How to avoid costly mistakes when sourcing custom-cut glass
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Are you in the market for high-quality custom-cut glass? Here are 6 steps to take to avoid costly mistakes.
Many projects call for custom-cut glass. But architects, designers and project managers the world over face the same problem: how do you know where to get it from?
Of course, some companies have their trusted supplier. But if your company is just starting out or you need to change suppliers, the world of custom-cut glass can be dauntingly sprawling.
This matters. The bottom line of any project is your bottom line – so you need to be sure you're getting bang for your buck and not frittering away your budget on subpar materials.
After all, if you pay for subpar materials, you usually end up paying twice. Those materials need to be returned and replaced – and in the process, projects are being delayed and third parties are losing their patience.
When sourcing custom-cut glass, you need to do everything you can to avoid these kinds of costly mistakes. The alternative is to lose money and potentially damage your reputation.
So, how's it done? Here are six steps to take to give yourself the best chances of success.
Ensure your specifications are accurate
A glass supplier can only work with the specifications you give them. This means precision is king at all stages of the process.
This is never not important. But it becomes non-negotiable when ordering toughened glass.
This is because toughened glass is built to shatter in a specific way. It takes a lot of impact to break it – but when it breaks, it shatters into relatively harmless smithereens.
This means toughened glass can't be cut once it's fired. It's imperative, therefore, to get the specs right from the beginning.
When ordering custom-cut glass, you should provide detailed diagrams with precise measurements and clearly defined cut lines. You should make sure your processor can cut to the thickness you require. You should also mention any edgework you want done.
Sweating the small stuff means you won't break a sweat later when your materials need to be replaced at great expense.
Prioritise communication
To work well with a glass supplier, communication is key – but communication is, famously, a two-way street.
You can ask all the questions you like about your design specification and project deadlines. But if your supplier isn't playing ball, it's unlikely to help.
That's why you should suss out a supplier before you order from them. Look for positive reviews from a range of clients and industry accreditations. These are green flags, suggesting this supplier is good at communication as well as good at glass.
But it's not only the supplier you should make a point of communicating with early on in the process. It's equally important to discuss the finer details of the project with the people who'll be installing the glass. This reduces the chance of problems during the installation.
Consider installation first
Every project has moving parts. To avoid costly mistakes, you need to consider them all.
That means thinking hard about the installation process before you source your custom-cut materials.
In particular, you need to identify your mounting surface. Will the glass be mounted on brick, glass, plaster or something else? How will it be fixed in place? Will this be affected by the weight of the glass? Do you need any special hardware or fixings?
Doing your due diligence with regard to the installation process can help you avoid wasting money down the line. And there's no better way to do it than by working closely with experienced and reputable third parties – processors, suppliers and installers alike.
Take your time
Haste, they say, makes waste – and in the context of sourcing custom-cut glass, it also makes delays and logistical screw-ups.
What this means for you is simple. Allow ample time for all stages of the design, fabrication and installation processes.
Of course, in a fast-paced business setting, some rush is unavoidable. But taking your time wherever possible will help you avoid making mistakes that will cost you time and money. Accuracy, not speed, should be your watchword.
Know your options
The more you know about the materials you need, the more likely you are to get what you need the first time around.
Unfortunately, this means more work for you. It's important to do your research thoroughly before sending off for a shipment of glass.
To take just one example, you may know that you need safety glass – but do you know which kind? Do you know how thick it should be? Do you know what BS EN standards it should meet?
Or let's say you want some obscured glass for extra privacy. Will you go for sandblasted glass, coloured glass or switchable glass? Each has its advantages and disadvantages, so it's well worth understanding your options.
This is something that can be helped along by a reputable glass processor. Work with a company that talks you through your options, responds to questions and is across all the technical details.
Find a supplier that does it all
We live at a time when many industrial processes are split between many different organisations.
This has its advantages. Done right, it can mean you get the best deal for each stage of the process.
But it's not always in your power to do it right. It's a bit like buying a house: if one link in the chain pulls out, the whole process is thrown into disarray.
What's more, too many cooks spoil the broth, and no one takes responsibility for the disappointing dinner. Working with a company like ToughGlaze that does everything under one roof means things are more likely to go smoothly. And if things do go wrong, accountability and troubleshooting are immediate.
Looking for custom-cut toughened glass or laminated glass? ToughGlaze has been in the business for more than 30 years and is trusted by some of the world's biggest construction and architecture firms. Get in touch today for a quick, competitive quote.
