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Letterbox Repair Guide
Scope of Works
Initial inspection & measure‑up – check door thickness, sleeve length and draught issues.
Remove interior trim & old plate, retaining screws or drilling out corroded fixings as needed.
Clean, sand and square the aperture; enlarge or pack out if the new sleeve size differs.
Fit new letterbox kit – slide‑in sleeve, spring‑loaded flap, draught brush or anti‑snap cowling.
Seal perimeter with silicone or compressible gasket to stop wind and water ingress.
Tighten fixings, lube springs & test smooth flap action with several mail items.
Tidy up & dispose of old plate and swarf, leaving the door scratch‑free.
Typical Cost (inc. VAT, 2025)
Charge type | Low £ | High £ | Notes |
Call‑out / minimum | 70 | 120 | Typical handyman first‑hour fee Kensington Maintenance Services |
Labour per hour | 40 | 60 | London handyman rate for small carpentry/lock jobs Kensington Maintenance Services |
Materials | 12 | 30 | Standard 10‑12" letterplates at B&Q £11.99–£24.99 B&Q |
Disposal | 0 | 20 | Scrap metal plate usually free; small waste bag up to £20 |
Extras (door cut‑out / security plate) | 120 | 200 | Enlarging aperture or fitting anti‑burglar cage; billed as specialist carpentry Kensington Maintenance Services |
TOTAL (most jobs come in here) | 180 | 260 | Simple like‑for‑like replacement, ground‑floor door |
Time on Site
Typical: 30 – 60 minutes for a straight swap with existing cut‑out.
Up to 2 hours: seized screws, paint build‑up, sleeve resizing, or UPVC door trims.
Half‑day: cutting a larger aperture in hardwood, adding draught excluder brushes or smart parcel plate.
Questions to Ask Your Trade
Will you bring the new letterbox or should I supply one – and does it fit my door thickness?
Is your price a fixed job rate or hourly after the first visit?
How will you seal the sleeve to stop draughts and rain leaks?
Do you carry spare springs and brushes for future maintenance?
What surcharge applies if the aperture must be enlarged on site?
Can you dispose of the old plate and provide a waste‑transfer note if needed?
Are you insured for damage to glazed or composite doors while drilling?
How to Avoid Surprises
Measure door thickness & hole size and send a photo to ensure the engineer brings the right sleeve length.
Clear the hallway so the door can stay open and tools are safe from trip hazards.
Reserve parking close to the door for quick access to tool cases.
Check for hidden cables or alarm contacts before any cutting in composite or metal‑skinned doors.
Choose a draught‑proof model if your hallway is chilly; upgrade before installation, not after.
Confirm finish (chrome, brass, black) to match other door furniture and avoid last‑minute swaps.
Prices are rounded 2025 GBP figures inclusive of 20 % VAT.
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