When looking at door hardware , it may at first appear to be a simple choice that can be broken down into three broad factors : appearance , functionality , and cost . However , there should be a much deeper thought process than that of face value considerations , particularly if you are specifying for multiple buildings , high footfall areas or if you are building in the public sector . For example , the Autumn 2015 Spending Review highlighted that 8,000 specialist homes should be built for older people and people with disabilities . On the face of it , that might signal a cost-cutting exercise , but for the finely attuned door hardware expert , it means complex analysis into which door hardware products will best meet the needs of the elderly and disabled within the budget allowed , but also provide the best value and lifespan . Decision factors will include looking at what access systems are needed for carers , what emergency exit systems need to be in place for the occupants and staff , and how best to accommodate the users ’ needs . Choosing the right product the first time can yield real cost savings whether it is through installation

, maintenance , replacement , protecting yourself from fines or other hidden costs . Here is our quick guide to what you should be considering in order to maximise the value of your door hardware .

LOWERING INSTALLATION , MAINTENANCE AND RUNNING COSTS From call outs to wiring , fitting to testing and more , labour costs are one of the highest components of the built environment spend . However , it is one that can be reduced with correct specification . If you are upgrading your door hardware , consider electromechanical wireless options . Most modern closers and door furniture now run off batteries and communicate wirelessly through routers , so there is less dependence on hard-wiring to building power sources and hubs . Battery life is also no longer a hindering factor as we can now see standard AAA battery-run hardware lasting upwards of 20,000 cycles . Choosing door furniture and systems that are designed specifically for retrofitting will also cut costs from installation and maintenance through less upheaval and less disruption .

QUALITY OVER COST It may be tempting to use products that hold a cheaper ticket price , but , logically , picking products that are more durable and are also proven to last longer will eventually save money . Cheap products are cheap for a reason , and they often have poorer performance over quality engineered hardware . Whether that means they have poorer grading standards or are manufactured from less robust materials , it all results in shorter lifecycles . Door closers and exit devices in education and healthcare facilities are a prime example of this due to the high usage – and sometimes misuse – they are subjected to . If you choose cheaper hardware , you may be replacing it more regularly and , so , incurring additional labour and purchasing costs .

ADDED VALUE It is often hard to see the added value a simple door handle or closer can carry , but the door hardware industry continually drives research and development to make products the best they can be for their users . In today ’ s world , there are a variety of hidden benefits that well-designed door hardware can

bring . For instance , door handles in healthcare facilities will often incorporate active anti-microbial agents to minimise germs spreading and prevent bacteria from growing . On the technology side , digital keyless access systems are also forever improving with smart technology to meet and exceed consumer expectations . A prime example of this are electromechanical exit devices which marry with digital access control .

FUTURE-PROOFING Another area that must be on the agenda is future-proofing , especially because the landscape of the built environment is moving in tandem with electronics and digital access . To maximise the value of your hardware in this respect , there should be a clear long-term plan of how your building will be used in the future , considering the

needs of occupants and building and security managers . One of the latest innovations in keyless access is the ability to be able to control doors remotely through internet-enabled devices . As one of the biggest revolutions to come into access control , it is one that can be particularly useful to universities , student campuses , hospitals and sports stadia . If your building stores and handles sensitive data , then it would be prudent to think about which systems you can upgrade to , plus expand and retrofit in future , with minimum fuss . With a little planning and advice , both of which can be easily obtained from door hardware manufacturers and experts , your door hardware can start repaying you by being longer lasting and by providing better security , safety and functionality to your building occupants .