What we do
A house that is easy to get in and out of
A latch that needs two hands, a threshold that catches a foot or a storm door that slams: each is a small fix with a big effect.
Included in the visit
Replace round knobs with lever handles
Fix a latch that does not catch or a door that sticks
Plane or shim a door that swells in summer
Fit a threshold ramp or flatten a high threshold
Adjust a storm door closer so it does not slam
Know before you book
What we do and what we leave to others
| Job | Leave to a licensed trade | We do |
|---|---|---|
| Door hardware | Leave to a licensed tradeReplace a door, frame or lock system | We doSwap knobs, latches and strike plates |
| Thresholds | Leave to a licensed tradeRebuild an entry or widen a doorway | We doFit a low profile threshold or small ramp |
| Storm doors | Leave to a licensed tradeInstall a new storm door | We doAdjust the closer, replace a sweep or latch |
| Porch | Leave to a licensed tradeRebuild a porch, steps or a landing | We doRe-secure loose boards and rails |
What changes the time
What makes a visit longer
A swollen wood door that needs planing takes longer than a latch swap.
An old door set in a plaster-and-brick wall can need extra care to keep from cracking the plaster.
A new storm door or a rebuilt landing is a contractor's job, which we flag and refer.
How it goes
From the call to the report
- 01
Step 1: The door
We open and close each door your parent uses, with them, and look for the one that is hard.
- 02
Step 2: The fix
We swap hardware, adjust hinges or shim the door until it moves easily.
- 03
Step 3: The winter check
In the fall visit we add weatherstrip where drafts or ice get in.
- 04
Step 4: The report
You get what we changed, and photos of the thresholds and steps.
Rules
Lead paint and doors
In a house built before 1978 we do not sand or plane painted door edges, since that makes lead dust. We shim, adjust hinges or replace hardware, and refer anything that would disturb old paint beyond the EPA's limits to a contractor certified under the EPA's renovation rule.
A door that needs cutting down or planing is that kind of work, so we ask first.
Questions
Questions about this work
Can you fit a key safe or a keypad lock?
We can fit a keypad or smart deadbolt if your parent wants one. We would also fit a key safe, only where your parent and you agree who knows the code.
What about a porch that's rotten?
We tell you and refer it to a contractor. We re-secure and brace, but we do not rebuild.
Do you do garage doors?
No. A garage door's springs are dangerous, so we refer them to a garage door company.
Start with the door your parent uses most
We call back by the end of the next business day.