Before you visit a hardware shop, make a list of things you need to buy. For instance: to fit one door you need hinges, tower bolts, locks, stoppers, etc. These items are available in brass, powder coated mild steel. All the hardware material for a door may cost you a little more than Rs.1000. Powder coated aluminium materials may cost around Rs.600

How do you judge the quality of material you buy. First of all, buy only from a reputed vendor, as the materials need to last at least for a few years, before you re-invest in them. The reputation of the shop you intend to buy from is important. Buy from a vendor recommended by someone you trust.

Visual inspection of the finish and weight of the materials can only give you a superficial idea of quality. Example: in brassware, price differences are an indication of superior or inferior quality. Though it is difficult to judge, good quality brass has a brighter lustre and is certainly heavier.

As there are no IS specifications for hardware, you have to depend on the reputation of the shop, the manufacturing company and visual inspection.