A glazing quote is only as good as the information behind it. When an enquiry arrives with a complete drawing set and clear performance requirements, a supplier can propose the right system and price it accurately in days. When key information is missing, the quote either waits for clarifications or is based on assumptions that change later, which is how budgets drift and programmes slip. The same applies to the other direction: a supplier who has to guess will often price the safe, more expensive option. This checklist is for contractors, facade contractors, fabricators, architects and developers sending glazing packages for windows, doors, curtain walling, fire-rated and sliding systems.
Start with the project basics
Before any technical detail, tell us what the project is. The two fields on our contact form, project type and approximate glazing area, are there for a reason: an office block of 2000 m² is handled differently from a school extension of 150 m².
- Project type: commercial, public, industrial or logistics, apartment building.
- Location of the site and delivery address.
- Approximate glazing area or number of elements.
- Your role: main contractor, facade contractor, fabricator, architect or developer.
- Tender stage: budget price, tender, or order-ready.
This context helps us decide how detailed the first answer should be. At budget stage, a price per element type or per square metre of facade based on typical build-ups may be enough. At tender stage, every element needs to be priced against the specification, and alternatives should be clearly marked.
Drawings and schedules
Drawings are the foundation of an accurate quote. The more complete they are, the fewer assumptions are needed.
- Elevations showing every glazed element with dimensions and divisions.
- Plans and sections showing where elements sit in the wall and how they connect to the structure.
- Typical details for head, sill, jambs and junctions with other wall types, if available.
- A window and door schedule listing each type, size, opening type and quantity.
- For curtain walling: grid dimensions, floor-to-floor heights, spandrel and panel zones.
If the schedule and the elevations disagree, tell us which one governs. On larger projects it also helps to mark revisions clearly, so that everyone prices the same version. See our window systems and curtain walling systems pages for the systems we usually propose.
PDF drawings are fine for a first quote. If you have DWG files or a model, send them too, as they make it quicker to measure and count elements.
Performance requirements
Performance requirements decide which system can be used and how the glass is built up. State them per element type if they differ across the building.
- Thermal: target Uw for windows and doors, Ucw for curtain walling, and the energy standard the building follows.
- Security: RC class for burglar resistance, and where it applies (for example ground floor only).
- Fire: fire class such as EI30 or EI60, smoke control class and self-closing where required, and the role of each element in the fire strategy.
- Acoustics: required sound insulation Rw or Rw + Ctr per facade or room type.
- Wind load and exposure: design wind pressure or the data needed to calculate it, such as building height, terrain and location.
- Air and water tightness classes, if specified.
- Safety glazing, solar control and any special glass requirements.
Finish, hardware, quantities and programme
- Finish: RAL colour or anodising, inside and outside, and whether dual colour is needed.
- Hardware: handles, locks, closers, panic hardware, access control, hold-open devices and automatic drives.
- Opening types: fixed, tilt-turn, side-hung, top-hung, parallel outward opening, sliding.
- Quantities: number of each type, or total areas for facades.
Finally, tell us when the elements are needed on site and whether deliveries must be phased. Include the delivery site, access restrictions for trucks and cranes and any requirements for packaging or unloading. This lets us plan production and logistics realistically.
Common gaps that delay quotes
These are the issues we see most often in incoming enquiries:
- 1Elevations without dimensions, or dimensions that do not match between elevations and the schedule.
- 2No opening types marked, so it is unclear which elements are fixed and which open.
- 3Fire-rated elements shown on plans but not listed with their class in the schedule.
- 4Thermal requirements given for the building as a whole, but not for windows or facades.
- 5No wind load or exposure information for tall buildings or exposed coastal sites.
- 6Missing finish specification, or different colours inside and outside not mentioned.
- 7Hardware described only as 'standard', especially for doors on escape routes.
If some information is not decided yet, say so and state the assumption you want us to price. A clear assumption is better than a gap.
How Finestra reviews your enquiry
When your enquiry arrives, we check the drawings and requirements, matches each element to a suitable Aluprof, Procural or Schüco system and lists any missing information or alternatives worth considering. We reply within 1–2 working days, either with a quote or with a short list of questions. The first project consultation is free, so you can also contact us early in design to check system options before the specification is fixed.
Finestra Solution has 10+ years of experience in aluminium systems and 3000+ completed projects, including projects in Latvia, Denmark, Sweden, Iceland and Spain. Fabricators and contractors who work with us regularly can read more on our partners page.
Send your project
Ready to send your drawings? Use our contact page, choose the project type and approximate glazing area, and attach what you have. We will review it and come back within 1–2 working days.
