At a Glance
You have bought a Victorian terrace in Fitzroy and the double-hung sash windows are draughty, the back door does not latch, and three internal doors stick every winter. This is one of the most common door and window briefs in Melbourne. Expect $300–$1,900 per job for residential door and window carpentry, with period homes sitting at the higher end.
What's Included in the Price
- Removal of existing doors or windows (if replacing)
- Fitting and hanging new doors or windows, adjusting for plumb and level
- Shimming and packing in older homes where openings have settled
- Installation of hinges, hardware, and weather seals for external openings
- Architrave trimming and refitting
- Compliance with NCC energy performance requirements for external units
Hardware is typically quoted separately. Glazing for windows is a separate trade unless bundled by the carpenter.
What Affects the Cost
- Frame condition. Melbourne's Victorian and Edwardian homes have often settled, leaving frames out of square. Hanging a door in a frame that is 10mm out of plumb takes more time and skill than a brand-new frame.
- Number of doors or windows. Replacing 6–8 internal doors at once is more cost-effective per unit than doing them individually.
- Period restoration vs replacement. Restoring original double-hung sash windows (re-roping weights, replacing putty glazing, draught sealing) is more expensive than fitting new timber frames, but may be required under heritage overlay.
- Internal vs external. External doors and windows must meet energy performance standards. Melbourne's cold winters make proper weather sealing and draught-proofing more important here than in warmer cities.
- Structural changes. Widening a doorway or converting a window to a door requires a new lintel, engineering, and possibly a building permit. This changes the job from carpentry to structural work.
- Heritage overlay. Properties in Fitzroy, Carlton, Kew, and other heritage-overlay suburbs may have restrictions on changing external windows and doors. Like-for-like replacement is usually fine, but changing style or proportions may need council approval.
Hanging a new hollow-core door in a square frame in a modern Tarneit home sits toward $300. Restoring multiple double-hung sash windows and replacing an external door with period-appropriate joinery in a Carlton terrace pushes toward $1,900.
Melbourne-Specific Considerations
Victorian and Edwardian terraces. Fitzroy, Carlton, South Melbourne, Richmond, Brunswick. These homes feature original double-hung sash windows with rope-and-weight mechanisms, timber panelled doors, and high architraves. Over a century of settling means frames are rarely square. Finding a carpenter experienced with period joinery is worth the effort.
Energy efficiency. Melbourne's climate (cold winters, mild summers) puts a premium on well-sealed doors and windows. Draughty sash windows can account for significant heat loss. Options range from full draught-sealing of existing windows to replacement with double-glazed timber frames. The Victorian Building Authority (VBA) oversees building standards that include energy performance.
Heritage overlay restrictions. Many inner Melbourne suburbs have heritage overlay controls. External window and door changes must be sympathetic to the original building. This typically means like-for-like replacement in the same style and proportions. Upgrading to a different window type (e.g. from sash to casement) in a heritage overlay generally requires a planning permit.
Cavity sliding doors. Popular in Melbourne renovations where space is tight, cavity sliders disappear into the wall. They require more carpentry work than standard hinged doors because the wall cavity needs to be built or modified to house the door.
Security doors. Security screen doors on front and rear entries are common across Melbourne's suburbs. The screen is supplied by a specialist, but a carpenter fits the frame and manages any modifications to the existing doorway.
Hiring a Licensed Carpenter in VIC
In Victoria, builders and carpenters must be registered with the Victorian Building Authority (VBA) for domestic building work. The single-trade exemption may apply for door and window work alone, but using a VBA-registered tradesperson provides stronger consumer protections.
Ask for:
- VBA registration number (if applicable) or ABN and insurance details
- Proof of public liability insurance
- A written quote specifying door/window types, frame work, and hardware
- References for period home work if your property is pre-1940
Red flags: Cannot show registration or insurance, quotes without inspecting the frames first, or suggests ignoring heritage overlay requirements.
How We Calculate
Estimates are based on current carpenter rates across metropolitan Melbourne, adjusted for material costs in VIC. All prices include GST. Figures cover standard residential door and timber window work. Aluminium windows, structural modifications, and commercial glazing are not included.