New York City Residential Door Installer for Cellar & Fire-Rated Doors – Metro Cellar Door Bilco Pro

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can you add a basement door to a house?

  Yes, you can add a basement door to an existing home — and it’s a common request we get as residential door installers. Adding exterior access to your basement is ideal for storage, safety, or converting it into a livable space. The process will depend on your home’s layout, foundation, and local building codes.

  Here’s how it typically works:

  • 1. Site Evaluation – A certified, experienced crew will inspect your home’s exterior and foundation.
  • 2. Planning & Permits – We handle the paperwork, including permits, if required by NYC or county building codes.
  • 3. Excavation & Framing – For a new door, we may need to cut through concrete or siding and build a frame.
  • 4. Professional Installation – We install the basement door, usually a Bilco-type door or bulkhead, and seal it properly.

  We recommend choosing a professional basement door installer for safety and compliance. DIY or hiring a general handyman might be risky due to waterproofing and structural work involved. This type of residential door installation is ideal for homes needing secure access without affecting the interior closet or floor space.

  View our gallery to see previous installs or click here to request a quote.

• How much does a cellar door cost in a residential property

   The cost of a cellar door varies depending on the size, material, location, and complexity of installation. On average:

  • Standard steel cellar doors range from $800 to $1,500 for the product alone.
  • Custom Bilco doors or high-grade aluminum models can go up to $2,000+.
  • Installation fees vary between $500 to $2,000, depending on labor, excavation, and door type.

  Here’s a rough cost list for reference:

  Type of Cellar Door	Average Product Cost	Installed Cost
  Standard Steel	$800 – $1,200	$1,500 – $2,500
  Bilco Door (Steel)	$1,000 – $1,700	$2,000 – $3,200
  Custom Fit w/ Concrete	$1,200 – $2,000	$2,500 – $4,000

  Other factors that affect price include:

  • Need for repair or structural reinforcement
  • Changes to siding, roofing, or floor levels
  • Add-ons like lighting installation or patio entry

  Avoid purchasing low-quality doors from big-box stores like Lowe’s or Home Depot without proper installation. Hire a certified cellar door installer for long-term reliability and proper warranty.

• What kind of wood is used for cellar doors?

  While most modern cellar doors are made from steel or aluminum for durability, wooden cellar doors are still used in some historic or residential remodeling projects. The best wood types for cellar or exterior home doors include:

  • Cedar – Naturally resistant to rot and insects
  • Redwood – Strong, weather-resistant, and beautiful for exposed areas
  • Mahogany – Dense and durable, excellent for custom designs
  • Pressure-treated pine – Budget-friendly and pre-treated for moisture resistance

  However, wooden cellar doors require regular maintenance, especially in high-moisture environments like NYC. You’ll need to repaint or seal the door every few years to prevent rot.

  For homeowners considering a traditional or rustic look, wood can be a good option — but be sure to ask your cellar door installer about sealing, waterproofing, and potential maintenance costs.

  Need help selecting the right type of front door? Our residential door installer team offers professional installation and product services backed by warranties. We’ll walk you through every step, from interior access to exterior frame options.

• Do residential doors need to be fire rated?

  Not all residential doors need to be fire-rated, but some do — especially in multi-family homes or houses with attached garages. Local building codes, insurance requirements, and property type all play a role.

  Here’s where fire-rated doors are typically required in homes:

  • Between garage and home interior
  • Apartment buildings (e.g., unit entry doors)
  • Multi-family properties or duplexes
  • Basement entries near utility rooms or boilers

  As an experienced fire door installer, we recommend:

  • Metal or solid-core wood doors with a minimum 20-minute rating
  • Upgraded hinges and fire-rated seals
  • Certified products that comply with NYC and NJ fire codes

  We supply and install residential fire-rated doors that pass inspection and add peace of mind. If your home door leads to high-risk areas (like a boiler room or garage), installing a fire-rated option is not only smart — it’s often required.

  Visit our gallery to view past fire-rated installations, or explore our website  to learn about our fire door services and offers.

• How long do bulkhead doors last in homes?

  A properly installed bulkhead door should last 25 to 30 years, depending on material and exposure to the elements. The key is quality materials and professional installation.

  Here’s what affects the life of your bulkhead door:

  • Material – Steel and aluminum models last longer than wood
  • Installation – Poor fit can lead to leaks, rust, and premature failure
  • Weatherproofing – Sealing, flashing, and drainage matter
  • Maintenance – Regular inspections and minor repairs prevent bigger problems

  Signs you need a bulkhead door replacement:

  • Rust, corrosion, or soft spots
  • Water leakage into the basement
  • Door won’t close or seal properly
  • Damage to the frame or concrete base

  As a trusted bulkhead door installer, we offer options that resist weather and wear. Unlike generic options from Home Depot or other depots, we provide direct-from-manufacturer doors and full warranty-backed services.

  Need financing? Ask us about payment plans and get a fresh door installed without delay.

NYC Certified Home Door Installers – We Install High-Quality Residential Doors for Cellars, Sidewalks & More