Childproofing in Exeter
Professional childproofing services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£110-160
Typical Duration
2-3 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Childproofing service to make your home safe for little ones. Stair gates fitted, hazards protected, peace of mind delivered.
Before They Find The Stairs
One minute they're lying on a playmat, next minute they're hauling themselves up the stairs while you're making a cup of tea.
Childproofing sorts this. Stair gates properly fitted, sharp corners protected, cupboards locked, sockets covered. Gives you breathing room while they explore.
💡 Pro tip: Top-of-stairs gates MUST be screw-fixed, not pressure-fit. It's a safety regulation and common sense - you can't risk it giving way.
Done Right vs Bodged
| ✅ Professional Install | ❌ DIY Panic Buy |
|---|---|
| Gates fitted securely to walls | Pressure gate at top of stairs (dangerous) |
| Everything at right height | Gate they can climb over already |
| Minimal wall damage | Holes everywhere from failed attempts |
| Actually keeps them safe | False sense of security |
What's Usually Involved
🔧 Common Childproofing Setup
| Area | What Gets Done |
|---|---|
| Stairs | Gates top and bottom, securely fitted |
| Kitchen | Cupboard locks on cleaning products, cooker guard if needed |
| Living room | Corner protectors, socket covers, furniture anchors |
| Doors | Door slam protectors, finger guards |
📦 You End Up With
- Stair gates that actually hold
- Protected sharp edges
- Locked cupboards
- Covered sockets
- Massive stress reduction
Pricing Guide
| Childproofing Level | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Basic (couple of gates, socket covers) | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Full house (gates, locks, protectors) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
| New baby paranoia mode (everything) | 3-4 hrs | £160-£210 |
Plus cost of safety equipment if supplying.
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after.
Essential For
✅ Crawler stage - before they reach the stairs
✅ New walkers - unsteady and grabbing everything
✅ Older properties - Victorian stairs are steep and dangerous
✅ Grandparents' houses - not set up for visiting toddlers
Why Choose Us for Childproofing in Exeter?
Stair gates fitted properly
Sharp edges protected
Sockets covered safely
Peace of mind for parents
What to Expect
Step 1: Assessment
I look at your house with fresh eyes - stairs, sharp corners, accessible hazards. Work out what actually needs childproofing vs paranoia.
Step 2: Install Safety Gear
Gates get fitted securely, corner protectors stuck on sharp edges, cupboard locks fitted, socket covers inserted.
Step 3: Check & Explain
Test everything works, show you how to operate gates (some are trickier than others), explain what to check regularly.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to childproof yourself? Here's what to focus on:
🔧 Essential kit
- Stair gates (screw-fix for top of stairs)
- Socket covers
- Corner protectors
- Cupboard locks
- Furniture anchor straps
📐 Stair gate fitting
- Top of stairs: SCREW-FIXED ONLY. Mount to wall studs or use heavy-duty fixings
- Bottom of stairs: pressure or screw-fixed both okay
- Gate should open away from stairs, not over them
- Check it latches properly - kids figure out dodgy latches fast
- Height matters - standard gates up to about 2 years, taller ones for climbers
✂️ Other safety measures
- Socket covers in all accessible outlets (but not the ones you use daily)
- Corner protectors on coffee tables, fireplace hearths, sharp furniture
- Cupboard locks on anything toxic, sharp, or breakable
- Furniture anchors on anything tall that could tip (bookcases, TVs)
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Pressure-fit gate at top of stairs (genuinely dangerous)
- Gates that swing over the stairs (asking for trouble)
- Assuming your kid won't climb it (they will)
- Over-childproofing - you still need to use your house
- Forgetting to check gates regularly - fixings loosen over time
💡 Pro trick: Test stair gates by pushing them hard yourself. If they feel even slightly wobbly, they're not secure enough. A determined toddler will find that weakness.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
⚠️ Stair gates aren't permanent - most kids are safe around stairs by 2-3 years. Don't feel like your house is trapped in baby jail forever.
Old Exeter houses often have steep Victorian stairs. These are genuinely hazardous for toddlers - childproofing is essential, not optional.
Gates are a barrier, not a babysitter. Still need to supervise kids properly. Gates buy you time to get to them, that's all.
Remove childproofing gradually - test them with supervision before you take gates away. Some kids are sensible at 2, others not until 4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does childproofing actually involve?
Usually stair gates top and bottom of stairs, socket covers on accessible outlets, corner protectors on sharp furniture edges, cupboard locks on anything hazardous. I'll assess what you need based on your house and how mobile your little one is.
Can you fit stair gates without drilling?
Depends where they're going. Pressure-fit gates work fine at the bottom of stairs or in doorways. Top of stairs absolutely must be screw-fixed - safety regulation. Can't risk a pressure gate giving way when a toddler pushes it.
What age should I childproof for?
Usually when they start crawling (6-8 months) through to about 2-3 years when they understand danger better. But every kid is different - some are climbers, some aren't. I've fitted gates for 4 year olds who treat stairs like a climbing frame.
Do I need to buy the childproofing stuff myself?
Either way. If you've already bought gates and safety gear, I'll fit it all properly. If not, I can advise what you need and pick it up. Stair gates vary massively in quality - worth getting decent ones.
Can you remove childproofing later without damage?
Mostly yes. Screw-fixed gates leave small holes that fill and paint easily. Adhesive corner protectors come off cleanly. Socket covers just pull out. Your house won't look like a soft play center forever.
Childproofing Also Available In:
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