What Commercial Door Installation Pros Do — A GC’s Field Guide
General contractors juggle dozens of trades, but Division 8 (segment of construction) often looks deceptively simple—“hang a door, slap on the hardware.”
In reality, door specialists orchestrate airtight tolerances, life-safety code, and sequencing that can make or break close-out.
1️⃣ Pre-Install Reality Check
Rough-opening verification—plumb, level, square, and within ¹⁄₁₆ in. per SDI standard.
Frame anchorage review—masonry, stud, or welded: each demands the right anchor pattern and fire-rating labels before walls close.
Hardware staging—hinges, closers, electrified locks, and connection points are pre-kitted and cross-checked against the approved submittal to prevent costly punch-lists.
2️⃣ Installation & QC
Frame set “PLS” (plumb-level-square) with diagonal bracing until grout cures.
Door leaf clearances verified: ⅛ in. head/jamb, ¹⁄₁₆ in. meeting-edge for pairs—per ANSI/SDI 100.
Hardware templated, torqued to spec, and fire-rated assemblies inspected under NFPA 80.
3️⃣ Turnover Best Practices
Functional testing (swing, latch, closer sweep) witnessed by the GC and recorded in the close-out package.
O&M documentation—including hinge lubrication schedule and annual fire-door inspection checklist.
Take-away: Engage your door subcontractor early, lock submittals before rough framing, and budget a joint pre-installation meeting. You’ll shave days off punch-list and keep Certificate-of-Occupancy on track.
ANSI - American National Standards Institue
SDI - Steel Door Institute
NFPA - National Fire Protection Association