At Unified Door & Hardware Group, our goal is to strategically serve the construction industry and streamline processes using our extensive knowledge and expertise. One of the ways we can help navigate the complexities of today’s world of doors and hardware is by offering cost and time savings through pre-installation services.
Pre-installation is the process in which hardware such as hinges, door closers, exit devices, locks, electrified hardware, flat goods, kick plates and push plates are installed onto doors prior to shipping to the jobsite. Even elements such as glass and vision kits for window cutouts have the ability to be inserted before shipment. Since Unified serves a wide range of facilities with specific needs, the types of hardware sets used are constantly changing from job to job. This requires access to a skilled group of technicians that are fully dedicated to pre-installation. Several of our affiliated companies have set teams that specialize in these services, many with over 20 years of experience.
There are numerous upsides to using doors with pre-installed hardware that can be of great benefit to contractors, developers and other key stakeholders. We will go into each of these in detail.
One advantage of pre-installation is that the process becomes significantly expedited, which can help you save time and effectively meet deadlines. If the hardware comes separate from the door, it has to be sorted on site and positioned in the field, an undertaking that can be tedious and error-prone. On the other hand, if the hardware is already in place prior to arriving at the jobsite, the time to swing the door is significantly reduced. Not only does this result in a cost savings by reducing field installation work, it also accelerates the entire construction process. This can be especially favorable to contractors who are on a tight timeline and would prefer to receive a finished product. Schools and universities that have a short window in the summer to complete projects benefit greatly from this type of service.
Another positive aspect of pre-installation is that it allows UDHG to catch manufacturing or product defects and fix them prior to delivering materials. Once the material gets put out in the field, it can be increasingly difficult to document and identify the source of the error. With pre-installation, we can track down exactly when and where the product was damaged and make repairs quickly and accurately. We also have strong relationships with our manufacturers which allow us to easily manage and address any potential oversight. This helps avoid costly mistakes that can affect both budgets and project timelines.
Maintaining quality is very important to UDHG, which is why we package a maximum of 7 doors on a skid and fit approximately 7 skids on a truck depending on its size. Each door is carefully packaged with Styrofoam and shrink wrap so the hardware will not rub against each other and become scratched or damaged. The items can then be loaded directly into the building on the jobsite for fast and efficient installation.
The pre-installation process also contributes to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) construction. An important part of our overall mission is to approach construction in a way that is environmentally responsible while using resources efficiently. The pre-installation process contributes to LEED construction, since we recycle packaging directly at our shop location, eliminating some jobsite waste.
While the unmistakable benefits of pre-installation may give the impression of a costly service, this is not necessarily the case. The amount of time and labor it takes for carpenters to install door hardware in the field is drastically cut down, resulting in a cost savings on the backend. The cumbersome task of troubleshooting, problem solving and accounting for missing pieces is essentially eliminated, therefore reducing the amount of on-site work. However, many of our affiliates are part of the Carpenters Union, so we are still able to accommodate both Union and non-Union workers depending on what your job calls for.
Overall, pre-installed hardware has many advantages that can provide a hassle-free jobsite installation. We can supply you with the right door according to your individual needs per floor or project, all while saving you time, avoiding error, and conserving resources. Please reach out to us if you have any questions about pre-installation or would like to inquire about using our services for your next project.