Doors and Windows: what a handyman does
A handyman can fix most door and window problems that come from wear and a settling house: a latch that misses the strike plate, loose or stripped hinge screws, a worn doorknob, broken sash cords on older double-hung windows, and off-track closet doors. Replacing whole units, glass, or rotted frames goes to a window or door contractor.
Jobs we take on
Tap one to add it to your list.
- Realign a latch that misses its strike plate by filing the opening or moving the plate
- Tighten loose hinge screws and repair stripped screw holes so the hinge holds again
- Stop a door rattling in its frame once it is latched
- Replace a worn or loose interior doorknob or passage set
- Replace broken sash cords on older wood double-hung windows
- Swap spring or spiral balances in place of old cord-and-weight systems when the window suits it
- Free a window that sticks from built-up paint when the frame itself is sound
- Rehang or realign off-track bifold, sliding and pocket closet doors
- Replace broken window sash locks and re-frame damaged screens
- Install door stops and wall protectors where handles hit the plaster
Signs it is time to call
- The door only latches if you lift it or push on it, which usually means the latch and strike plate no longer line up
- Hinge screws spin without tightening, so the screw hole is stripped
- A double-hung window will not stay up and needs a stick or a book to prop it
- One side of a window sash sits lower than the other, or you can see a frayed or broken cord
- A closet door jumps its track or drags on the floor
What is not a handyman job
Replacing a full window or door unit, cutting a new opening, replacing glass, and repairing frames or sills that have gone soft with rot belong to window and door contractors or a glazier. Structural headers and load-bearing changes are out of scope. If a frame has shifted so far that doors will not close anywhere in the house, ask a qualified contractor to look at the framing or foundation first.
Plumbing, electrical and roofing go to licensed independent contractors.
What a visit looks like
- We watch how the door or window moves first, so we find where it binds, misses or drops before changing anything.
- Tell us the style and finish of any hardware you want replaced so the new piece matches what is already there.
- Small repairs are usually done in one visit. If a part has to be ordered, a second visit finishes the job.
- The work area is protected and cleaned up before we leave.
Common questions
Why will my door not latch?
Most often the latch and the strike plate have drifted out of line as the house settled. Marking the latch with lipstick and taping the plate shows where the two meet. If the latch misses by about 1/8 inch or less, the plate opening can be filed. A bigger miss means moving the plate. Hinge screws get checked first.
Can you fix a window that will not stay open?
On older wood double-hung windows, usually yes. The sash comes out, the weight pockets are opened, and new cotton sash cord is tied to the weights and the sash. Some windows can be converted to spring or spiral balances instead. A sash that is painted shut or a damaged frame can need more work.
Do you replace whole windows or doors?
No. Full replacement, new openings and glass work go to window and door contractors or a glazier. We handle the repairs around them, such as hardware, hinges, latches, cords and balances, and the trim and patching afterward. We can look at the window or door and tell you whether the problem is a small repair or a replacement question.
What about locks and deadbolts?
Doorknobs, strike plates and latch alignment are part of door repair. Locks, deadbolts and keyed hardware have their own page because the choices differ, and rekeying or lock upgrades are a separate conversation. Tell us what is wrong with the door and we will sort out which job it is.