How Much Would You Pay Someone to Install a Simple Lock on a Door or Replace a Door Knob

AlienC on 09/02/2023 - 23:29

how much would you pay someone to install a simple lock or new door knob with lock or a slide lock on one door?

I would do it myself but i cbf atm and honestly rather just pay someone to do it

same question for fixing a simple leaky tap

well I guess I could take a shot at the new door lock for my bedroom since the current one is kind of busted and sometimes gets stuck half closing and opening etc but on the off chance i can't install a new one how much would you pay someone to install it for you and would you call a handyman or locksmith to do it

to clarify this is just for one door my bedroom not the front of house door

Home & Garden Door Lock Lock

Comments

  • buckethat on 09/02/2023 - 23:41
    +6

    Idk.. If it's just ONE then probably $150? Might seem expensive but you have to consider the person coming to your location and wasting their time.

    If multiple.. then maybe $150 then idk $60-$70 per additional?

    I'm talking out my ass so YMMV but that feels reasonable.

    • jv on 09/02/2023 - 23:50
      +1

      wasting their time.

      Why wasting?

      • buckethat on 10/02/2023 - 00:10
        +5

        I suppose 'wasting' is not the right word to use..? But people often don't consider the time it takes to get to and from the location for a small job, and consequently get surprised that something seemingly easy costs x amount of dollars more than they expected.

        • DoctorCalculon on 11/02/2023 - 00:38

          I suppose 'wasting' is not the right word to use..?

          The correct terminology is: Callout Fee.

          Most tradespeople will charge this fee to cover their overheads, and especially if it is a small job.

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:44

      Thankfully it's just my bedroom that requires a privacy lock so I just went with a cheap sliding lock for under $10 from ebay

      Going to just manual screw driver it in since it's just wood

      Only problem now is I think I need to drill a hole for the bolt to go in because the door frame is not flat

  • jv on 09/02/2023 - 23:48
    -1

    Install a Simple Lock on a Door

    $50

    Replace a Door Knob

    $10

    fixing a simple leaky tap

    $20

    • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/02/2023 - 08:17
      +20

      $500 call out fee 🥲

      • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 12:36
        +2

        I do re-entry lock outs mostly… and it's $120 for me to even want to go out there. I'll take 30 seconds to 2 mins to get in and then the never ending complaints of "$120 for 60 seconds? For something I could have done in that time?? My uncle's best friends son's workmate's sister's husband's father would have done it for a 6 pack."

        I just tell them; "It's 3am on a Sunday morning. A 30km round trip from my home. I have turned up with all the right tools and knowledge for the job and made it a 30 second job instead of 4 hours. If you think you could have done it faster for less, I'm happy to re-lock the door and leave you too it… And why did you call me if the uncle's brother sister father would do it for a 6 pack??"

        People who pay $50 for a "simple lock on a door" get exactly what they paid for… The rule is "Fast, cheap, professionally done…. but you can only pick two…"

        • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:42

          Wait people actually complain to your face after you have helped them out of a sticky situation? I could never

          • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 17:17

            @AlienC: My favorite one was a customer refused to pay me "because it was like 30 seconds…" so I just re-locked the door, closed it and said good night and left. :D

            • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 18:04

              @pegaxs: Damn that's boss.. My job makes me say yes to everyone I come across too usually haha I just have to eat it (cleaner)

    • PVA on 10/02/2023 - 13:39

      No way, will someone that has to travel and pay tax would be that cheap.

      • jv on 10/02/2023 - 13:40
        -1

        That's not what has been asked in the title.

  • ECE on 09/02/2023 - 23:51
    +1

    I don't pay for the things that i can do but check Airtasker for the rates and go with the price you are happy to pay 😷

    • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 07:25
      +11

      As a part time locksmith, I would like to thank all,the people who use air tasker to get locks and door furniture fitted. It is literally my bread and butter to go around fixing the (fropanity) ups that these cowboys leave behind.

      • brendanm on 10/02/2023 - 07:37
        +2

        Surely some completely unqualified random with no idea can accurately install a door lock?

        • trongy on 10/02/2023 - 08:30
          +5

          Replacing an existing simple lock mechanism with a new one of the same type and dimensions is fairly easy IMO as long as everything is still aligned.

          Cutting and chiselling and adjustments for a new lock, or a new type of lock or when the door or frame are warped requires real skill.

        • JIMB0 on 10/02/2023 - 10:06
          +3

          Sadly a qualification is no guarantee of a good job either.

          • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 12:17

            @JIMB0: Oh, as a mechanic as well, I can 100% confirm this.

          • brendanm on 10/02/2023 - 14:39
            +1

            @JIMB0: True, but airtasker pretty much guarantees you will get the bottom of the barrel people who will work for $3 an hour and a couple of durries.

