It’s easy to take doors for granted, because so long as they look good and work well, they essentially become an invisible part of any building.
However, there are elements of the way that doors are designed that can cause problems, as well as issues with installation that can derail an otherwise straightforward project.
With that in mind, here’s a look at some common door-related conundrums, and what you can do to overcome them.
Problem: Designing a Durable Door Structure That Can Stand Up Against Wear & Tear
Doors are expected to stand the test of time, facing off against the elements and remaining in one piece for years or even centuries.
If durability isn’t at the core of the design, then the door won’t be built to last, and it will need replacing sooner rather than later.
Avoiding this means considering materials such as strong woods, or metals like steel or aluminum, for robustness and durability. For example, using stainless steel frames can help protect against corrosion from moisture in humid climates.
Additionally, proper sealing techniques should be used during installation to make sure no water gets inside the frame, where it can cause damage over time. So this is not just a design issue, but one that impacts the door at all stages of development.
Lastly, durable hinges with a high weight-bearing capacity are essential for ensuring safe operation of the door system over its lifespan. This should include selecting rust-resistant options if necessary too.
Problem: Finding Cost-Effective Ways To Enhance Security Without Compromising Aesthetics
Security is always a priority when working with door design and installation. While there may be straightforward ways to make it more secure, this should not come at the expense of its visual impact.
Fortunately, there are cost-effective ways to make sure your customer's homes or businesses remain safe without sacrificing aesthetic appeal. For instance, you can install high-grade deadbolts that offer superior protection from intruders, but still maintain their sleek appearance. Moreover, investing in reinforced frames for an extra layer of security can be done relatively inexpensively by opting for steel or aluminum over more costly materials like iron or copper.
Lastly, specialized sensors such as motion detectors and camera systems provide excellent monitoring capabilities, while adding minimal bulk to the overall look of the door system, making them great options if budget is a concern. This is an example of where taking a holistic approach to security when considering door design works wonders.
Problem: Not Invoicing Correctly for the Work
Engineers and contractors can often find themselves in a tricky situation when it comes to invoicing correctly for their door design and installation services. This is because there are multiple factors that need to be taken into consideration, from labor costs and materials used, to ancillary expenses incurred during the job.
To ensure you get paid properly for your work, making sure all these elements are accurately accounted for on your invoice is key, including any additional features or extras requested by the customer too. Using efficient estimating and invoicing solutions for contractors such as Joist is a good move if you want to handle this smoothly and consistently for each door design or installation job.
Additionally, staying up-to-date with industry regulations regarding payment terms also helps keep things running smoothly. This way both parties have a clear understanding of expectations right from the beginning, which avoids potential confusion when the invoice arrives.
Problem: Incurring Unnecessary Costs
Making sure your door design and installation projects run efficiently is essential for keeping costs down. Unfortunately, mistakes can easily happen during the process if proper precautions aren’t taken, leading to costly delays or even a complete rework of the job.
To mitigate this risk, it pays to know what some of these common pitfalls are so they can be avoided in advance.
For instance, double-checking measurements before beginning work helps ensure that doors fit without unexpected surprises. Pre-assembling components offsite where possible also saves time on site.
Additionally, using quality fasteners gives added assurance against any future loose joints. By staying aware of these issues ahead of time, engineers and contractors can help avoid unnecessary expenses.
Final Thoughts
Designing and installing doors is a mixture of an art and a science, so considering all the angles and collaborating effectively with colleagues and clients will serve you well in this context.
