Temporary grab rails in Exeter
Professional temporary grab rails 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
Grab rails fitted securely for recovery periods, then professionally removed and wall made good when you're back on your feet.
Help exactly when you need it, gone when you don't
Coming home after surgery or injury often means your house suddenly has challenges it never had before. That step by the front door, getting in and out of the shower, standing up from the loo - all need support temporarily.
I'll fit proper grab rails where you need them, making sure they're secure enough to support your full weight. When you've recovered, I'll come back, remove them, and make good the walls so there's no trace.
Common temporary grab rail situations:
| ✅ Perfect For | ❌ Not The Right Solution |
|---|---|
| Post-surgery recovery (hip, knee, etc.) | Permanent accessibility needs (see standard grab rail service) |
| Broken leg or ankle healing | Rental properties without landlord permission |
| Elderly relative staying temporarily | Very weak plaster walls (might need permanent backing) |
| Recovery from illness affecting mobility | Super-short term (under a week - suction rails might work) |
Pricing Guide
| Setup | Estimated Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2 rails (e.g. toilet + shower) | 1 hr | £60 |
| 3-4 rails (bathroom + bedroom + stairs) | 1.5 hrs | £85 |
| Full setup (multiple locations) | 2 hrs | £110 |
Removal and making good: Same price as installation - £60 minimum for quick jobs, more if there's extensive repainting needed.
Based on £60 minimum (first hour) + £50/hr after. Rails themselves typically £15-40 each - I can supply or fit yours.
💡 Pro tip: Get them fitted before your surgery date while you can still move about easily. Trying to direct installation while post-op and medicated is much harder. Also means they're there ready for when you need them most.
Why Choose Us for Temporary grab rails in Exeter?
Securely fitted to support full weight
Positioned exactly where you need support
Professional removal when recovered
Holes filled and painted to match
What to Expect
Step 1: Planning placement
We'll discuss exactly where you need support - I've done enough of these to suggest typical positions, but your specific needs matter most. I'll check wall strength and locate studs or use proper cavity fixings.
Step 2: Secure installation
Rails get fitted properly - into studs where possible, or with heavy-duty fixings rated for body weight. I'll test each one myself before leaving. They need to feel absolutely solid, not slightly wobbly.
Step 3: Later removal
When you're recovered and don't need them anymore, I'll come back, remove everything, fill holes with proper filler, sand smooth, and touch up paint. Takes about the same time as installation.
🔧 DIY Tips
Installing yourself:
Tools you'll need:
- Stud finder (crucial - rails must be secure)
- Drill with masonry and wood bits
- Spirit level
- Screwdriver or driver bit
- Filler and paint for later removal
Steps:
- Find wall studs with stud finder - grab rails MUST go into studs or have proper cavity fixings
- Position rail at correct height (typically 900mm from floor for horizontal rails)
- Check level, mark fixing holes accurately
- Drill pilot holes, slightly smaller than screws
- Fit with long screws (minimum 50mm into stud)
- Test with your full weight before relying on it
Common mistakes:
- Fitting into plasterboard only - will rip out under weight
- Wrong height for the user (test before drilling)
- Not checking level - wonky rails are hard to grip
- Using screws too short to reach studs properly
Pro tricks:
- Studs are typically 400-600mm apart - if you find one, measure across to find the next
- Horizontal rails are easier to use than vertical ones for most people
- Angled rails (like by steps) should angle in the direction of movement
- Test rails with a hard yank before the person uses them - better to find weakness immediately
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
Multi-job opportunity: If you're preparing for someone coming home from hospital, I can also move furniture, fit bed rails, adjust bed height, or sort other accessibility items in one visit.
Council occupational therapy: If an OT has recommended grab rail positions, I'll follow their guidance exactly. Bring any diagrams or notes they've provided.
Rail supply: I can supply standard grab rails (chrome or white, various lengths) or fit ones you've bought yourself. Medical supply companies sometimes provide specific rails that I'm happy to install.
Old houses in Devon: Many older properties around Exeter have lath-and-plaster walls. These need special fixings or backing boards - I'll assess and advise on the best approach for secure fitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How are temporary grab rails different from permanent ones?
They're not - they're fitted just as securely. The 'temporary' part means I'll come back and remove them when you've recovered, then fill and paint the holes so you'd never know they were there. Same safe installation, just not forever.
I'm having surgery next week - how quickly can you fit them?
Usually within a couple of days if I know what you need and where. Best to call before your surgery date so we can get them fitted while you're still mobile. That way they're ready for when you come home and need them most.
Can you fit them in a rental property?
Yes, but check with your landlord first. I'll fit them securely (into studs or with proper wall fixings), then when you're better I'll remove them, fill the holes, and touch up the paint. Most landlords are fine with this for medical recovery.
Where do people usually need grab rails during recovery?
Most common is beside the toilet and in the shower. Also next to beds, by the front step, and sometimes on both sides of stairs. I'll advise based on your specific situation and what helps you stay independent while recovering.
What's the removal and making good process?
I'll unscrew the rails, remove the wall fixings, fill the holes with filler, sand smooth, and touch up with matching paint. If your walls are textured or you don't have matching paint, I can advise on the best approach to make it neat.
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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!
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