Why Important
What to look for
Originally, it is said, only doctors had door knockers; other houses and flats had bells. They were introduced later as decorative elements in brass or, on basement doors, iron.
When to look
How to fix
Avoiding creating problems
The temptation to add new knockers should be resisted, particularly on doors to flats from the internal common stair, where they are inappropriate and noisy for adjoining occupants.
Care should be taken not to damage the zinc conduit during any re-plastering works, and it is important to avoid exposed wiring and cranks becoming paint-bound during the redecoration of common stairs.