“Fresh Installation” means to drill new holes to install a lock. Usually this is done when somebody wants to install a deadbolt above an existing doorknob. Total cost tax already included is:
- $120 Service call to North Seattle
- $50 to drill new holes and install a conventional non-electronic lock in a wooden door
- $75 to drill new holes and install a conventional non-electronic lock in a metal or metal-clad door
- 50% extra on the weekend and after 6 pm
- $10-75 extra if you provide the lock
- $40-75 to drill new holes and install cabinet or desk locks
Sometimes people want me to remove an old lock and install a new one in its place, but the old lock is not a conventional tubular lock with a 2,1/8″ diameter hole. In this case a wrap around plate may be necessary. If a wrap around plate is needed, expect the fresh installation to cost between $25-40 more depending on how much chiseling is required to get the wrap around plate to fit properly.
I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted to save some money. The following information is provided only for your edification, you are responsible for your own idiocy. Doors can be pretty expensive to replace so don’t try drilling holes yourself unless you are pretty confident with a tape measure and following directions. If you screw projects up consistently, don’t try to do this. You know who you are. Try this first on a piece of 2×4. You don’t want your door to look like this:
Most locks come with directions on how to install them. Most helpfully, in the directions there is usually a template that you fold over the side of the door. Before you start drilling, look closely at where you want to install the deadbolt. Make sure there are no electrical fixtures near where you want to drill. Make sure no glass is nearby. To use this template you will first need to mark the centers of the holes you want to drill, and then you will need to drill those holes. You should probably drill pilot holes. You will then need hole saws of the correct diameter. This is usually 2,1/8″ and 1″ saws. Drill straight! Drill from both sides of the door or else you may splinter the surface of the door. Send me a picture if you succeeded (also send pictures if it was a dismal failure so I can add them here to warn others in the future)