Upgrading internal door handles and installing curtain rails are the "finishing touches" that define a home’s aesthetic and functionality. While these tasks see...
Professional installation by a carpenter or skilled tradesperson ensures that hardware is perfectly level, latches align correctly, and the right anchors are used for your specific wall type. This guide covers the essential costs and considerations for UK homeowners looking to refresh their interior hardware.
What Does the Work Involve?
- Assessment: Checking door thickness for spindle compatibility and identifying wall types (plasterboard, masonry, or timber) for curtain rail fixings.
- Preparation: Removing existing hardware and filling old screw holes if the new fittings have a different footprint.
- Marking and Levelling: Using laser levels or spirit levels to ensure curtain tracks are perfectly horizontal and handles are at a consistent height.
- Installation: Drilling pilot holes, securing brackets or rose plates, and cutting spindles or tracks to the required length.
- Testing: Ensuring door latches engage smoothly without sticking and curtain glides move freely across the entire rail.
Typical Costs
| Item | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Call-out / Minimum Charge | £75 | £130 | Covers travel and the first hour of labour. |
| Labour (per hour) | £45 | £85 | Varies by region; London/South East will be higher. |
| Handle Installation (per door) | £25 | £50 | Labour only; price depends on latch complexity. |
| Curtain Rail/Track Fitting | £35 | £70 | Per window; bay windows cost significantly more. |
| Materials (Mid-range) | £20 | £120 | Per set (handles, rails, and specialist fixings). |
Total project costs are heavily influenced by the number of units being installed and the quality of the hardware. Fitting handles to a whole house (8-10 doors) is often quoted as a fixed day rate, which can offer better value than hourly pricing.
How Long Does It Take?
- Standard Door Handle Swap: 20–40 minutes per door.
- New Latch and Handle Fitting: 45–60 minutes per door.
- Straight Curtain Rail (Masonry): 30–50 minutes.
- Bay Window Curtain Track: 2–4 hours (requires complex bending and multiple fixings).
- Whole House Hardware Refresh: 1–2 days depending on the number of rooms.
DIY or Professional?
Replacing a simple "like-for-like" door handle is a manageable DIY task for most. However, installing curtain rails into modern plasterboard or over steel lintels can be frustrating and result in damaged walls if the wrong drill bits or plugs are used.
Professional installation is highly recommended for fire doors, as any hardware changes must maintain the door's fire-resistant integrity.
Choosing the Right Tradesperson
- Look for a carpenter or a highly-rated multi-trade "handyman" for smaller jobs.
- Ensure they have Public Liability Insurance to cover any accidental damage to walls or doors.
- Questions to Ask:
- Do you use specialist fixings (like Gripit or toggle bolts) for hollow plasterboard walls?
- Will you use dust extraction or covers to protect my flooring?
- Are you experienced with fitting hardware to fire-rated doors?
- Is your work guaranteed if a handle becomes loose within the first few months?
UK Regulations
While standard internal doors have few restrictions, specific rules apply in certain scenarios:
- Fire Doors (Part B): Hardware fitted to fire doors (common in flats or three-storey homes) must be CE/UKCA marked and installed without compromising the door’s fire rating.
- Accessibility (Part M): In new builds or specific renovations, handles should be easy to operate (lever style) and placed at a height of 800mm to 1050mm.
- Child Safety: Curtain and blind cords must comply with BS EN 13120 to prevent strangulation risks; installers should provide safety cleats or tensioners.
Common Problems
- Hitting Steel Lintels: Many modern UK homes have steel lintels above windows that require specialist cobalt drill bits to penetrate.
- Crumbly Masonry: In older Victorian properties, "blown" plaster can crumble when drilled, requiring the use of chemical resin or larger anchors.
- Incompatible Spindles: New handles often come with spindles that are too long for standard UK internal doors and must be cut down precisely with a hacksaw.
- Sagging Rails: This occurs when standard plastic wall plugs are used in plasterboard; heavy curtains require heavy-duty metal cavity fixings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fit new handles to my existing latches?
Usually, yes, provided the spindle size (typically 8mm) is the same. However, if your old handles were "sprung" and the new ones aren't, your old latch may not be strong enough to return the handle to a horizontal position.
Why do my curtain rails always pull out of the wall?
This is usually due to using "universal" plugs in hollow plasterboard. A professional will use specific cavity anchors that expand behind the board to spread the weight of the curtains.
Do I need to buy the hardware myself?
Most tradespeople prefer you to supply the handles and rails so you get the exact style you want. However, they will usually supply the professional-grade screws and wall fixings required for the install.
Can you install curtain rails into a bay window?
Yes, but this requires a specialist "made-to-measure" track or a flexible rail that can be bent to the shape of the window. It is a significantly more difficult job than a straight run.
Is it possible to change handles on a fire door?
Yes, but the handles must be fire-rated, and you must use intumescent pads behind the rose or backplate if specified by the manufacturer to maintain the door's 30 or 60-minute rating.
This guide was written with AI assistance and is intended for general information only. Prices are estimates based on UK averages and may vary by region. Always get at least three quotes and consult a qualified professional before starting any work.
