing expertise, and specialized tools. Poor installation leads to air leaks, water infiltration, and premature door failure - expensive problems in NB's climate. Licensed contractors carry WorkSafeNB coverage and warranty their work, protecting you from installation defects.

Budget 15-20% contingency for French door projects, especially in older NB homes where you might discover structural issues, outdated wiring, or the need for additional framing work. Get three quotes from experienced contractors and verify their WorkSafeNB coverage before signing any contract.

Need help finding an experienced renovation contractor in your area? New Brunswick Renovations can connect you with local professionals who specialize in door installation and structural modifications.