New outside door installation issue questions?

[Bob M]

Gentlemen;

About a year ago I had a contractor install a new steel, prehung exterior door. Although I don't know the brand, this door was most likely obtained at Home Depot. There appears to be nothing wrong with the quality of the door and its surround.

I am trying to sell this home and the inspector states the door is in need of adjustment but was not specific. I looked and looked and the only issue I could find was that compared to other doors in the house it appears to be set more deeply into the opening as seen from the inside. This means that when closing the lock bolt hits the 1-1.5" of trim edge before it reaches the strike plate.

This has never been a problem for me as I relatively effortlessly pull the door closed just fine. Apparently the potential purchaser has a different idea!

As I am not a carpenter I am hoping that some of you readers who may be familiar with installing/repairing similar doors might have an idea as to what I am describing and even more hopefully how it can be repaired? I am hesitant to call even a contractor because I don't even know how to best describe it.

Does the door need to be reinstalled? If so, in what way? I can't imaging the door could be incorrectly sizes as it looks just fine.

Any ideas, suggestions, recommendations, help GREATLY appreciated. As one can imagine, in this housing mess and economy I am already taking a real bath on this house.

Thanks - Bob

[RicodJour]

Let me get this straight. An inspector flags a latch hitting the trim before it hits the strike plate, and you're offering _money_ to the buyer? Why?! If it is as you say, and there's nothing else wrong with the door, then just buy an extended strike plate.

I know it is a buyer's market, but a fabricated problem doesn't justify you cutting the selling price. Before you offer discounts, you should verify exactly what the inspector was flagging. If he was flagging things that small, I'm surprised that he hasn't taken up residence with you until he can finish his report!

R

[Colbyt]

This would be 100% normal for a standard entry door installed in a 2x6 stud wall or in a basement wall. Or anywhere else where it was necessary to "extend the jamb".

Bob, there are only a very few things that are adjustable on an entry door.

Some have an adjustable threshold that can be raised or lowered by prying off the little plastic caps and turning a screw.

The strike plate may need adjusting if the door is not making firm contact with the weather striping when fully closed.

An uneven gap along the top or side would be an artifact of a poor install or settling of the structure. The fix would require casing removal and additional shimming. Not a minor job.

Ask the inspector what needs adjusting. You can blindly fix things without knowing what to do. The sob got paid let him earn his money.

Colbyt