Basics
After the painting is finished the hardware installers
can begin. Hardware installation contractors usually
specialize in the installation of the following items:
Closet
rods/closet organizers
Bathroom
hardware (towel bars, paper holders, etc.)
Doors/handsets
and locks
Mirrors/shower
and tub glass
House
numbers
Closet
rods/Closet organizers
If the closet shelves/organizer are wood then they
are installed by the finish carpenter. Wire metal
and plastic organizers have become more popular for
pantries and bedroom closets. They are usually installed
by specialty companies.
Bathroom
hardware
Bathroom hardware includes such things as towel holders,
soap holders, and toilet roll holder. Designers match
the style and brand and color of the hardware with
the plumbing fixtures and faucets to give the room
a coordinated look.
Doors/handsets
and locks
The painter take the doors and hinges off the frame
to paint them. Usually they paint them in the basement
or garage. Hopefully they marked the hinge location
and position on the door. The hardware installer re-install
the doors and installs the handsets and locks on exterior
doors. The exterior locks must be keyed alike. They
also adjust the door hardware.
Contractors have their hardware installer put construction
locks on the house as soon as the framers install
the interior doors and windows. To avoid damaging
an expensive front door the framers will often install
a temporary construction. At this phase of the construction
process the permanent door is installed.
Mirrors/shower
and tub glass/medicine cabinets
Usually the Hardware installers will fit mirrors and
shower and tub glass. The installers install shower
glass and door kits and custom made surrounds and
doors. Medicine cabinets can be recessed or surface
mounted. There are several options that you can add
to the mirrors and showers doors. Mirrors can be beveled
square edge, trim or no trim. They can also be cut
to various shapes.
There are various options for the trim and the glass
for the shower/tub. The trim is usually chrome, white,
or gold. The glass can be clear, patterned or blurred.
Contract/Description
of materials The contract should
include the following:
Price
for the job.
Price for change orders
Number
of days to complete task
Number of bathrooms
Description
of the job
Location
of hardware, house numbers etc.
Descriptions of materials:
Closet rod brand model, closet organizer
Brand and model of handsets, locks and pulls
Description and design of mirrors, medicine cabinets
Description of shower enclosures including trim
color, glass type and direction of door swing.
Notes
to the owner-builder
Installing hardware is a job that owner-builders will
often do themselves. Your local home center has a
good selection of the necessary hardware. Shop around
because prices can vary greatly.
