Doors and Windows - Advice needed on replacing entry doors

Hi, I just bought a new house. I've got two entry doors with "doggie doors" cut out. Since I don't have dogs, I want to replace them. Can I purchase just the door and replace it, or do I have to get a pre-hung system and install that? The house is only 8 years old, so there's nothing wrong with these doors except the doggie openings.

I'd love to avoid having to take off the trim, paint the jambs, etc. If I could just buy a door and paint it, then hang it in the existing opening, that would be great. Is there a reason that won't work? Thanks for the help!

Seek a local door shop that offers duplication service (wood and sometimes fiberglass). You would remove the door and take the door and existing hardware to the shop. The shop would duplicate the door. Done properly (many shops are capable, some are not) the new door would fit perfectly.

Depends on the age of the door. If it is old, the weathstriping is poor or non-existent, then I would recommend a new prehung door. If the weatherstripping is fairly new, then a door blank will do fine. But hangng a blank can be difficult if you don't know the procedure. if the hinge mortises are off even the slighest, the door will not sit right.

Depends on the age of the door. If it is old, the weathstriping is poor or non-existent, then I would recommend a new prehung door. If the weatherstripping is fairly new, then a door blank will do fine. But hangng a blank can be difficult if you don't know the procedure. if the hinge mortises are off even the slighest, the door will not sit right.

Yeah, after reading some stuff around the Web, it sounds like you are right. What are the chances that the mortises will match up perfectly on a door that's only 8 years old?

I guess I'll buy a prehung unit and see if I can get away with just hanging the door in the old frame. Otherwise, I'll go through with doing the whole thing. What a pain.

Seek a local door shop that offers duplication service (wood and sometimes fiberglass). You would remove the door and take the door and existing hardware to the shop. The shop would duplicate the door. Done properly (many shops are capable, some are not) the new door would fit perfectly.

Whoops, I didn't see your response first. That is a great idea--never heard of that. Any idea what a fair price for this service would be (not including the door or any hardware)?