Concentrating on kerb appeal
With the latest research finding 93% of people pass judgement on a property based on how it looks from the outside*, Sarah Knight, Technical Product Manager at ERA, explores how locksmiths can capitalise on the importance of kerb appeal by recommending and fitting complete suites of high performance hardware that set the standard for both style and substance.
The research by Evolution Money also found that 30% of individuals would be willing to pay £5,000 more for a home with a well-maintained exterior, with a newly painted front door and knocker the fifth most popular exterior element for increasing kerb appeal.
Improving the exterior style of a property has significantly increased over recent years as individuals look to add value to their home and stand apart from their neighbours. It’s proven that front doors play a central role in achieving kerb appeal, with the 2022 Dulux Great British Exterior Trends Report finding exterior doors the second most popular exterior trend search term.
So, how can locksmiths get ahead of the kerb appeal curve and maximise sales opportunities?
By partnering with a hardware supplier that offers a comprehensive portfolio of suited hardware that is available in a breadth of finishes to suit each homeowner’s specific tastes, professionals can ensure they meet the specific needs of every customer.
For example, when completing a cylinder replacement or upgrade on an entrance door, by choosing a Euro Profile Cylinder that is supplied in a range of colour options such as chrome, brass and dual coloured, locksmiths can cross-sell handle types in similar finishes with a Euro profile design to create a cohesive installation.
This includes handles such as the Fab&Fix TS 007 Berwick High Security 2* Door Handle, which can be paired with a 1* cylinder to achieve a 3* level of protection. Available in six unique Hardex finishes including on-trend graphite, chrome and gold, the door handles enable professionals to create an instant style upgrade on existing front doors as part of lock replacement projects.
Independently tested and certified in accordance with TS 007-1: 2014 +A2 Corr 2 and compatible with all euro profile cylinders, the handles are available in both 44mm and 70mm versions to accommodate a wide variety of PVCu, timber and composite door profiles. Supplied with all fixings, including high strength security M6 screws, locksmiths can easily and quickly install the handles as part of a lock replacement.
Whilst style will be a leading consideration for customers, knowing their home is protected to the highest possible standard is equally important. By fitting a High Security 2* door handle that features a sculptured backplate to discourage unwanted attention from mole grips and prevent the removal of the external handle to eliminate the potential snapping of the cylinder, professionals can provide customers with complete peace of mind.
Taking cross-selling opportunities one step further, locksmiths can also recommend TS 008 certified letterplates that are available in the same finishes. This includes the new Fab&Fix TS 008 Nu Mail Shield certified letterplate, which is supplied in separate internal and external sections to allow homeowners to choose different finishes to complement both interior and exterior door colours.
The letterplate has been independently certified to the latest TS 008:2022 standard, which requires a restricted flap to prevent access through the letterplate via fishing or reaching, without constraining access for postal items.
With over 200 perfectly matching hardware products in up to 13 different finishes within the extensive Fab&Fix portfolio, locksmiths can further extend their offering by stocking additional door furniture, such as knockers and numerals, in the same finishes and styles to stand apart from competitors and fulfil the specific requests of each customer. This includes knockers in popular styles such as bull ring, horsetail, spire and urn, that suit a diverse style and age of properties.
However, it’s important that the hardware delivers both style and substance. By stocking and fitting hardware that has undergone extensive anti-corrosion testing, locksmiths can be confident the products they are recommending deliver the highest possible standards of durability and longevity.
Here locksmiths should look for hardware that has undergone rigorous testing that goes beyond neutral salt spray testing. ERA’s prohesion testing process includes an electrolyte spray sequence with drying cycles at high temperatures to concentrate salt deposits, achieving real world accelerated testing. As a result, the Fab&Fix unique Hardex finish is supplied with a 10 year function, finish and security guarantee.
By choosing hardware that is available as individual items and supplied in 100% recyclable cardboard packaging, rather than bulk packed, locksmiths can also conveniently store the products in the back of their van to quickly and easily upsell, whilst providing homeowners with the highest possible standards of protection.
For further information on the Fab&Fix portfolio, visit our dedicated page. Or contact the sales team on 01922 490 000 or email [email protected].
