As custom homebuilders, we’re well aware of the anxiety that comes from all of the decisions that need to be made on your home. When beginning down the path to your new custom home, it’s easy to imagine the way your dream bedroom looks or how your open plan kitchen will quickly become the center of attention, but when it comes to the minute details and finishing touches, it can all become a bit overwhelming. One of those little touches that our customers rarely come into their planning sessions with even the slightest opinion on - doorknobs and deadbolts.
Our hope is that with these few words of advice, you’ll go into the process with a better idea of what sort of knobs and locks your dream home will possess and come out of the process stress free and smiling.
Doorknobs and Levers
As with most aspects of the home building process, there are three important factors to consider when choosing between a knob or a lever: looks, functionality, and cost. These same three categories can be quickly and easily examined when it comes to entry way doors versus doors within your home.
As for appearance, a doorknob is a more traditional element. Subtle as it may be, a simple round knob can add a touch of classic style to your home, great for a modern farmhouse aesthetic or really any traditional home. Of course, there are options in appearance as well when it comes to knobs, be it a classic round or the more artistic oval or egg shape. On the other end of the spectrum, the lever can give your home a much more modern or transitional look with sleek, straight lines. Lever handles can be used to accent the hard lines in a modern home or bring a bit of a modern nuance to something more classical.
If function concerns you, lever handles are the definitive choice. Knobs, with their round shape and slick surface, can often be hard for small children or aging individuals to grip and turn, and can be tough for anyone when your hands are full. If you are hoping to age within your custom home, it might be best to plan for the future and choose to install lever handles throughout your home, allowing ease of use throughout your life.
As for cost, there isn’t a major difference between the two, but knobs will typically be a bit more cost effective as they are less custom in look and shape than a lever.
Smart Locks
Gone are the days when a lock is just a lock. High tech amenities dominate the household as do the conveniences that come along with them. Beyond the excitement and whimsy associated with giving life to historically inanimate objects, the inclusion of such items in your home can even raise the overall value. You may already be considering a thermostat or speakers that can be controlled via your mobile device, so we ask, why stop there? Smart locks can be one of the biggest conveniences added to your home, allowing easy access to the front door when your hands are full, remote access when needed for guests, and peace of mind when you have that nagging feeling that you forgot to lock the back door while you’re out of town.
“I’m typically slow to adopt new technologies, and it took a lot of convincing to get me to put a smart lock on my front door, it just felt unnecessary. “How hard is it to use a key?! But wow. At this point I don’t really know how I ever lived without a smart lock system. It sounds so silly, but not needing to reach into my pocket every time I leave or come home is one of my favorite parts of my new home.” - Michael O., Schumacher Homeowner
We’re big fans of the Kwikset smart locks which can provide your family with a world of wireless possibilities and convenience. Kwikset has two smart lock systems that integrate seamlessly with your smart home, providing you all the joys of keyless entry along with top notch security. One of these locks is their traditional lock with Kevo Technology. The Kwikset Kevo™ features a really exciting “touch to open” action that allows you to simply tap the lock to unlock or lock your deadbolt - the lock recognizing via bluetooth that the owner is present. This is a huge convenience that eliminates the need to fumble for your keys while you’re holding grocery bags or even bring your keys at all when you go out for a morning jog. The free Kevo app turns your smartphone into the key, allowing you to lock or unlock the door while sitting on the couch or from miles away if the plumber shows up, and you’re running late.
Another spectacular option from Kwikset is their SmartCode TouchScreen lock that features a sleek, capacitive touch touchscreen with quick responsiveness for keyless entry by using a code. The design is slick and slim, and while it looks quite a bit different from a traditional deadlock, it makes a great fit with a modern home. While this deadbolt allows for one touch locking, it requires a unique code to unlock the system, which means that you can still get inside without your smartphone or a key. The lock allows for up to 30 codes which is more than enough to be sure your kids have a code, your cleaning service has a code, and if you really want, even your parents can have a code to get in when you aren’t around. The lock allows you to create time sensitive codes which can be great if you have an electrician coming over and you’re stuck at the office, or if you want to give a friend access for the weekend to check on the cat while you’re away.
So, perhaps you can now see why a lock isn’t just a lock, and how the right choices for handles and deadbolts can make quite a difference in your day to day life. Hopefully these tidbits of information will alleviate some stress from the choices that you have to make to get these finishing touches on your home.
Images courtesy of Kwikset.
About Schumacher Homes
Schumacher Homes, based in Canton, Ohio, is America’s largest custom homebuilder, with operations in 32 markets in 14 states across the country. The National Housing Quality award winning company has built over 19,000 homes, customized to fit each family’s lifestyle, since its founding by Paul Schumacher in 1992. Schumacher Homes takes each customer’s inspiration and gives it a home. Each Schumacher Homes location includes a one-stop shopping design studio and model homes displaying the latest in architectural and product trends. Stop in today, be inspired and receive your no obligation price quote.