Understanding the True Cost to Install Door Knobs
For construction professionals, accurately estimating the cost to install door knobs is crucial. The price can vary significantly based on factors such as hardware type, door material, and labor conditions. On average, the cost ranges from $95 to $135 per door for standard passage knobs, with keyed entry or privacy knobs costing $110 to $155. Smart locks can start at $185 and exceed $350 depending on additional requirements.
Main Factors That Shape Door Knob Installation Pricing
1. Hardware Type & Quality
- Passage, privacy, keyed entry, or smart locks each have different material costs.
- Premium finishes or designer brands increase per-unit pricing.
- Smart or electronic knobs may require additional wiring and programming time.
2. Door Material & Age
- Solid wood doors are easier to drill than hollow-core doors, reducing labor time.
- Historic doors may need custom jigs or carpentry repairs.
3. Quantity & Accessibility
- Bulk installations of 10+ knobs lower the average cost per unit.
- Multi-story homes or tight spaces add setup and ladder time.
4. Labor Market Conditions
- Urban markets with higher wage scales increase hourly rates.
- Off-hour or rush scheduling can incur overtime premiums.
5. Finish Work & Testing
- Precise alignment prevents latch misfires and ensures smooth operation.
- Color-matching touch-ups or caulking add extra time often overlooked in budgets.
Average Residential Cost Benchmarks
Based on recent estimates, the average cost to install a standard passage door knob in a single-family home is $95–$135 per door. Keyed entry or privacy knobs typically cost $110–$155, while smart locks start at $185 and can exceed $350 with additional features.
Typical Budget Breakdown per Door
- Hardware: 40–60%
- Labor: 30–45%
- Consumables & setup: 5–10%
- Contingency: 5%
How CountBricks Delivers Precise Door Knob Estimates
Voice-to-Estimate Workflow
- Walk the site with your phone and describe each door. CountBricks transcribes measurements and conditions in real time.
- Our AI matches your words to a curated task library, auto-selecting material SKUs and regional labor rates.
- Instant estimates appear on screen, complete with markup, tax, and optional upsell items like smart locks.
Live Material Pricing
- Integrated supplier feeds refresh every hour, ensuring quotes reflect current pricing.
- Substitute options populate automatically, allowing for quick adjustments.
Blueprint Takeoffs Re-imagined
- Upload a PDF floor plan to CountBricks.com and our engine detects each door symbol and assigns quantities.
- Combine digital counts with voice notes to eliminate missed openings and costly change orders.
Step-by-Step Door Knob Installation Process
- Confirm knob backset and bore diameter against manufacturer specs.
- Remove existing hardware, noting hinge alignment and door edge condition.
- Drill or widen bore holes if upgrading from passage to keyed entry.
- Seat latch plate flush with the door edge, shim as required for alignment.
- Mount exterior and interior knobs, then fasten screws to uniform torque.
- Test latch engagement, adjust strike plate, and apply touch-up paint.
- Log completion photos back into the CountBricks job record for invoicing.
Five Pro Tips for Cost-Savvy Professionals
- Choose knobs from the same product line to streamline drilling templates.
- Order 5% extra hardware to cover defects or last-minute changes.
- Schedule installs after interior painting to avoid re-masking labor.
- Pair knob replacement with deadbolt upgrades to reduce repeat visits.
- Use CountBricks.com to bundle tasks and secure volume pricing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I supply my own knobs? Absolutely. CountBricks will deduct material line items and quote labor-only service, though we recommend allowing for one spare unit per five doors to account for defects.
How long does a whole-house refresh take? A typical 3-bedroom residence with 15–18 doors is completed in one working day by a two-person crew. Smart locks or custom finishes may extend that timeline.
Will replacing knobs damage my door? Our technicians use adjustable hole saw guide plates and finish pads to prevent tear-out on painted or veneered surfaces. Any minor blow-out is sealed with matching touch-up filler at no charge.
Ready for a Precise Quote?
Whether you’re refreshing a single powder-room knob or outfitting an entire custom build, CountBricks turns spoken observations into a detailed, branded estimate in minutes. Visit CountBricks.com or start a live voice session inside the mobile app to discover why contractors trust CountBricks for transparent, stress-free pricing.
CountBricks Case Spotlight: 32 Knobs in One Day
When the Ramirez family purchased a 1990s home, every brass knob felt dated. Their designer requested matte black passage hardware, keyed entry sets for exterior doors, and two Wi-Fi smart locks. Using CountBricks, the contractor completed the following workflow:
- Spoke a 5-minute walkthrough while filming each door.
- CountBricks auto-tagged 32 openings and suggested compatible hardware SKUs.
- Live pricing revealed a finish surcharge, so the homeowner switched to oil-rubbed bronze, saving 11%.
- The system scheduled a two-tech crew and predicted 7.2 labor hours.
- Field technicians followed the in-app checklist, uploading before/after photos for every door.
- Upon sign-off, CountBricks generated an invoice and a maintenance tip sheet.
Results
- Total project cost: $3,450—within 1.5% of the original AI estimate.
- Zero change orders thanks to accurate bore sizing data.
- Homeowner saved an estimated three weeks of lead-time compared to manual quote shopping.
Why the CountBricks Method Works
- Data-rich library: Thousands of residential hardware tasks deliver pinpoint labor standards.
- Voice and vision synergy: Spoken context plus blueprint takeoffs capture every last closet door.
- Seamless close-out: Job logs, invoicing, and warranty docs all live in one secure portal.
Whether you manage one property or build custom homes, CountBricks removes the guesswork around the cost to install door knobs and countless other finish tasks. Explore more success stories at CountBricks.com and see how our technology turns small details into big efficiencies.
