Doors Take More Abuse Than Any Other Part of Your Home
A door is opened and closed dozens of times a day. Its hinges carry the weight of a solid core, its lock is turned and pulled constantly, and its frame absorbs the slam of every delivery and every child running through the house. Eventually, something gives — usually a hinge, a latch, or the alignment of the door within its frame.
The question is whether to repair or replace. In most cases, the answer depends on the door type and the nature of the fault.
Door Repair vs. Door Replacement: A Simple Rule
Repair is usually the right call when the door leaf itself is sound — no warping, no delamination, no structural damage — and the problem is in the hardware (hinges, lock, handle, closer) or the alignment. A door that drags on the floor because a hinge has loosened is a repair job, not a replacement.
Replacement becomes necessary when the door leaf is warped, swollen from moisture, cracked, or when the frame itself is rotten or damaged. It is also the sensible choice if you are upgrading to a fire-rated door or changing the door type entirely.
What Doors and Locks Cost in Singapore in 2026
| Service | Estimated Cost (SGD) |
|---|---|
| Door repair (alignment, hinge, latch) | $80 – $200 |
| Standard HDB main door (supply + install) | From $400 |
| Fire-rated HDB main door | From $800 |
| Sliding door installation | From $600 |
| Door lock replacement (like-for-like cylinder) | $80 – $120 |
| Full mortice lockset replacement | $150 – $250 |
| Digital lock installation (existing cut-outs) | $120 – $180 labour |
| Digital lock supply + install bundle | $380 – $680 |
Most lock replacements finish within an hour. The price moves with the lock type, the door type (HDB fire-rated main door versus internal door), and whether the new lock matches the existing hole pattern[reference:35].
The Four Lock Types You Will Find in Singapore Homes
- Mortice lock: Found on HDB and condo main doors and most bedroom doors. The lock body is recessed into the door edge, and the handle, latch and deadbolt operate as one unit. Full lockset replacement costs S$150–S$250[reference:36].
- Cylinder (Euro profile): The keyed core inside most mortice locksets and many gate locks. You can swap just the cylinder and keep the existing handles and lock body. Labour is S$80–S$120, and the cylinder itself costs S$25–S$80 depending on brand[reference:37].
- Rim / surface-mounted lock: Common on metal HDB main gates and older timber doors. Heavier-duty replacement runs S$180–S$280[reference:38].
- Digital / smart lock: PIN, fingerprint, RFID card or app unlock, usually with a mechanical override key. Labour to fit on existing cut-outs is S$120–S$180; a mid-tier lock-plus-install bundle runs S$380–$680[reference:39].
HDB Fire-Rated Doors: The Rule You Cannot Ignore
HDB main doors in newer flats are fire-rated. This rating is not decorative — it is a life-safety feature designed to contain a fire inside the flat long enough for occupants and neighbours to escape. If you replace the door or change its hardware, the fire rating and the door's self-closing action must not be compromised[reference:40]. A standard lockset or digital lock that is not compatible with a fire-rated door can invalidate the rating. Always confirm compatibility with the door supplier or a qualified installer before drilling.
When Does a Door Need Replacement Rather Than Repair?
Watch for these signs:
- The door leaf is warped and no longer sits flat in the frame, even after hinge adjustment.
- The bottom edge is swollen from repeated exposure to water — common in bathroom and kitchen doors.
- The frame is cracked or rotten, so hinge screws no longer hold.
- The door has been forced during a break-in, and the structural integrity is compromised.
- You want to upgrade to a fire-rated door or a different material for better sound insulation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I replace just the lock cylinder?
Yes. If the lock body and handle are fine and you simply want a new key or a higher-security cylinder, a cylinder swap is the cheapest option.
Do digital locks work on HDB main doors?
Yes, but the door must have sufficient thickness and a compatible cut-out. HDB main doors sit within tight frames, so installation requires a model designed for local door dimensions.
How long does door installation take?
A standard door replacement typically takes two to four hours, including removal of the old door and adjustment of the new one.
For door repairs, replacements and lock upgrades across Singapore, contact Pro Handyman Service at +65 9779 7297.
