Whether you just purchased a new home, have faulty hardware, or just want to make an upgrade from an outdated style, there are plenty of reasons you may need to update your door hardware. How do you determine which hardware is best for your needs? Here are a few things you should consider before making your purchase.

1. Interior or exterior.

Whether your hardware is to be placed on an interior or exterior door will determine the level of durability in both function and finish you will need. For exterior doors, consider a deadbolt with a ANSI Grade 1 security rating - the highest level of residential security available - to keep your home secure along with a handleset or keyed knob/lever. The type of hardware you choose for interior doors will depend on the function of those doors. See more about that below.

2. Lifestyle.

Your next step will be to choose whether you need a knob or lever. The choice is easy when you know you prefer one type over the other but you may find yourself needing to consider other lifestyle aspects. For individuals that may have a difficult time turning a door knob due to a condition such as arthritis, an ADA compliant lever would be the best choice as these require no twisting motion of the wrists to open. If you have active toddlers running about, a knob may be a more suitable choice as they are not opened easily by curious hands.

To determine the type of handleset or deadbolt you will need for your exterior doors, consider if there's an opportunity to add convenience and security with your choice. If you have a busy family or several guests coming and going, you may consider a keyless solution where you can assign a unique access code to each family member and never worry about someone getting locked out or losing a key again.

3. Know the function for each door.

Once you've decided the type of hardware you need, you'll need to determine the function. For hallway and closet doors, you will want a non-locking, passage knob or lever. For bedrooms and bathrooms, purchase a locking, privacy knob or lever. For decorative door pulls, purchase a non-turning, dummy knob or lever and for exterior or higher security needs, a keyed knob or lever. It helps to take a tally of the doors in your home and the function you will need to ensure you purchase the right door hardware.

For special circumstances, such as a wine cellar, you may even consider a keyless Schlage Touch™ with lever for easy access for you and extra help keeping nosy friends and family members out.

4. Door setup.

Sometimes the type of door you have will determine the hardware you should install. Pay special attention if you have extra thick doors as you'll want to be sure your hardware comes with a thick door kit or is well suited for those dimensions. For exterior hardware, you may come across an exterior door with only one hole for hardware. Instead of drilling a second hole for a deadbolt which could ruin the door if your measurements are off or hiring a professional to install, consider a deadbolt that features a lever like the Schlage Touch™ lever or Keypad lever. This allows you to save money, gain extra security and enjoy the convenience of never needing a key again.

5. Choose your finish.

There are many options available when it comes to choosing the best finish for your door hardware and many ways you could base your decision. We recommend taking a look at your overall style and choosing a finish that coordinates well. If you're not sure where to begin, our style selector tool can help you narrow down your choices.

6. Consider climate.

For external locks, you want to consider the climate you live in before making a finish choice. For example, if you live in a coastal region we recommend a matte black or satin chrome finish the eliminate the likelihood of your hardware from tarnishing. Be sure to understand any warranties or guarantees associated with the product you choose. At Schlage, we offer a very generous mechanical, finish and electronic warranty. For more information, visit our website.

For even more help narrowing down your choices, give our product selector tool a try.

When it comes to home remodeling activities, the bulk of your projects may take place during the warmer months of the year. But, there's no reason to waste time waiting around during the cold and letting those winter blues take over. Here are six interior remodeling projects you can easily complete on your own while Mother Nature keeps you indoors and give your space an exciting boost.

1. Install a new light fixture.

Light fixtures can go a long way in transforming your space. Do you have a room that suffers from inadequate lighting? Or outdated fixtures that stick out like a sore thumb from the rest of the hardware in the room? As long as you don't have to do any re-wiring, installing a new light fixture is a project even the least experienced DIYer can accomplish. Just be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions, ensure that all power to the room is off and follow one of many reliable tutorials online.

2. Makeover your doors.

Try giving the doors in your home a refresh. Whether it's a new coat of paint or a door hardware refresh, this is an easy project you can easily accomplish in one weekend. Check out these creative door makeovers for inspiration or try our style selector tool to find the perfect style and finish for your hardware.

3. Refresh your bathtub and tile.

A quick and easy way to breathe new life into your bathroom is to freshen up the grout and recaulk the tub. This project will take less than an afternoon to accomplish and the results will have a major impact. There's no shortage of tried and true methods for cleaning grout online so do a few searches to find the best method for you and cross this off your list.

4. Replace dresser and cabinet hardware.

If your dressers and cabinets are in great shape but could use a style refresh, consider adding new hardware and drawer pulls for a modern touch. Try matching the hardware to your doors or light fixtures or add a unique look by mixing finishes. Check out our guide for mixing finishes the right way here.

5. Add a backsplash.

Adding a backsplash to your kitchen, bathroom or bar is a great way to add visual interest and make your space look more complete. With a little patience and attention to detail, you can complete this project in one weekend and add a fresh splash of color or bring the whole look together in a cohesive way.

