When my daughter was in preschool, she told her class that when she grew up she wanted to be a “hard work insultant”, just like her mom.  After 20+ years of explaining to people what I do, I can’t blame her for being a little confused.  In case you’ve been wondering why anyone would need a hardware consultant, here are the answers to some frequently asked questions:

Why do I need a hardware consultant?
If you’re an architect and you’ve ever written a hardware spec or even tried to “borrow” one from another project, you probably already know the answer. Product numbers and codes change, and hardware has become increasingly complicated due to security requirements. Mistakes can be costly and often impact construction schedules if they’re not discovered until the doors are installed. Most architects find hardware excruciating. We like it!

What is included in Allegion’s hardware consulting service?
We provide a complete hardware specification (including hardware sets) in CSI 3-part format, with font and margin settings to match your project manual. We supply an index of door numbers with the applicable hardware sets, as well as catalog cuts for each product specified. We assist with substitution requests, value engineering, application and product questions, and we review and comment on the hardware submittal.

Which manufacturers’ products will you specify?
Based on our experience and your input, we specify the most appropriate products for your project.  In most cases, Allegion will have the right products for the job, but we will specify other brands if needed.

How many hardware consultants do you employ?
Allegion employs more than 100 consultants to write hardware specifications and assist with questions.  Most of our consultants have earned advanced certifications from the Door & Hardware Institute and the Construction Specifications Institute. Our team also includes experts on electrified and mechanical hardware, doors and frames, and code requirements, and we consult with them regularly.

What about security and building code coordination?
We regularly work with security consultants and code consultants to ensure that their requirements are met and to reach acceptable compromises while balancing the aesthetic and functional needs of the project.

How much does the hardware consulting service cost?
This varies depending on the size and type of project, the facility, and the Allegion office handling the project.  Please visit this page to get started, and we will be happy to discuss fees with you.

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