Frequently Asked Questions

Find answers to common questions about interior door installation. Our specialists at Pedava have compiled this information based on years of working with residential and commercial properties across London.

Standard installation of a single interior door typically takes between 2 to 4 hours, depending on several factors. For a straightforward replacement where the frame is in good condition and the opening is standard size, expect around 2 hours. More complex situations require additional time.

If the door frame needs replacement or adjustment, the process extends to 3-4 hours. New construction installations where we create the opening from scratch can take 5-6 hours per door. When installing pocket doors or sliding barn doors, allow 4-5 hours due to the track system and hardware complexity.

For multiple doors in one property, we work more efficiently. Installing 5 doors usually takes a full working day rather than 20 separate hours.

Our comprehensive service covers all aspects of the installation process. We begin with precise measurement of your door openings to ensure proper fit. The service includes removal and disposal of old doors and frames when replacing existing installations.

We supply and fit the door frame, hang the door with professional-grade hinges, and install the handle, latch, and lock mechanism. All gaps are filled and sealed properly. The service includes fitting door stops, adjusting the door for smooth operation, and cleaning the work area.

We also provide architrave installation around the frame for a finished appearance. Any minor adjustments needed within 30 days are included. Materials such as screws, hinges, and sealant are part of the package. What we don't include: the door itself (unless specified), decorative painting or staining, and repairs to walls beyond the immediate door area.

Minimal preparation is needed, but a few steps help the process go smoothly. Clear the area around each door opening by moving furniture, rugs, and decorative items at least 1 metre away. This gives our team space to work safely and protects your belongings from dust.

Remove any items hanging on the doors or walls near the installation area. If you have pets, arrange for them to stay in a separate room or area during the work. Ensure clear access from your entrance to the work areas so we can bring in tools and materials easily.

For properties with security systems, inform us about any door sensors that need temporary disconnection. We work cleanly, but covering nearby furniture with dust sheets provides extra protection. If you're replacing bathroom or bedroom doors, consider privacy arrangements as these areas will be temporarily open during installation.

Yes, we regularly work with non-standard door openings, which are common in older London properties and converted buildings. Standard UK door sizes are 1981mm x 762mm or 1981mm x 686mm, but many homes have openings that differ from these dimensions.

For openings slightly larger than standard, we adjust the frame with additional timber and ensure proper alignment. When openings are smaller, we can carefully enlarge them, though this requires more time and may involve additional costs for structural work and making good the surrounding walls.

For significantly non-standard sizes, we recommend custom-made doors manufactured to your exact measurements. We take precise measurements and can arrange custom door production through our suppliers. Period properties often have unique dimensions, and we have extensive experience matching new installations to original architectural features while meeting current building regulations.

We install all common types of interior doors found in UK properties. Hinged doors are the most traditional option, swinging on side-mounted hinges in various styles from panel doors to flush designs. We work with solid wood, engineered wood, MDF, and composite materials.

Sliding doors, including barn-style and pocket doors, are popular for space-saving solutions. Bifold doors work well for wardrobes and utility areas. Fire-rated doors are essential for certain rooms in flats and meet building regulations for safety. Glazed doors with full or partial glass panels bring light between rooms.

We also install acoustic doors for sound reduction, particularly useful in home offices or music rooms. French doors create elegant connections between living spaces. Each type requires specific installation techniques, and our team has the expertise to handle them all properly, ensuring smooth operation and longevity.

Installation costs vary based on several factors. For a standard hinged door replacement with an existing frame in good condition, labour typically ranges from £80 to £150 per door. This assumes straightforward installation without complications.

When the frame needs replacement, add £40-£70 to the cost. Non-standard sizes or complex installations like pocket doors or barn doors range from £150 to £250 per door due to additional hardware and time requirements. Fire-rated door installation costs slightly more, typically £120-£180, as they require precise fitting to maintain their safety rating.

These prices cover labour only. Door costs vary widely: basic hollow-core doors start around £30, solid-core doors range from £80-£200, and solid wood doors can cost £150-£500 or more. Hardware (handles, hinges, locks) adds £20-£100 depending on quality. For accurate pricing, we provide free quotes after assessing your specific requirements and site conditions.

We take measures to minimize disruption, though some mess is inevitable with construction work. Dust is the main concern, particularly when cutting or adjusting frames. We use dust sheets to protect floors and nearby furniture, and our team cleans up thoroughly after completing each door.

Noise levels are moderate. Expect drilling, sawing, and hammering during installation, but we work efficiently to keep noisy periods brief. Most of the work involves careful fitting and adjustment rather than heavy construction. For occupied homes, we can work room by room to maintain usable space throughout your property.

During installation, the room will be accessible but not fully private as the door is temporarily removed. We typically complete work during standard business hours. All waste materials, including old doors and packaging, are removed from your property. We leave the area clean and ready to use immediately after installation, though you may want to vacuum thoroughly once we finish.