6. Refresh your paint.

Chipped paint and dingy crown molding can take your home from looking clean and modern to frumpy and neglected. Take some time this weekend to touch up the little chips and consider giving your trim and crown molding a fresh coat of paint to liven things up.

 

What projects do you have on your to-do list while you're indoors this winter? Comment below to let us know and be sure to share photos of your progress with us on Facebook!

 

Still unsure whether the Schlage Sense™ Smart deadbolt is right for you? We put together this list of commonly asked questions to help you decide.

1. What exactly is HomeKit™?

 

HomeKit allows you to use your iOS device to control any of the "Works with Apple HomeKit" accessories that you have in your home. HomeKit also allows you to ask Siri® "Is my door unlocked?" and tell Siri "Lock my door please." For more information, please see the following website provided by Apple: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204893.

2. How do I use Siri with my Schlage Sense lock?

 

Once your lock is paired with your iOS device, you can use Siri to command the deadbolt to lock and unlock or check the status of your lock. Here are a few common examples: "Siri, lock/unlock my door." "Siri, is my door unlocked?" When you pair your lock with your iOS device, you will be asked to give your lock a Siri nickname. We recommend that names should not include the word ‘lock’ at the end for optimal Siri performance.

3. Can I add other people's iOS devices to the lock?

 

You may have multiple people in your household that need access to your HomeKit accessories. You can easily invite anyone with an iCloud® account to share control and everyone in a shared home can see accessory updates. In order to add another iOS device to your HomeKit home, you must be in range of your Schlage Sense lock; however, the user you are adding does not need to be in range of the lock, but does need to have an active internet connection.

4. How do I lock and unlock the door from my iOS device?

You can either command through Siri for your door to lock or unlock, or operate the lock using the commands available in the Schlage Sense app. If you see a red "locked" padlock, this means the deadbolt is extended and your lock is locked. A green "unlocked" padlock means the deadbolt is retracted into the door and is unlocked. If you see a red triangle with question mark, this means something has prevented the lock from reaching the locked or unlocked state. If this happens, please ensure the door is properly aligned and the thumbturn is securely in the locked or unlocked position. Simply tap the icons in the app to move the lock from unlocked to locked and vice versa.

5. What if my family or friends do not have an iOS device?

For guests, service personnel, friends, and family members who do not have an iOS device, a unique 4-to-8-digit access code may be added to the lock quickly and easily through the Schlage Sense app. Just tap the user icon in the bottom right corner of the Lock screen. Tap the + icon in the upper right corner of the screen. Add access code information and tap “Save” in the upper right corner of the screen. See our guide to setting up effective keyless codes here.

6. Can I add more than one iOS device to the lock?

Once you've completed the setup process for your lock, all of the iOS devices you own can be used to control the Schlage Sense lock as long as you use the same iCloud account. You do not need to re-add each of your iOS devices. Simply log into the same iCloud account that you used on the device that performed initial lock setup.

7. How do I add an Apple TV^® to my HomeKit home?

Apple TV provides remote connectivity to your HomeKit home. Simply set up your Apple TV (3rd generation or later with Apple TV software 7.0 or later) and log into iCloud on the Apple TV using the same iCloud account you are using on your own iOS device (for example, the iPhone you used to setup your lock). We recommend placing your Apple TV within 40 feet of the lock.

8. Can I view previous events that happened at my door?

The Schlage Sense lock logs the last 100 events that occur at the door. This includes events such as lock/unlock, user added/deleted, alarms, low batteries, batteries replaced, lock jammed, firmware updated, and logs cleared. To view logs, simply tap the last logged event shown below the lock on the main screen and all events will be shown. Logs may be cleared by tapping “Clear” in the upper right corner of the logs screen.

9. Can I modify access codes that can be used on the lock touchscreen in the app?

Managing access codes is easy with the Schlage Sense app. Just tap the Users icon in the bottom right corner of the lock main page to present the Access Code screen. All access codes currently in the lock are listed on this screen. Tapping each access code allows you to modify the name, access code, or schedule for each access code. You can even quickly disable or enable codes by tapping the “Disable/Enable” button. 

 

10. Can the amount of access an individual has to my home be limited?

You may find moments where you need to give access to a dog walker, service personnel or housekeeper but want to limit to a certain time of day. You may schedule the amount of access each access code is permitted by tapping the Users icon and tapping the access code you wish to modify. Two independent schedules (start time, stop time) may be added to each day of the week. But remember – HomeKit users you have added to your HomeKit home have continuous access to your home.

11. Can I expect periodic maintenance or firmware updates with my lock?

Firmware updates provide new features and enhancements to your Schlage Sense lock that make it even easier to keep your home safe. A firmware update will take approximately 15 minutes to complete, and your iOS device must stay connected over Bluetooth® to your Schlage Sense lock for the duration of the update. Your iOS device will disconnect from the lock in the last minute of the update. When the lock has completed the update, the lock will flash red LEDs and beep to inform you the process is complete. Please ensure the lock batteries are at a level greater than 30% before beginning the firmware update process.

