Handyman answer
Should I repair or replace an interior door?
Repair is usually worth evaluating when the door is basically sound and the problem is limited to loose hinges, worn hardware, latch alignment, minor rubbing, small edge damage, or trim. Replacement becomes more practical when the slab is badly warped, split, delaminated, extensively damaged, the wrong size, or when the frame or opening needs substantial correction.
Conditions that affect the answer
- Door problems can originate at the hinge screws, hinge mortises, latch and strike, slab clearances, jamb, casing, flooring, or movement in the opening.
- Seasonal humidity can change clearances, so the timing and pattern of sticking matter.
- A loose upper hinge can make the latch side sag and rub even when the slab itself is usable.
- Replacement planning must account for slab size, thickness, handing, hinge locations, bore locations, jamb condition, and finish.
Limits and safer alternatives
- Foundation movement, structural opening changes, widespread rot, recurring water entry, or major frame damage needs broader evaluation before finish adjustments.
- Fire-rated doors and assemblies require compatible listed components and should not be casually modified.
- Trimming a door is not always the correct first step because it can hide a hinge or frame problem and create excessive gaps.
What to send or prepare
- Send full-door photos from both sides with the door open and closed.
- Photograph every hinge, the latch and strike, rubbing marks, gaps around the perimeter, and any damaged trim.
- Measure the slab width, height, thickness, and approximate floor clearance.
- Explain whether the problem changes with weather and when it first appeared.
Scheduling
Charlotte Service Hub reviews the evidence and identifies whether an adjustment visit, limited carpentry, hardware replacement, or a replacement measurement visit is the sensible next step.
Mobile service by appointment
Need help with your specific situation?
Mobile service only. No customer-facing shop location. Service is available by appointment.