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.