5 Common Carpenter and Joiner Problems and When to Call a Professional

The problems that come up most

These are the jobs carpenters and joiners are most commonly booked for. Catching them early almost always costs less:

• doors that stick or won't latch
• squeaky stairs and loose spindles
• rotten window sills and door frames
• sagging shelves and poorly fitted units
• gaps in skirting and architrave after settlement

What you can safely check yourself

Before calling anyone, gather information: when the problem started, whether it's getting worse, and clear photos. This helps a professional give you a realistic first assessment and helps you describe the job accurately when collecting quotes.

Basic observation is always safe; DIY repair is not always. If the problem involves gas, electrics, working at height or the structure of your home, stop at observation and call a professional.

Signs it's time to book someone

Book a professional when the problem is getting worse, when it involves safety, when your own attempts haven't held, or when you simply don't know the cause. A correct diagnosis is usually cheaper than a wrong repair.

For context on cost: Carpenters typically charge £150–£250 per day. Hanging a door usually costs £50–£100 per door; bespoke fitted wardrobes run £1,500–£4,000 per room.

Choosing who to call

Carpentry has no registration scheme. Ask for photos of finished joinery and check reviews for comments on fit, finish and how accurately the work matched what was agreed.

Check recent reviews before booking — Hammerscore company pages for carpenters and joiners combine ratings from several platforms, and the low-star reviews tell you most about how problems were handled.