Door fixes & picture hanging in Somerville & Cambridge

Older homes in Somerville, Medford and Cambridge have a lot of character—and a lot of doors and walls that need a bit of attention. Two of the most common “small” jobs that make a big difference: doors that actually close and latch, and pictures and mirrors hung securely so they don’t end up on the floor.

Doors that stick or won’t latch

Doors that bind, stick, or don’t catch the strike plate are usually fixable without replacing the whole door. Common causes and fixes:

Hinges: Loose screws, hinges that need shimming, or a door that’s dropped over time. Tightening, adjusting, or adding a shim can fix alignment.
Strike plate: If the latch doesn’t line up with the hole, moving or enlarging the strike plate (or adjusting the latch) fixes it.
Swelling: In humid months, doors can swell. Trimming or planing the sticking edge is a job for someone with the right tools so you don’t ruin the finish.

A handyman can usually diagnose and fix these in one visit. If you’re between tenants or just moved in, it’s also a good time to change or rekey locks and deadbolts for security.

Picture and mirror hanging

Hanging art and mirrors in plaster or lath walls isn’t the same as drywall. Wrong anchors can pull out or crack plaster. A handyman used to older construction will:

Use the right anchors (or find studs) for the weight of the piece
Level and space pieces for galleries or multi-piece layouts
Hang mirrors and heavier items so they’re secure and safe

If you’ve had a picture pull out of the wall or you’re nervous about drilling into plaster, hiring it out is a small cost for peace of mind.

Storm doors and screens

Storm and screen doors take a beating with seasonal use. Adjusting closers, replacing screens, or installing a new storm door are all standard handyman tasks. Scheduling before or after the season (e.g. early spring or late fall) is a good time to get on the list.

Get a quote

For door adjustments, lock changes, picture hanging, or storm/screen door work in Somerville, Medford, Cambridge or nearby, use our quote request form. Describe the doors or walls and what you’d like done, and we’ll provide a written estimate. See our door adjustments & hardware and shelving, blinds & picture hanging pages for more on what we cover.