Did you know that improper door plans could cost you hundreds of thousands of dollars?  Yes—you read that correctly. If your door plans specify doors and hardware that violate ADA code, you could be fined $55,000-$110,000 per violation. Yikes!

And that’s not the only way they can cost you. Here are the top three ways that improper door plans cost you money.

The Cost of Improper Door Plans

Non-Code-Compliant Hardware: Fines & Hardware Replacement

As I just mentioned, if your door plans specify non-code-compliant hardware, you can receive hefty fines from the Department of Justice. On top of the fines, you will have to replace the non-compliant hardware to bring all of your facilities up to code.

There are numerous facets to both ADA code and NFPA life-safety code. For example, per ADA code 404.2.7, you should not have any knob locks in your facilities. Also, all of your exits must be unlocked during hours of operation. You would be surprised at how often we see this type of code violation.

In other words, it’s critical that you review your door plans and ensure that they specify code-compliant hardware.

Increased Maintenance Costs

Improperly specified doors and hardware will inevitably cause increased maintenance cost.

If the specified hardware is the wrong grade, hardware will break much faster. For example, if your door plans specify a light-duty closer on your entrance door, I guarantee you will replace it within the first few years.

You will also replace doors much faster if the wrong door material is specified. If your exterior doors are not galvanized, you will deal with rust issues. If they are a light gauge, they won’t hold up. And, if they are wood, you will be faced with swelling, warping, fading and cracking.

Lastly, if the proper protection plates are not specified in your door plans, your doors will become damaged. There are numerous things that might come into contact with your doors on a daily basis that can cause damage. For instance, delivery carts will bump into stockroom doors, and mops will hit bathroom doors. Protection plates take the brunt of this abuse and protect the door from dings, dents, and moisture.

Increased Vulnerability

Part of a door’s job is to secure a building. Improperly specified hardware can jeopardize the security of your facility.

For example, if your exterior doors do not use some sort of security hinge, thieves simply need to pop the barrel out of the hinges with a hammer and screw driver, and they have easy access to your facility.

So how do you know if your door plans are properly specified?  Simple: Have a door and hardware expert, such as an Architectural Hardware Consultant, take a look at your door plans. If you would like a spec review, let us know. We’re happy to help!