Shelf Installation New Home in Exeter
Professional shelf installation new home services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60-£110
Typical Duration
1-2 hrs
Location
Exeter, Devon
Shelves fitted level and solid in your new home. Right fixings for your walls, straight as a die, ready to load up with books and clutter.
Just Moved In and Need Storage Sorted
New house, no shelving anywhere, and you've got boxes of books, ornaments, and random stuff that needs homes. Time to get some shelves up properly.
💡 Pro tip: A shelf that's not level will annoy you EVERY time you look at it. Get it right first time or it'll drive you mad.
Why Proper Fitting Matters
| ✅ Done Right | ❌ DIY Rush Job |
|---|---|
| Perfectly level using spirit level | "That looks about right..." |
| Fixed into studs or proper wall plugs | Ripped out of plasterboard after a week |
| Straight fixings, no visible sagging | Shelf tilts forward under weight |
| Smooth finish, minimal visible fixings | Screw heads everywhere, holes from failed attempts |
What's Involved
🔧 The Process
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Check walls | Work out wall type, locate studs if needed |
| Mark position | Measure, level, mark fixing points |
| Fix brackets/supports | Drill, plug, secure properly |
| Mount shelves | Fit shelves, final level check |
📦 What I Bring
- Spirit level and measuring tools
- Drill with correct bits for your walls
- Range of fixings (wall plugs, stud screws, cavity anchors)
- Stud finder for plasterboard walls
Pricing Guide
| What You Need | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 2-3 simple bracket shelves | 1 hr | £60 |
| 4-6 shelves, mixed types | 1.5-2 hrs | £85-£110 |
| Alcove shelving (both alcoves) | 2-3 hrs | £110-£160 |
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Solid walls take longer than plasterboard.
Perfect For...
✅ Just moved in - need storage sorted quickly
✅ Books and heavy items - needs proper weight-bearing fixings
✅ Floating shelves - these need getting exactly right
✅ Alcove spaces - making use of chimney alcoves
Why Choose Us for Shelf Installation New Home in Exeter?
Fitted perfectly level first time
Right fixings for your wall type
Won't sag under weight
No wonky DIY disasters
What to Expect
Step 1: Wall Check
I'll check your wall type and locate studs if you've got plasterboard. Work out the best fixing method for what you're putting on the shelf.
Step 2: Measure and Mark
Mark the positions using a spirit level, check heights make sense, make sure everything's going to be straight.
Step 3: Fix and Mount
Drill, fix brackets or supports properly, mount shelves, final check everything's level. Job done.
🔧 DIY Tips
Fitting shelves yourself? Here's how to avoid wonky disasters:
🔧 Tools you need
- Spirit level (longer the better)
- Tape measure and pencil
- Drill with masonry bits (solid walls) or wood bits (studs)
- Screwdriver
- Stud finder (if you have plasterboard walls)
📐 Getting them level
- Mark your intended height at one end
- Use spirit level to transfer that height across
- Mark fixing points
- Double-check with level before drilling
- If it's a long shelf, check level at multiple points
🔨 Wall type matters
- Solid brick/block: Drill hole, insert wall plug, screw in
- Plasterboard on studs: Find stud and screw directly into it, OR use proper cavity anchors between studs
- Old lath and plaster: Usually solid behind, but brittle - drill carefully
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Not checking if wall is plasterboard first
- Using standard wall plugs in plasterboard (they'll pull out)
- Not using a level (measuring from floor which isn't level)
- Drilling fixing holes too close to shelf edge (splits the shelf)
- Overloading shelves not properly fixed
💡 Pro trick: For floating shelves, the bracket MUST be level and the fixing holes must be perfectly aligned. Even 2mm out and the shelf won't slide on. Mark carefully, drill a pilot hole, check fit before drilling all holes.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🏠 Exeter's older houses: Walls often aren't perfectly vertical. I'll fit shelves level (which is what matters), but you might notice a slight taper to the gap above or below if your wall's leaning. That's the wall, not the shelf.
Multiple rooms? Book them all together - more efficient than me coming back multiple times, and you'll save on the per-visit cost.
Heavy items? Tell me what's going on the shelf. Books are heavy - a shelf full of hardbacks needs serious fixings. I'll make sure it's up to the job.
Frequently Asked Questions
What types of shelves can you fit?
Floating shelves, bracket shelves, alcove shelving - whatever you've bought or want advice on. I'll make sure it's fitted with the right fixings for your wall type and the weight you're putting on it.
Do I need to buy the shelves first?
Either way works. If you've already got them, perfect. If not, tell me what you're after and I can advise on what'll work for your space and what fixings you'll need.
How do you make sure they're level?
Spirit level and patience. I mark the position carefully, use a level to ensure it's true horizontal, then fix it properly. Wonky shelves drive me mad, so you can be sure they'll be spot on.
What about plasterboard walls?
Plasterboard needs different fixings than solid walls - proper cavity anchors or fixing into the timber studs behind. I'll check what you've got and use the right approach so your shelves don't pull out of the wall.
Can you fit alcove shelving in older houses?
Yes - actually perfect for Exeter's Victorian terraces with their alcoves either side of chimneys. I can fit shelves to suit the space, dealing with any wonky walls or out-of-square alcoves.
Shelf Installation New Home Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your shelf installation new home job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Shelf Installation New Home in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your shelf installation new home job in Exeter today.