San Diego Door Installers San Diego, CA

Reduce the cost of pet door installation

"I'm looking for a company or contractor that would install pet doors. What kind of company should I be looking for, and what should I expect out of the job?" — Angie's List member Hector Sosa

Hire a handyman or door installer to build your pet's gateway to the outside world, says Arnold Young, owner of A-rated Home Improvements Inside & Out in San Diego. He says homeowners will save money by buying the door they want ahead of time.

"I charge by the hour, and if they already have the door with them, it only takes me about an hour and a half," Young says.

"If they don't, then I have to talk to them about what they want, see the size of the animal and go to a supplier to pick one up. It takes more time, and I have to charge more." Young says it costs about $75 to $90 for most pet door installations.

He advises homeowners to research the myriad of pet doors available, such as models that provide improved energy efficiency or security. "It's definitely worth their time," Young says. "Ultimately, they're the ones who have to live with the door."

Homeowners should also be aware that possums, skunks and raccoons might also enter pet doors, says Michael Martell, owner of highly rated Stellar Home Improvements in Escondido.

He says some models have security features that can prevent this. "There are pet doors that are activated by a sending unit on your pet's collar," Martell says. "So the door only opens for your pet."

Do you have a service-related question? E-mail us at mailbag@angieslist.com.

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