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Architectural Design Hardware

Don't Let Your Builder Select Your Door Hardware



A builder can choose door hardware for your home, but it is not always the best approach. While builders have the experience and knowledge to make informed decisions about the construction process, door hardware is a significant part of the aesthetic of your home and is visible throughout the day.


Your personal style and preferences should be taken into consideration when choosing door hardware. Additionally, your builder may choose hardware based on cost, rather than quality, potentially leading to hardware that wears out or breaks more easily and requiring replacements.


It is best to be involved in the door hardware selection process, so you can ensure it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget. Your builder can provide advice and suggestions, but it is ultimately your responsibility to make the final decision.


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Consider the effect of a builders choice

  1. Limited options: Builders often have relationships with specific hardware suppliers and may only offer limited options.

  2. Cost-saving strategy: Builders may choose hardware based on cost rather than quality, which can lead to functional or aesthetic issues.

  3. Personal preference: Door hardware is a personal choice and can greatly impact the look and feel of a home. Allowing the builder to make this choice may result in hardware that does not suit the homeowner's taste.

  4. Future repairs: Low-quality hardware may need to be replaced sooner, leading to additional expenses and inconvenience.

  5. Lack of expertise: Builders may not have the knowledge or experience to select hardware that is suitable for the specific needs and requirements of the homeowner.

It is best to be involved in the door hardware selection process, so you can ensure it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget.


The downside of a builders choice

  1. Limited options: Builders typically have a limited selection of door hardware to choose from, limiting your ability to personalize your home to your specific style and taste.

  2. Quality control: Your builder may choose hardware based on price rather than quality, leading to hardware that wears out or breaks more easily.

  3. Compatibility issues: Your builder may not consider the compatibility of door hardware with other components in your home, leading to difficulties when making future upgrades or changes.

  4. Responsibility: If there are issues with the door hardware selected by your builder, it may be unclear who is responsible for fixing the problem, leading to potential delays and added costs.


Should my builder decide on door hardware for my home?


No, it is generally not recommended for your builder to solely decide on door hardware for your home for the following reasons:

  1. Personal preference: Door hardware is a significant part of the aesthetic of your home and is visible throughout the day. You may have a specific style or preference in mind that your builder may not be aware of.

  2. Cost: Your builder may choose hardware based on cost, rather than quality, potentially leading to hardware that wears out or breaks more easily and requiring replacements.

  3. Responsibility: If there are issues with the door hardware, it may be unclear who is responsible for fixing the problem, leading to potential delays and added costs.

It is recommended to involve yourself in the door hardware selection process, so you can ensure it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget.


The truth is some wealthy homes scrimp on door handles


Yes, it is true that some wealthy homes use cheaper door handles. There are several reasons for this:

  1. Aesthetic preference: Some individuals or designers may prefer the look of a particular door handle, regardless of the cost.

  2. Cost savings: Some individuals or designers may prefer to allocate their budget to other elements of their home, such as furniture, artwork, or décor.

  3. Belief in durability: Some individuals or designers may believe that a cheaper door handle is just as durable as a more expensive option, and choose to prioritize cost savings over brand reputation or perceived quality.

  4. Disguising the value: In some cases, the use of cheaper door hardware may be a deliberate choice to downplay the wealth of the homeowner, rather than to flaunt it.

Ultimately, the choice of door hardware is a personal one and can be based on a variety of factors, including personal preference, budget, and intended aesthetic.


Is it better to have my Architect and Builder choose my door hardware


Having both an architect and builder involved in the door hardware selection process can be beneficial, as they can provide insight into compatibility and functionality, but ultimately it is not necessary for them to make the final decision for you. Here are a few reasons why:

  1. Personal preference: Door hardware is a significant part of the aesthetic of your home and is visible throughout the day. You may have a specific style or preference in mind that your architect and builder may not be aware of.

  2. Cost: Your architect and builder may choose hardware based on cost, rather than quality, potentially leading to hardware that wears out or breaks more easily and requiring replacements.

  3. Responsibility: If there are issues with the door hardware, it may be unclear who is responsible for fixing the problem, leading to potential delays and added costs.

It is best to be involved in the door hardware selection process, so you can ensure it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget. Your architect and builder can provide advice and suggestions, but it is ultimately your responsibility to make the final decision.


Architect Chosen Door Hardware


Having an architect choose your door hardware can have some benefits, as they have a good understanding of design and functionality, but ultimately, the choice of door hardware is a personal one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering having an architect choose your door hardware:

  1. Aesthetic: An architect can ensure that the door hardware fits the overall aesthetic and design of your home, making it look cohesive and polished.

  2. Functionality: An architect can also advise on hardware that is compatible with the doors and hinges in your home, and ensure that it functions properly.

  3. Personal preference: While an architect can provide advice and suggestions, they may not be aware of your specific personal style and preferences. It is important to be involved in the selection process and provide your own input.

  4. Cost: An architect may choose door hardware based on design and functionality, rather than cost. It is important to discuss your budget with them and ensure that the hardware chosen aligns with your financial goals.

Ultimately, while an architect can provide valuable input, it is important to be involved in the door hardware selection process to ensure that it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget.


Interior Design Chosen Door Hardware


Having an interior designer choose your door hardware can have some benefits, as they have a good understanding of design and functionality, but ultimately, the choice of door hardware is a personal one. Here are a few things to keep in mind when considering having an interior designer choose your door hardware:

  1. Aesthetic: An interior designer can ensure that the door hardware fits the overall aesthetic and design of your home, making it look cohesive and polished.

  2. Functionality: An interior designer can also advise on hardware that is compatible with the doors and hinges in your home, and ensure that it functions properly.

  3. Personal preference: While an interior designer can provide advice and suggestions, they may not be aware of your specific personal style and preferences. It is important to be involved in the selection process and provide your own input.

  4. Cost: An interior designer may choose door hardware based on design and functionality, rather than cost. It is important to discuss your budget with them and ensure that the hardware chosen aligns with your financial goals.

Ultimately, while an interior designer can provide valuable input, it is important to be involved in the door hardware selection process to ensure that it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget.


Conclusion


Only you can know yourself, what you like and don't like. Only you know your Architect, builder, and interior designer. A home is personal. You will likely live in your home for years to come. You will have to live with choices made, or change those choices at expense.


Door hardware is a personal choice. It is a significant part of the aesthetic of your home and is visible throughout the day. Door hardware can also impact the functionality and security of your doors. It is important to choose door hardware that aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget.

Here are a few reasons why door hardware is considered a personal choice:

  1. Aesthetic: Door hardware is an important part of the overall design of your home, and you may have a specific style or preference in mind that others may not be aware of.

  2. Functionality: Door hardware must be compatible with the doors and hinges in your home, and it is important that it functions properly.

  3. Budget: Door hardware can vary greatly in cost, and it is important to choose hardware that fits within your budget.

  4. Responsibility: If there are issues with the door hardware, it is important to know who is responsible for fixing the problem, so it is important to be involved in the selection process.

It is recommended to be involved in the door hardware selection process, so you can ensure that it aligns with your personal style, quality, and budget. While others can provide advice and suggestions, it is ultimately your responsibility to make the final decision.


Why not visit our showroom at Architectural Design Hardware for an inspirational look at door hardware choices.


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