"Maybe they're finally realizing we want affordable stuff that actually lasts?"
Yeah, I've been thinking the same thing lately. Do you think it's because the competition's gotten tighter, or maybe reviews online are forcing them to step up quietly? Either way, it's a nice change for us DIYers. I've been tackling my first big renovation lately, and honestly, I was nervous going budget-friendly. But I recently installed some cheaper faucets in my bathroom, and surprisingly, they're holding up great so far—no leaks or anything weird yet. Fingers crossed it stays that way...
Have you noticed if the keyless entry systems are similarly improving in quality too? I've been debating whether to go for a pricier brand or just trust a more affordable option. Seems like the tech has become more reliable even at lower price points, but I'm still a bit hesitant.
I've been tackling my first big renovation lately, and honestly, I was nervous going budget-friendly. But I recently installed some cheaper faucets in my bathroom, and surprisingly, they're holding...
I recently installed a budget-friendly keyless entry on a flip, and honestly, it's been solid. Setup was straightforward—just follow the steps carefully (don't skip the calibration!). I'd say give the affordable option a shot; worst case, you upgrade later if needed.
I recently installed a budget-friendly keyless entry on a flip, and honestly, it's been solid. Setup was straightforward—just follow the steps carefully (don't skip the calibration!).
- Went budget-friendly myself on our historic home's backdoor (keyless was a must—tired of juggling groceries and keys...).
- Setup wasn't bad, tho aligning it with vintage doors took some creativity.
- Agree on calibration: don't skip it, trust me.
Did the same on our old Victorian's side entrance—definitely worth it, but getting the latch aligned with warped wood was a puzzle. Calibration step saved me from endless tweaking later, so yeah, don't skip that part...
"Calibration step saved me from endless tweaking later, so yeah, don't skip that part..."
Interesting you mention calibration as a must-do. I actually skipped the calibration step entirely on my last install (I know, risky move), but honestly haven't noticed any real issues since. Granted, my door frame wasn't warped like yours—just a bit uneven from age—but I found that eyeballing the latch alignment and making minor manual adjustments worked surprisingly well.
Here's what I noticed:
- Calibration can be helpful, sure, but sometimes it feels overly cautious. A bit of careful measuring and a good eye can save you time.
- Warped wood is tricky, agreed. But instead of endlessly tweaking the latch itself, sometimes shimming or sanding down the frame slightly can be quicker and more effective.
- For older homes especially, relying solely on calibration might not account for seasonal changes in humidity and temperature. I've had better luck leaving just a tiny bit of play in the latch to accommodate natural shifts throughout the year.
I guess my point is: calibration isn't always the holy grail it's made out to be. Sometimes a simpler approach works just fine...or even better.
