A house can be roughly compared to a human body, and the framework of the building corresponds to the latter’s skeleton and outer layers, whereas the furniture, hardware and fixtures purchased for the construction resemble the organs and inner systems that make the body function. It is wise and essential to order and purchase the necessary items in advance, before the moment of the actual installation. Therefore, make a list of what you need from the very stage of architecture or, the latest, when the building process has shortly begun.
Purchasing the Hardware and Fixtures
Here is a list of the most common things that a soon-to-be homeowner should buy when it comes to hardware and fixtures:
- appliances (washing machine, cooking stove; dish washer etc) – in order to decide easier on what exactly to pick, think about whether you prefer a certain brand and whether you want them free-standing or built-in;
- baseboard – choose a certain type of wood and finish that will match your plans of the ideal home;
- carpet – some might consider it a trifle in the process of “accessorizing” a home, but color, material, and thickness are features that will give you a really hard time in deciding when you will be actually buying one for your house; think of these aspects in advance ;
- crown molding – its type and finish are elements to be selected in order to create a sort of universal harmony;
- doors – being the “paths of access” to your home, you will sure want to think about style, finish, type and number before going shopping;
- door handles – their number and design/style should correspond to the doors you have already envisaged for your residence ;
- door hinges – what type, color and style would you like and how many would you need?;
- eaves – you should purchase them depending on finish and type;
- exterior trims – you need to decide what you consider to match your exterior facade;
- faucets – after thinking about how many and what style they should be, decide whether you want any outdoors;
- fireplace – do you want a hearth, a gas-based, electric or wood burning one? think of what type of face or mantel you want to choose for your fireplace;
- floor tile – pick up what you need for your home according to your taste in terms of style, and color; make sure that the grout matches the color of the tile;
- handrails – choose the right type of wood and of finish for your house and the result will be satisfactory;
- hardwood floor – thickness, width, style and stain color are parameters that will help you pick up what you want;
- heating and air conditioning – when dealing with the related aspect, answer these questions in order to find what your home needs- will you use an forced air system? how many pump units? how many tons of cooling? will be there any radiant floor heating? will you use Zone heating and cooling for efficiency?;
- insulation – choose between rolling or blown insulation and also decide on what rating it will be;
- lighting fixtures – how many do you need and what style should they be? ;
- wainscot – it is an optional feature to which you can say no; however, if you do want it, choose the favorite type of finish and wood;
- wall tiles – similar to the wainscot, they can be eliminated from your decoration plans; but if they appeal to you, you can pick from several type options, such as decorative, monochromatic or accents tiles.
Installing the Hardware and Fixtures
Once you acquire the elements specified on the list above, it will be easier to organize the work tasks, according to each section. Therefore, the labor schedule will roughly include the installation of the following:
- hinges on doors;
- doorknobs on interior doors;
- matching deadbolt and lock-set on front and back doors;
- light electrical cover plates and light switch;
- all lighting fixtures and ceiling fans;
- securing and attaching thermostat and alarm controls;
- putting in place all exhaust fans;
- toilets and toilet roll holders;
- towel racks and soap dishes;
- medicine cabinet and mirrors;
- shower rods and doors;
- faucets;
- connecting stoppers;
- window locks;
- doorbell;
- door knocker;
- all cabinet knobs and appliance knobs.
Some of these require special attention and safety measures, such as the lighting fixtures. Therefore, if you decide to do the job by yourself, remember to make sure that the circuit breakers have been shut off before you start the work. It seems like a redundant thing to say, but you never know how you can forget about these elementary precautions when you are caught up in finishing what you have to do. Not to mention that the simplicity of the process (most light fixtures come with clear printed instructions and precisely marked wires) may stimulate you to begin the task at once.
Another premise which should be ensured in order to carry out the installment of electrical fixtures with no problems resides in using only recommended wattages. The reason behind this is that you thus avoid the risk of generating too much heat and, eventually, causing a fire by not creating an over-wattage lighting system. It might cost you a little bit extra on your monthly energy bills, but at least you are safe and sound. You should always consider safety first when purchasing your hardware and fixtures.