      • Crow K on 10/02/2023 - 09:02

        Locksmith question: Do you get phone calls from people who want stuff engraved?

        • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 09:40

          No. And those guys in the shopping centres who offer engraving, shoe re-soles and "key cutting/remote cloning" are not locksmiths.

          • Crow K on 10/02/2023 - 10:05
            +1

            @pegaxs: I know. I had a locksmith friend who was frustrated at the public's mental pairing of the shopping centre key-cutting Mr Minit style places with his profession and the number of "hi i want something engraved" calls he got.

            • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 12:44
              +1

              @Crow K: The one I get is… "Can you guys just cut me a skeleton key" like these even exist, a one key opens ALL locks… or the guys just wanting me to copy a restricted key from their work… No, it's not that I wont, it is that I cant. And it's not "cant" because "RuLeZ aNd LaWz!!1!" it's because the blanks are restricted and I just simply cannot buy them. And no, the old Chinese guy down at the markets wont cut you one either because he has even less chance of having access to the blanks then I do.

      • Quantumcat on 10/02/2023 - 09:21
        +3

        Is "part-time locksmith" slang for "burglar"?

        • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 09:41

          Nope, it's slang for "side hustle".

          • djsweet on 10/02/2023 - 09:55

            @pegaxs: How do you get to be a locksmith as a side hustle when it requires a 4 year apprenticeship? I work in an adjacent industry and have some of the skills. I would be keen on learning more, fomalising my knowledge and getting accredited, but I can't do a full time apprenticeship while I'm also working full time

            • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 12:23
              +1

              @djsweet:

              when it requires a 4 year apprenticeship?

              By doing the apprenticeship?? It's 3 years and 1 year "work experience". I entered as a RPL and mature age, so my course was only about 2.5 years. I didnt need to do the 1st 6 months of TAFE because I had already completed all the OH&S type training, and I knew how to use a hacksaw and a file after 30 years of using hacksaws and files. I also didn't have to do the 4th year, because I'm not a baby and dont need to be supervised for a year.

              Check your current qualification and see if there are any overlapping modules in the course and you can get them marked off as RPL and it will cut the course down.

              I did mine in Sydney at Ultimo TAFE and it was on block release, so, 4 days in a row every 6 or so weeks instead of 1 day every week.

              There is also a short course that is run that gives you the basics and will count toward your RPL and that course is usually run over nights and on some weekends. If you are only looking to supplement your current skills, this may also be an alternative that could help minimise the full trade course through RPL.

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:34
      +1

      I think I was just feeling really lazy and burnt out last night but luckily I just decided to order a cheap sliding lock off ebay for under $10 and decide to just do it myself with a manual screwdriver.. So huge cost avoided

      It's only a privacy lock doesn't need to be used for anything major

      I have a friend coming from overseas to visit another friend near the end of the month and he is notorious for not just not knocking and entering people's rooms but doing it without any notice so sliding lock it is

  • randomusername2017 on 10/02/2023 - 00:02
    +3

    lock for my bedroom

    To keep em in or out?¿

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 00:03
      +2

      yes

      • randomusername2017 on 10/02/2023 - 00:06

        Deadbolt or simple passage lock?

        sometimes gets stuck half closing

        Actual locking mechanism or the door itself?

        • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 00:22

          barrel bolt similar to this is what I just ordered now today to install myself.. am ordering some low powered power tools to do the job or if it comes early I will just use a manual screw driver

          https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-150mm-stainless-steel-h…

          I ordered a cheaper one from ebay and I think 125mm instead of 150mm

          oh my door that gets stuck is just the locking mechanism itself the door knob is a bit old and rusted I presume or just worn out.. the door itself does not get stuck does not need to be sanded or anything door itself is fine

          edit: you know what on second thought I think I will just use a manual screwdriver for the barrel bolt install.. just read a horror story that a drill broke theirs

  • pegaxs on 10/02/2023 - 07:27

    It all depends on how they need fitting. If it is just straight remove and refit, it is going to be cheaper than if the power tools need to come out.

  • bobbified on 10/02/2023 - 07:32
    +5

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/pinnacle-150mm-stainless-steel-h…

    Did your parents walk in on you?

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:36

      Something like that.. I have a friend loves to invade privacy coming over to visit another friend who lives with me basically.. Going to minimise my grievances and be better prepared this time to minimise emotional damage and preserve mental health

      For the price of a Domino's value pizza i say its worth it

  • Jimothy Wongingtons on 10/02/2023 - 08:19

    Basic lock would be diy unless it’s a full new install and you didn’t have the tools.

    Regarding taps, can be diy but can easily get out of hand.

    Source: while trying to undo a stuck spindle somehow I loosened the under vanity pipe causing a leak, which was in a very , very annoying spot to fix and had to get a plumber in to help.