12. How can I access my lock remotely?

If you have an Apple TV (3rd generation or later) with software version 7.0 or later, you can control your HomeKit-enabled accessories when you're away from home using your iOS device. Sign into iCloud with the same Apple ID on your iOS device and Apple TV and you'll be able to use Siri commands to remotely control your accessories. Please see the following website provided by Apple for further information: https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT204893

 

What other questions do you have about the Schlage Sense™ Smart Deadbolt? Comment below and we'll respond with an answer.

 

Choosing the right products and materials for your next home remodeling project can often be just as stressful as the project itself. When is it worth the splurge? Which items can you never afford to skimp on quality? The last thing you want to do is spend all that time completing a project only to have the end result not function properly or fall apart because of the products you chose. Here are ten considerations you should always keep in mind when choosing the materials and supplies that best suit your needs.

1. Trust in brand name.

The first step in choosing the best products is to first consider the brands you already know and trust. Do you they offer a solution for what you need? There's much to be said for brands that have proven themselves to consistently deliver on quality and performance.

2. Design options that fit your style.

You should never have to skimp on style to complete your projects. With so many available options, you can go beyond standard, builder grade materials and choose pieces that accurately reflect your personal style. Look for brands that strive to uphold the classics while bringing you fresh, innovative offerings that evolve as your tastes do.

For help choosing the right style of door hardware for your home, try our style selector tool.

3. Durability and reliability.

Can you trust this product to perform as it should for many years to come? With remodeling projects, you often get what you pay for and skimping on quality could result in frustration and greater costs down the road when you have to repair.

4. Available where you shop.

Product availability may also play a role in the materials you choose. If it's a time sensitive project, you should consider whether you can readily access the materials you need. At the same time, if it's something that's really rare and special, don't regret not having the patience to wait for it to arrive if the project doesn't need to be finished quickly. 

5. Cost.

Another important consideration when choosing materials is the size of your budget. We would all love to afford the best of the best when it comes to investing in our homes but sometimes reality sets in and your dreams may not be feasible in your price range. 

6. Wide selection of options.

It's also important to choose brands that allow you to customize a number of sizes, finishes or configurations to fit your tastes. There's no reason why you should be forced to forgo other options.

7. Easy to clean and maintain.

What will the maintenance and upkeep be like? Marble counter-tops are gorgeous but are you prepared to be on egg shells every time someone goes in your kitchen for fear they may spill or etch the finish? It's important to think about what the day-to-day maintenance will be like before you make a decision on appearance alone.

 

See our tips for keeping your hardware finish looking like new for years to come.

8. Previous experience.

Have you purchased the product before? What was your experience like? Think back on lessons learned in years before to help guide your decision making.

9. Product guarantee/ warranty.

Consider the product guarantee/ warranty that's offered by the manufacturer. A generous warranty can signal a high quality product and confidence that the product is going to work the way it is supposed to.

 

For more information on Schlage's mechanical, electronic and finish warranty, visit our FAQ section.

10. Easy to install.

The final deciding factor may be the ease of installation. Can you install the product on your own? Or do you need to hire a professional to take care of it? Consider your budget, skill-level and timing for your project in order to make the best decision.

What other factors do you consider when planning your home remodeling projects? Comment below to let us know!

Each new year ushers in a fresh start and a desire to get organized. Let's start 2016 off with the perfect entryway space. Here are seven ideas that will ensure you always receive a warm and inviting welcome when you enter your home.

1. Make access more convenient.

Stop fumbling around for your keys or worse - losing them. With a touchscreen or keypad lock, you can gain access to your home by simply entering a custom PIN that you set up. Check out our full lineup of keyless offerings.

2. Add unique lighting.

The next step to creating an inviting space is to make sure the mood is just right. Add a little boost to your lighting situation by adding a unique chandelier or pendant.

3. Leave space for incoming mail and keys.

The first step to having an organized space is to make sure there's a place for everything. Set up a designated area for you to drop your car keys or incoming mail before they wind up all over the house.

 

4. Avoid tracking in messes.

After a long day of working outside or running around town, who knows what you may track in on your shoes. Create a drip tray to leave those messy things behind instead of tracking dirt and grime throughout your home.

 

5. Have a place to hide things away.

Some things are better left unseen. Add a couple drawers or baskets to hide away the clutter that doesn't need to be out in the open.

6. Create a comfortable space to remove shoes.

Adding a chair or bench to your entryway is an easy way to give yourself and guests a convenient place to remove their shoes before they head inside.

7. Place hooks for coats and purses.

The best way to prevent coats from ending up all over your home is to make sure they have a designated place as soon as you arrive. Add a few hooks to hold your purse, umbrella, scarves, coats, etc. and enjoy having a home that is one step closer to being neat and tidy.

Looking for even more entryway inspiration? Be sure to check out our essential rules for a welcoming entryway.