Can I swap door handles to levers across my Toronto home?

Yes, swapping door handles to levers is one of the more satisfying DIY projects a homeowner can tackle — and it's completely legal to do yourself in Ontario without any permits.

Most interior door hardware swaps are straightforward and require only a screwdriver, sometimes a drill if you're changing the backset (the distance from the door edge to the centre of the knob hole). The process typically takes 10–20 minutes per door once you get your rhythm going.

The main thing to confirm before buying is compatibility. Standard North American doors use either a 2-3/8" or 2-3/4" backset, and most lever sets are adjustable to fit both. You'll also want to match the bore hole diameter — the large round hole in the door face is almost always 2-1/8" in modern homes, but older Toronto homes (think pre-1970 in neighbourhoods like The Annex, Cabbagetown, or older Etobicoke bungalows) can have non-standard sizing that requires a bit more work or a hole saw kit.

For older Toronto homes, watch for a few quirks. Century homes sometimes have mortise-style locks — a large rectangular mechanism embedded in the door edge — rather than the tubular latch system modern levers use. Replacing mortise hardware is a different process entirely and may require a locksmith or carpenter if the mortise pocket needs modification. If your current handles have an elongated rectangular faceplate on the door edge rather than a small round or rectangular one, you likely have mortise locks.

Lever orientation matters too. Most levers are handed — meaning they're designed for either left- or right-swing doors. Some are reversible, so check the packaging before purchasing. Getting this wrong is a frustrating mistake when you're halfway through a whole-home swap.

On the cost side, lever sets range widely: basic builder-grade levers run $15–$40 each, mid-range options (Schlage, Kwikset) land at $40–$90, and designer or solid-brass levers can run $100–$300+ per door. For a typical Toronto home with 8–12 interior doors, budget anywhere from $200 to $1,500+ in hardware depending on your taste.

If you run into non-standard doors, rotting door edges, or want to upgrade your exterior locks at the same time, that's when it's worth bringing in a licensed locksmith or carpenter. Exterior lock changes — especially if you're adding smart locks or rekeying — benefit from a professional eye to ensure proper weather sealing and security alignment.

For a straightforward interior swap, grab your hardware, a Phillips screwdriver, and an afternoon — it's a great weekend project that makes a real difference in how a home feels.