Tell me what is going on the wall.
Send the product link, dimensions, instructions and weight. Shelves and mirrors share the need for suitable support, but the information needed to plan each fitting differs:
Scroll across to see both columns.
| Your job | What to include in the enquiry |
|---|---|
| A shelf | Its length, depth, bracket or concealed-support system, and what you intend to store on it. |
| A mirror | Its weight and orientation, rear hanging hardware, wall position and access for lifting it into place. |
| An existing fitting that moves | Photos of the supports and surrounding wall, when movement started, and any changes to the load. |
Brackets, rails and retainers need to work as a complete system. Supplied fixings are not automatically suitable for every wall, and a decorative frame is not necessarily a hanging point. The shelf guide and heavy-mirror guide explain the different planning checks.
The wall matters as much as the item.
Brick, block, timber studs, cavity plasterboard and plasterboard over masonry need different assessments. Send any known information about the construction and photos of old holes or damage. A painted finish alone does not identify the material carrying the load.
Fixing positions also need checking for concealed services. If the supporting wall or hidden pipes and cables cannot be assessed confidently, the position or fitting plan may need to change. Old holes and a clear detector reading are not sufficient evidence on their own.
Plan the position and access.
Decide the intended height and position, then check furniture, doors and anything that needs clearance around the item. Keep the installation area and lifting route accessible. Mention stairs, high positions or a heavy item that is difficult to handle.
Ask about removing existing fittings and making good and repainting when you enquire. A repaired surface and a safe load-bearing fixing are different things; ordinary decorating filler does not establish a mounting point. If you rent, arrange any required permission before drilling is booked.
What to send for a fitting quote.
- Your postcode and the number of items.
- Product links, instructions, dimensions and weights.
- A wide wall photo and close-ups of fittings or existing damage.
- The intended position, shelf contents and access details.
We will discuss the fitting method, materials, any removal or finishing work, price and availability. For curtain fittings, use the curtain-pole service page, which also covers curtain drop, bracket projection and loose supports.
Check the finished mounting before use.
The shelf or mirror needs to sit in the intended position with its specified retainers or locking parts fitted. For a shelf, keep the instructions and its permitted load conditions: the contents and their distribution are part of the installation, not an afterthought.
For a mirror, the rear hardware must engage as the manufacturer intends; a level top edge alone does not confirm that every attachment is seated. If a fitting later moves, a bracket bends or the wall shows damage, stop using it and arrange an assessment. Do not conceal movement with a packing piece or extra load on the opposite side.
Clear rates, agreed before the work.
- First hour, including VAT
- £50
- Each additional 30 minutes, including VAT
- £25
- Materials, before VAT
- Net cost + 10%
The minimum labour charge is £50 including VAT, even if the work takes less than an hour. Materials use their VAT-exclusive cost plus 10%, then 20% VAT. There is no separate travel or parking charge. Where parking is difficult, please arrange a suitable space or permit if possible and let me know before the visit.
Send the complete job list, photos and postcode. We will discuss the scope, expected time and materials before agreeing the work.
Help in your borough.
I cover Kingston upon Thames, Richmond upon Thames and Merton, including Wimbledon. Send your full postcode to check the location and discuss availability.
