I was pleasantly surprised to open my June issue of the Construction Specifier this morning, and find an article called “Architectural Hardware Specifications,” by Joseph D. Calvert, CSI, CDT, AHC of Calvert Independent Hardware Specifications. The article does a great job of explaining the value of an AHC. Joe describes the coordination that we manage between various trades, the complex hardware sets and riser diagrams that we produce for openings 
with electrified hardware, and the detailed analysis that we perform when creating the hardware sets and reviewing the submittal – including the required function, durability, codes, and aesthetic requirements.
I fully agree with Joe’s assessment that a hardware specification is something that should be paid for, not a free service. We’re professionals, offering a valuable service…the “good old days” when writing the spec meant that you were pretty much guaranteed to supply the hardware are long gone.
You can read Joe’s article online until the next issue is published, and if you’re a CSI member you’ll be able to access it in the archives later on. Just follow this link, click the cover of the magazine on the left-hand side, and go to page 14.
UPDATE: Here is a link directly to the article, which should stay active even after the issue is archived: Architectural Hardware Specifications, by Joseph D. Calvert, CSI, CDT, AHC
And just for fun…I created this video as a Ingersoll Rand contest entry to show how our employees are making the world a better place. I didn’t win, but I enjoyed making it and for any of you who wonder what a hardware consultant does, here’s your answer:
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Lori
You look taller on tv
I LOVE the video… you look great in it!
Hmmmm…
Where did you get those earings?
You did something with your hair, right?
I had a makeover. And extensive plastic surgery. 🙂
HI Lori
I think you should have won that contest!
The article was very good also. I hope allot of people read it, especially people that need to understand what we do. What are the rules for passing this along. Are permissions needed or just put the link on a site or in an email?
Jim
Thanks Jim! You don’t need permission to post a link to the article. I’m going to ask the author if it’s ok for me to upload a pdf of the article so that it’s available even after the current edition goes into archive.
A hardware specification will determine the quality of the product itself. Finding as much information as possible will minimize our risks to get fake products. In addition, if you get it from a trusted supplier, you will get a long-term guarantee.