There are some projects that just stick with you—and this custom fiberglass entry door install is one of them. What made it memorable wasn’t just the design or the finish, but the amount of coordination and forward-thinking that went into making it all come together seamlessly.
This job took place at an older home that was undergoing some major upgrades. We worked alongside a general contractor to essentially rebuild the entire door opening before we could even begin the installation. The front façade was being redone with a fresh stucco finish, which meant we had to time everything just right to avoid any rework. Like many of our larger projects, it came down to great communication and well-timed execution among multiple trades to make the final result possible.
The door design itself started from one of our in-house patterns, but we worked closely with the homeowner to refine the details and add a personal touch. With a custom-stained finish that matches both the existing interior and the refreshed exterior, the door ended up looking like it was always meant to be there—a perfect blend of style and function.
Security and smart functionality were at the top of the homeowner’s list, so we upgraded the door with a high-performance multipoint locking system. Over the past few years, multipoint locks have become our go-to for enhanced security and insulation, and most of our doors now include them by default. But this job had an extra twist: it was one of the first where we paired that system with Yale’s new fingerprint scanner, fully integrated into a smart lock setup.
Since figuring out how to retrofit smart locks onto our preferred multipoint setups, I’ve installed close to 50 of these systems out in the field. They generally work great, though like all tech, they benefit from precision. When everything lines up just right, the experience is seamless.
The fingerprint scanner was new territory for me, but it installed smoothly and the feedback from the homeowners has been excellent. It allows for secure, keyless entry, and can also be paired with a more traditional keypad if desired. It’s always great to test out new hardware that actually delivers on its promises—and opens up new possibilities for future projects.
Projects like this are what keep the job exciting. Between the smart upgrades, the custom design, and the seamless coordination with other trades, this door ended up being more than just a front entry—it became a bold statement about the home and the people who live there.