Home Improvement Idea: Wireless Doorbells

Why?  Adaptable Use

Let’s start by thinking about a tradition doorbell that are found in most homes.  There is a single, small button somewhere near the door that is connected with a wire to a receiver inside.  When the button is pushed, the receiver makes some kind of sound to indicate that someone is at the door.

So, what is the problem? 

This traditional doorbell design is limited to one location in the home, and the doorbell has one sound made at one volume level.  If this one set-up doesn’t work for you, you are out of luck!

However, technology has come a long way and it is time to upgrade most doorbells.  Modern doorbells are wireless and electronic, with many helpful “bells and whistles.”

This home improvement is very affordable, with options starting under $15.  They are available online and in all home improvement stores.

Wireless doorbells are easy to install- about as easy as a home improvement project can get! The outside button runs on a battery and can be installed with an adhesive strip or be screwed anywhere convenient around the door.  The receiver (the inside part) can be placed almost anywhere.  Some recievers plug into outlets for power, while others run on batteries so can be mounted anywhere (or be portable).  Multiple receivers can be used throughout the home.

The physical ringing of a bell has been replaced by electronic auditory signals.  The receivers can be changed to make nearly unlimited varieties of sounds (just like modern cells phones have a plethora of ring tones to select from).  The volume can be adjusted from loud to off.  Additionally, many doorbells offer a light option where a colored light flashes when the doorbell is ringing (some portable versions may also vibrate).

Click image for full graphic, or view a printable PDF of “A Better Doorbell” here.

Why bother upgrading to a new doorbell?   Adaptable Use!

Wireless, electronic doorbells are a great example of universal design features that can be added to any home to make living at home easier for all people.  For more information on universal design, click here.

Looking for other simple and cheap home improvement ideas? Here are 10 Easy Home Improvements to do in 1 Day.

Need more information, visit FAQ page for more info on home modifications.

Wireless, electronic doorbells are adaptable, or flexible, to meet each user’s needs:

These options allow the doorbell to be used in many ways that can be customized to each person’s needs and wants.

  • Location– you can put the receiver anywhere it needs to be heard
  • Number of devices- you can use several receivers throughout the home
  • Output type– auditory (sounds) and/ or visual (sight) (some may also vibrate or have video components)
  • Customizable output for pitch and volume– you can select the sounds most easily heard

    Who would benefit from a new doorbell?

    • People with hearing loss or impairment (most older adults have some degree of hearing loss).  The volume and pitch can be adjusted to what can be heard best and additional flashing lights can be used to alert a person to the doorbell ringing.
    • People who rely on home health services or other services coming to the home. Video components and smart home locks may also be helpful for people who struggle to physically answer the door.
    • People with frequent deliveries.
    • Noisy and busy homes.  Increased doorbell volume may be the only way to get a doorbell heard in a busy home.
    • Anyone who may want to silence the doorbell for peace and quiet, such as families with young children who sleep during the daytime, people who work alternative shifts and need to sleep in the daytime, or people with pets that react to doorbells, such as barking dogs.
    • People with sensory sensitivity to sound.  The doorbell can be set to a more tolerable sound.

    What types of homes might benefit from a new doorbell?

    • Larger homes
    • Homes with multiples levels
    • Homes with many divided rooms