Field Notes ยท March 2025
A quick guide to making the first site visit useful for both sides.
When we book a consultation for a security door or screen installation, the most productive visits are the ones where the homeowner has already thought about a few practical things. You do not need a detailed plan or a set of drawings. You just need to know what you want to secure, what the current setup looks like, and what matters most to you.
Start with the obvious: which entry point are we talking about? A front door replacement is a different job from securing a back patio or adding mesh screens to a set of windows. Walk through your home and make a short list of the openings you are considering. It helps us give you a realistic idea of scope during the first visit rather than after a second trip.
Next, think about how the door or screen will be used. Is this the main entrance that gets opened dozens of times a day? Is it a side access point that mostly stays locked? Do you have kids or pets that will push against the screen regularly? These details shape the frame material, the mesh gauge, and the type of lock we recommend. A heavy-duty steel door with a multi-point lock might be overkill for a rarely used laundry door, but it makes sense for a front entrance in an older character home.
It is also worth checking whether your home has any existing security fittings. If there is an old screen door or a lock that has seen better days, note the brand and model if you can find it. This helps us understand what we are working with and whether a simple upgrade is possible or a full replacement is the better path. For rental properties, property managers often have a list of approved upgrades or a budget range, so having that information ready speeds things up considerably.
Finally, consider the aesthetic side. Perth homes vary from Federation-era cottages to modern builds, and the finish of your security door should not clash with the rest of the house. Powder-coated finishes come in a range of colours, and we can match or complement your existing trim. If you have a photo of your front door or patio area, bring it along. It is easier to discuss options with a visual reference in front of us.
The consultation itself is straightforward. We measure the opening, check the surrounding frame condition, and talk through the options that fit your situation. You will leave with a clear sense of what is possible and what the next step looks like. If you want to get ahead of the process, send through your measurements and a few photos before we arrive. It gives us a head start and means the on-site time is spent on the details that matter.
Preparing a little beforehand makes the whole process smoother. You get a more accurate quote, and we avoid the back-and-forth that happens when key details are missing. If you are unsure about anything, just ask when you book. The goal is to make the first visit count.
Perth Secure Entry
A quick guide for homeowners and property managers who want a useful site visit, not just a quote.
When you book a consultation for a security door or screen installation, the quality of the visit depends a lot on what happens before we arrive. A few minutes of preparation can turn a vague discussion into a clear plan with accurate measurements and realistic expectations.
Start by identifying the exact entry points you want to secure. Is it the front door, a side entrance, or a patio opening that needs a mesh screen? Walk through your home and note which doors feel vulnerable or which areas get too stuffy in summer. Knowing the purpose of each installation helps us recommend the right frame material and mesh type.
Have the rough dimensions of the openings ready. You don't need precise numbers, but a general idea of width and height speeds things up considerably. If you have photos of the existing door frame, the surrounding wall, and the hinges, bring them along. These details matter more than you might think, especially for older character homes where frames are rarely square.
Think about your lock situation too. If you're upgrading for security, note the current lock type and whether you have spares for tenants or family members. We often replace ageing mortice locks with deadbolts that have anti-pick pins, so knowing what you're working with now helps us plan the swap.
For rental properties, property managers should check the lease agreement for any clauses about modifications. Some landlords prefer neutral finishes that appeal to a wide range of tenants, while others are open to more robust options. Understanding these constraints before the consultation means we can focus on solutions that actually work for your situation.
Finally, think about access. If we need to measure a back patio or a second-storey balcony, make sure we can reach those areas without obstacles. Clearing the space around the door frame also helps us take accurate measurements and assess the condition of the surrounding structure.
That's really it. A little preparation goes a long way, and it means the consultation time is spent on the details that matter, not on basic questions. When you're ready, send through your measurements and we'll come out for a quote.
About the author
Written by the Perth Secure Entry team. We fabricate and install custom security doors and mesh screens across Perth's northern and southern suburbs, handling everything from on-site measuring to council-compliant installation.