    • JimB on 10/02/2023 - 09:36
      +1

      Bloody plumbing.

      I've had a 15min job changing jumper valve/washer spindles to ceramic disc spindles, turn into a 4 hour job, going to Bunnings, buying additional parts which I had to grind down.

      All because I changed tiles from 6mm to 10mm.

      These were the days before Ceramic Disc Spindle Extenders were readily available.

      Or when the Methven mixer tap nut isn't the standard size so none of your 4 tap spanners fit.

  • Porker on 10/02/2023 - 08:44

    These are good skills to have as all the items will likely need replacing again in the future, or can be transferable skills (eg. drilling a hole!)

    Youtube has an abundant amount of videos which can assist you with all those.

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:37
      -1

      Yeah I was just really tired last night trying to do things when i should be sleeping

      I realise this is a simple 20 minute job at best

      So I got the cheap sliding lock from ebay and have a screwdriver ready to go so no power tools needed hopefully

  • NotCheap on 10/02/2023 - 08:58

    I use these for bathrooms in my place - should be fine for a bedroom too - depending on your doorknob/lock style - search up privacy adapters and you should find something suitable - they're non permenent so if you change your mind / want to remove it you can return the existing doorknob to how it was. No drilling etc, it just attaches to the existing doorknobs (one piece either side).

    https://www.bunnings.com.au/ikonic-polished-brass-privacy-ad…

    Available in other colours, really really easy to install - will probably do the job.

    • JimB on 10/02/2023 - 09:15

      Sorry but have to say Ikonic is the cheapest nastiest doorlocks and accessories.

      Even though Lockwood isn't as good as it once was, still much better than Ikonic .

  • ESEMCE on 10/02/2023 - 10:46

    Having swapped over the door knobs and locks in my home, I can say it depends.

    If it's a like for like replacement (same brand, same model), then it should only be a 15 minute job (easily) from start to finish.

    If not, then it's quite likely that, even if they look really similar, that there will be some additional work required to cut out a bit of door or deepen/widen the hole for the slider to go into in the door jamb. And that additional work could add 20 minutes on top of the standard install.

    If the style is completely different, then you could be introducing a bunch of issues like needing to bog up and re-paint bits of the door this would add even more time and at least a second or third visit to complete the job.

  • trapper on 10/02/2023 - 12:22
    +1

    This kind of job you should definitely just do yourself.

    Unless you got a handy neighbor who will do it for a 6 pack or something…

  • BewareOfThe Dog on 10/02/2023 - 12:58

    We had some sliding door locks changed recently
    $110 call out fee
    $45 each

    A door knob is pretty easy to replace.

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 13:40

      Oh damn yeah I'm gonna attempt it first myself I only need to install one sliding lock for now if I need to do more later I'll just order more from ebay that are under $10 delivered

      This is just the trial run prototype

      My fear is I will need to sand down the door frame to let the sliding lock sit flat on the wall because right now it has a non flat surface on the borders

      • brendanm on 10/02/2023 - 14:43

        How much do you plan to lose on your bond for your dodgy modification?

        • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 15:04

          Five billion doge coins

  • Stewardo on 10/02/2023 - 15:21

    $350

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 18:06

      You take cash or cheese coin?

  • Euphemistic on 10/02/2023 - 16:20

    Internal door lock? Handyman. External? Locksmith or perhaps licenced chippie.

    Leaky tap? Depends what is meant by leaky. Handyman should be able to, but plumber potentially.

    Both these are within the realms of a half decent DIYer.

    • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 18:07

      Yeah I will probably do it myself it's just sometimes cheaper to pay someone because I'll work it off.. The time taken to research and get the parts stuff etc outweigh the cost yada yada you know what I mean

      • Euphemistic on 10/02/2023 - 18:17
        +1

        It’s rarely cheaper to get it done by someone else, perhaps unless you know a decent handyman that works for cheap. Otherwise consider your time to diy as an investment in how to save money in the future.

        • AlienC on 10/02/2023 - 21:33

          you are exactly right i have just been so flat out i have ben forgetting the basic principles of saving money and just doing it yourself sometimes our own brain works against us when we are beyond tired

          that is why i come back here to the brains trust because ozbargainers usually have each others backs when we are not angry or tired thanks you are a real one

          i love this place im gonna go cry now haha

          • Euphemistic on 10/02/2023 - 22:48

            @AlienC: It’s ok if you need to cry ;)

            The good thing about DIY nowadays is that there’s a good chance that whatever you need to do has a video clip somewhere of someone doing it. You don’t need to rely on the basic lessons your (insert DIY mentor) taught you.

            • AlienC on 11/02/2023 - 04:39

              @Euphemistic: haha yeah well honestly this one should be easy just need a bit of common sense and some patience lol

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