Doorknob Replacements: Costs, Importance & FAQs
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Replacing your doorknob is not something you will ever think about doing on a regular day. You barely notice them until there is an actual problem. However, it can be hard to ignore once your door handle breaks. If not fixed immediately, there could be more problems to come.
If you notice that your doorknob seems wobbly or if it is not turning easily, the information in this article can save you some frustrations in the future. This article will go over information concerning when you need to start looking to replace a doorknob and learn about the average cost to replace doorknobs and the replacement frequency.
The Importance of Replacing Your Doorknob
A broken doorknob will no longer keep the door closed. The unlocked door allows intruders to openly enter the privacy of your home and do as they please. According to yardian.com, 30% of burglars enter a home through an unlocked door or window. Also, 34% of burglars are bold enough to break in through the front door.
Thieves will monitor your home and notice a broken door. Once you are gone, they will easily break in and commit theft. A robbery is startling, but it’s a reality that you will want to avoid.
This scenario shows the need to become proactive. Doorknobs must not get to this point. You need to notice the signs of a declining doorknob’s performance.
Take a step back and examine the doorknob while swinging it open and closed. Once you notice these minor details with the door, start looking for a new handle.
- Loose screws in the hardware
- Grinding sounds when opening and closing the door
- The door is hard to open and close
Noticing these minor details will prevent an emergency call to a locksmith without doing proper research. Determine the right service provider by investigating the average costs in your area.
Luckily, we have you covered with our average pricing per area charts to help you get a head start on your research.
How Much Does Replacing the Doorknob Cost?
With replacing knobs, leave it to the professionals instead of trying to save money by doing it on your own.
If installed incorrectly, the cost of replacing a door handle can become more expensive. It would be beneficial to pay a general contractor over doing it yourself.
It’s understandable to be nervous about being tricked by higher prices, but this guide will help you succeed in finding the right service. There is no need to worry about paying more than you should.
The chart below shows an average basic cost per region. Prices will fluctuate between every company. Prepare to spend roughly 7–15% more than the prices below.
| Doorknob Cost Factors | West Coast | Midwest | Northeast Coast | Southeast
Coast |
Southwest Coast |
| Interior Doorknob-Material Price | $13.50–$22.50 | $15.00–$25.00 | $13.50–$22.50 | $15.00–$25.00 | $13.50–$22.50 |
| Interior Doorknob-Installation Cost | $72.00–$90.00 | $80.00–$100.00 | $72.00–$90.00 | $80.00–$100.00 | $72.00–$90.00 |
| Doorknob-Total | $85.50–$112.50 | $95.00–$125.00 | $85.50–$112.50 | $95.00–$125.00 | $85.50–$112.50 |
| Interior Doorknob-Cost per Units | $99.00 | $110.00 | $99.00 | $110.00 | $99.00 |
(Source: remodelingexpense.com)
It makes sense for the prices above to vary depending on the area. It is noticeable that locations with the most potential for extreme weather—such as the Midwest and Southeast Coast—have the most expensive doorknob replacement prices.
Since the prices above only show the basic cost, they are not the best hardware for your door handle. If you want a doorknob to last for a long time, you will have to invest in the best replacements.
According to 1stlock.com, there are three main categories: basic, better, and best. The difference between the three comes from the ANSI (American National Standard Institute). This private non-profit institute administers standards for hardware.
Three grades represent these categories: ANSI Grade 1 Certification (Best), ANSI Grade 2 Certification (Better), and ANSI Grade 3 Certification (Basic).
Prices will vary between the 3 options, but it all comes down to your preference and budget. Homeowners should use ASNI Grade 2 doorknobs on primary entrances. Homeowners should use ASNI Grade 1 knobs on secondary entrances.
These charts show the region’s average basic, better, and best costs.
West Coast
| Doorknob Cost Factors | Basic | Better | Best |
| Interior Doorknob
Material Price |
$13.50–$22.50 | $27.00–$36.00 | $48.00–$72.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Installation Cost | $72.00–$90.00 | $108.00–$126.00 | $144.00–$162.00 |
| Doorknob Total | $85.50–$112.50 | $135.00–$162.00 | $189.00–$234.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Cost per Units | $99.00 | $148.50 | $211.50 |
Midwest
| Doorknob Cost Factors | Basic | Better | Best |
| Interior Doorknob Material Price | $15.00–$25.00 | $30.00–$40.00 | $50.00–$80.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Installation Cost | $80.00–$100.00 | $120.00–$140.00 | $160.00–$180.00 |
| Doorknob Total | $95.00–$125.00 | $150.00–$180.00 | $210.00–$260.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Cost per Units | $110.00 | $165.00 | $235.00 |
Northeast Coast
| Doorknob Cost Factors | Basic | Better | Best |
| Interior Doorknob Material Price | $13.50–$22.50 | $27.00–$36.00 | $48.00–$72.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Installation Cost | $72.00–$90.00 | $108.00–$126.00 | $144.00–$162.00 |
| Doorknob Total | $85.50–$112.50 | $135.00–$162.00 | $189.00–$234.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Cost per Units | $99.00 | $148.50 | $211.50 |
Southeast Coast
| Doorknob Cost Factors | Basic | Better | Best |
| Interior Doorknob Material Price | $15.00–$25.00 | $30.00–$40.00 | $50.00–$80.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Installation Cost | $80.00–$100.00 | $120.00–$140.00 | $160.00–$180.00 |
| Doorknob Total | $95.00–$125.00 | $150.00–$180.00 | $210.00–$260.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Cost per Units | $110.00 | $165.00 | $235.00 |
Southwest Coast
| Doorknob Cost Factors | Basic | Better | Best |
| Interior Doorknob Material Price | $13.50–$22.50 | $27.00–$36.00 | $48.00–$72.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Installation Cost | $72.00–$90.00 | $108.00–$126.00 | $144.00–$162.00 |
| Doorknob Total | $85.50–$112.50 | $135.00–$162.00 | $189.00–$234.00 |
| Interior Doorknob Cost per Units | $99.00 | $148.50 | $211.50 |
(Source: remodelingexpense.com)
These prices can become very expensive with the higher-valued options. You can alleviate the cost depending on your homeowner’s insurance plan. It all depends on how the door handle broke.
Does Homeowner’s Insurance Cover Replacements?
According to trustedchoice.com, a typical homeowner’s insurance plan will not cover a regular doorknob replacement.
Perils that cover include natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, hailstorms, etc.) and home robberies. Your insurance plan will only cover damage caused by covered perils.
It would not be wise to get an upgraded plan since the monthly cost would outweigh the price of paying upfront for a locksmith. These situations rarely happen monthly, much less yearly.
How Often Should You Replace the Door Handle?
Replacing a doorknob does not happen frequently. According to locksmithmonkey.com, a homeowner should only need to replace the door handle once a decade.
Door handles, when correctly installed, should last 7–10 years. It is especially true if you use an ANSI Grade 2 or 3 certificated knob.
A door handle replacement could happen sooner. If someone does not install the door lever properly, it can shorten the lifetime.
- Wrong grade hardware
- Lack of lubrication on hinges
- Weather stripping
- The door lock latch is not aligned
- Frozen locks
This is another example of why it’s important to leave the installation to the professionals, take proper care, and pay attention to the doorknob whenever something seems wrong.
Conclusion
You are now well informed about doorknob replacements. Keep the information in this article handy because you might need to replace one of your doorknobs in the near future! You now know what to do.
Featured Image Credit: Kawin Ounprasertsuk, Shutterstock
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