Ordering custom steel doors is not like ordering windows from a home improvement store. It is a precision manufacturing process with multiple phases, engineering milestones, and documented approvals — and understanding that process before you begin is one of the best things you can do to ensure your project goes smoothly.
This guide walks through every stage of what happens between “I want custom steel doors” and “the doors are installed and working perfectly.”
Phase 1: Initial Quote and Estimate (5–15 Business Days)
The process begins with a Request for Quote (RFQ). To produce an accurate estimate, we need: your rough opening dimensions for each unit, wall assembly type (wood frame, steel frame, masonry, or concrete), glass performance requirements (standard, Title 24 compliant, WUI zone, coastal), desired finish color and type, hardware preferences, and any special conditions such as curved openings, non-standard configurations, or high-elevation installations.
For projects under $20,000, we typically respond within 5–7 business days. Larger projects ($20,000–$100,000) take 7–10 business days. Projects over $100,000 may require 12–15 business days for a thorough estimate. All estimates are valid for 30 days from the proposal date and are subject to revision if order conditions change before finalization.
Want a starting-from estimate immediately? Our AI quote agent Marco at quote.herrerodoors.com provides MSRP pricing 24/7 without a sales call.
Phase 2: Deposit and Shop Drawing Queue
Once you accept the estimate and sign the initial order documents, a non-refundable deposit places your project in the shop drawing queue. The deposit structure at HERRERO is:
- Orders under $20,000: 50% deposit
- Orders $20,000–$99,999: 50% deposit
- Orders $100,000+: 20% deposit
This deposit is non-refundable because it immediately allocates engineering and CAD resources to your project. If you need to cancel before shop drawing approval, a minimum of 10–20% of the total order value is retained depending on the stage of work completed.
Phase 3: CAD Shop Drawings (5–15 Business Days After Deposit)
This is one of the most important phases — and the one most frequently underestimated by clients new to custom steel.
Every unit in your order receives a dedicated CAD drawing showing precise dimensions, clearances, hardware placement, glass lite layout, and any special conditions. These drawings are not generic templates — they are engineering documents specific to your exact openings and wall conditions.
The CAD process includes:
- First submittal: The initial draft set, sent for your review and approval with required signature and initials on each item to be manufactured
- First revision (if needed): Requested changes are incorporated and a revised set is sent at no charge
- Second revision (if needed): One additional revision set at no charge
- Subsequent changes: Any changes requiring CAD modification beyond the included revisions are billed at a minimum of $250 per change order, and may place production scheduling on temporary hold
Important: all hardware choices must be finalized before CAD drawings are approved for production. Hardware dimensions affect frame preparation, cutout locations, and structural reinforcement — changes after approval can require a complete CAD revision.
Manufacturing tolerance for all HERRERO units is ±1/16″ (0.0625″) for every 5 feet of product. Glass dimensions shown on shop drawings are not guaranteed — physical measurement of the as-built unit after installation determines actual glass sizing for glazing.
Phase 4: CAD Approval and Production Start
When you sign the final set of shop drawings, two things happen simultaneously: your order is placed in the production queue, and — for orders $20,000 and above — a second payment is due.
Production scheduling is based on order of full shop drawing approval. Jobs cannot be prioritized in production without complete, signed CAD approval. The entire CAD package must be approved to begin — individual units from a multi-unit order cannot be started piecemeal.
One critical note: any change to any single unit after shop drawing sign-off may stop production of the entire order. Change orders submitted after production begins require a formal written request, carry an administration fee of $125 per change order, and may delay your delivery schedule significantly.
Phase 5: Production (Lead Times Vary by Order)
Production timelines at HERRERO are subject to weekly changes based on current queue volume, order complexity, and any required engineering coordination. Lead times are confirmed during the shop approval process and documented on the final contract.
Production involves steel cutting, welding, grinding, hot-dip galvanizing, finishing, glazing (for factory-glazed units), hardware packaging, and final quality inspection before release. Each unit is inspected prior to delivery and signed off before being loaded for shipment.
Phase 6: Delivery
California projects are delivered by HERRERO trucks via “tailgate” delivery — meaning units are brought to the project site and offloaded at the back of the truck. Delivery does not include unpacking, placement in a specific area of the building, or installation.
What you need to have ready for delivery:
- Adequate labor to receive and unload glazed door and window units from the truck. Steel units are heavy — plan accordingly.
- Clear site access for a 53-foot truck and trailer
- Prepared storage area that is cleaned, secure from elements, and accessible
- Two hours are included for off-load; additional time is billed at $375/hour
External shipping for projects outside California typically takes 3–15 business days depending on location and conditions.
Phase 7: Receiving Inspection (Critical — 48-Hour Window)
Upon delivery, you must inspect all products within 2 working days and immediately report any discrepancies to HERRERO in writing. Failure to report within 2 days implies acceptance of the products in good condition. This is a firm policy — not a technicality.
Store all products vertically in a dry, well-ventilated area. Do not expose metal products to moisture — they are not inherently waterproof until glass is fully installed and sealed. Remove all packaging within 2 working days of receipt.
Phase 8: Installation
Installation must be performed by a licensed and qualified contractor following HERRERO’s approved CAD drawings, specifications, and installation instructions. Rough openings must be properly framed, plumb, level, square, and structurally sound before installation begins.
HERRERO does not install — but we maintain a network of Installation Specialists Certified by HERRERO for complex projects requiring advanced skill in large-scale steel door and window installation, historic building renovation, and architecturally sensitive projects. Ask your sales representative for a referral.
What Your Warranty Covers (Starting from Delivery Date)
- 10 years: Manufacturing defects in iron door/window sash structure and frames
- 3 years: Factory finish (standard paint/galvanized) — 1 year for coastal projects
- 3 years: Insulated glass unit seals
- 1 year: Hardware workmanship and manufacturing issues
Warranty coverage requires proper installation by a licensed contractor, compliance with HERRERO’s maintenance requirements, and timely reporting of any defects in writing.
Ready to Start Your Project?
The best first step is getting a real number for your specific configuration. Use our AI quote agent Marco at quote.herrerodoors.com for an instant starting-from estimate — or contact our team directly for complex multi-unit projects. HERRERO steel doors and windows are custom-fabricated in Anaheim, California, and shipped throughout the state and nationwide.
