What garage to house door means
The door between an attached garage and the house has fire separation rules: solid or rated construction and, in many places, a self closer.
Also called fire-rated door, self-closing door.
Where it matters on a window and door job
Replacing it with a hollow core door or removing the closer breaks the separation. Order the right door and closer, and point out an existing problem on any garage job.
What the model code says
- Openings between the garage and the house need solid wood or steel doors at least 1 3/8 inches thick, or 20-minute fire-rated doors, and no garage opening may go directly into a sleeping room. (IRC 2021, Chapter 3)
Check which code edition your building department enforces for garage to house door before you quote.
What it costs
The front door replacement cost guide has the typical job at $1,350 and the usual range at $550 to $1,850. The guide shows its sources and what moves the price.
Work it out
- Cost guide: Front door replacement cost
- Tools, templates and guides: Free window and door resources
Sources: 2021 International Residential Code, Chapter 3, Building Planning (ICC). Checked October 9, 2026.