Yes, we provide a 12-month guarantee on all installation workmanship. This covers issues arising from the installation process itself, such as doors that don't close properly, hinges that loosen, or frames that shift. If problems occur due to our work, we return to fix them at no additional charge.

The guarantee covers proper alignment, secure fixing of all components, and correct operation of latches and handles. It includes any adjustments needed as the door settles into place during the first year. We also guarantee that fire-rated doors maintain their certification when properly installed according to manufacturer specifications.

What the guarantee doesn't cover: damage from misuse, normal wear and tear, or issues with the door or hardware themselves (these fall under manufacturer warranties). Problems caused by building movement, flooding, or other external factors are also excluded. We document all work with photos and provide written confirmation of the guarantee terms. Our reputation depends on quality work, so we stand behind every installation.

Matching existing doors is possible but depends on the style and age of your current doors. For common modern styles, we can usually source identical or very similar doors from current manufacturer ranges. We bring samples or catalogues to help you find the closest match in terms of panel configuration, moulding details, and overall design.

Period properties with original Victorian, Edwardian, or Georgian doors present more challenges. Exact matches often require custom manufacturing or sourcing from architectural salvage specialists. We work with suppliers who specialize in period-appropriate doors and can arrange custom production to match specific designs, though this increases cost and lead time.

For partial replacements, consider whether perfect matching is necessary. Sometimes updating all doors on one floor creates a more cohesive look than trying to match one or two doors to older styles. We can advise on the best approach based on your property's character, your budget, and the availability of matching products. Wood species, finish, and hardware also need consideration for a convincing match.

Building regulations in England primarily concern fire safety for interior doors. In houses, fire doors are required between the garage and living spaces, rated FD30 (30 minutes fire resistance). In flats and maisonettes, regulations are stricter: all doors opening onto escape routes must be FD30 rated, including doors from habitable rooms into hallways.

For new builds and major renovations, Part M of building regulations addresses accessibility. Door openings must provide at least 750mm clear width, and threshold height is limited to 15mm. These requirements ensure wheelchair accessibility. Part E covers sound insulation between dwellings, relevant when installing doors in converted properties or new builds.

Fire door installation requires specific attention: intumescent strips must be fitted correctly, gaps around the door must not exceed 4mm, and self-closing devices are mandatory in certain locations. We ensure all installations meet current regulations and can advise whether your project requires building control notification. For listed buildings, additional conservation area restrictions may apply, requiring planning permission for external-facing changes.

About Pedava

Specialists in interior door installation across London since 2015

Professional door installation team at work

Our Story

Pedava was established in 2015 by three craftsmen who shared a common frustration: too many door installations in London were rushed, poorly finished, or failed to meet basic standards. We decided to create a company that would do things differently.

Starting from a small workshop in Fulham, we focused exclusively on interior door fitting. While others tried to offer every home improvement service imaginable, we concentrated on mastering one craft. This approach allowed us to develop methods that consistently deliver clean, precise installations.

Today, our team of 12 certified installers serves residential and commercial clients throughout London. We've completed over 3,800 installations, from single door replacements in Victorian terraces to complete door packages in new-build developments.

3,800+ Doors Installed
9 Years Operating
12 Certified Installers
98% Customer Satisfaction
Quality door installation with precise measurements

What Drives Us

Our mission is straightforward: install interior doors correctly the first time. This means accurate measurements, proper frame preparation, and attention to details like hinge alignment and latch positioning. We believe that good installation work should be invisible – the door should simply function as it should.

We serve homeowners, landlords, property developers, and commercial clients who need reliable door installation without complications. Our clients appreciate clear communication, fixed pricing, and work completed on schedule.

Looking ahead, we plan to expand our service area while maintaining the quality standards that built our reputation. We're also developing training programs to address the shortage of skilled door fitters in the industry.

Core Values

Precision

Every measurement matters. We use laser levels and digital measuring tools to ensure accuracy within 2mm tolerances. Doors that don't close properly or drag on floors are usually the result of imprecise initial measurements.

Accountability

We provide written quotes that specify materials, timeline, and warranty terms. If something goes wrong, we address it promptly. Our 24-month workmanship guarantee covers all installations.

Transparency

Before starting work, we explain what needs to be done and why. If we discover issues like uneven floors or damaged frames, we discuss options and costs before proceeding. No surprise charges appear on final invoices.

Our Expertise

  • Installation of solid timber, engineered wood, and composite doors
  • Fire-rated door fitting for commercial properties (FD30 and FD60 certified)
  • Acoustic door installation for noise reduction
  • Frame repair and replacement in period properties
  • Pocket door and sliding door systems
  • Hardware installation including mortice locks, latches, and closers