What to Ask Before Hiring a Glass Company: 15 Questions to Ask

Hiring a glass company isn't something most homeowners or business owners do very often.

You might know exactly what you want: a frameless glass shower, glass railing, office partition, custom mirror, glass wall, storefront, or another custom glass feature.

But how do you know which company should install it?

Price certainly matters, but it shouldn't be your only consideration. Custom glass is measured, fabricated, and installed specifically for your space. Once that glass has been manufactured, discovering that something was measured incorrectly, specified poorly, or installed improperly can turn an exciting project into an expensive headache.

Before hiring Gatsby Glass or any other glass company, ask questions.

Here are 15 that can help you compare glass companies and make a more informed decision.

1. Are You Licensed to Perform This Type of Glass Work?

Start with the basics.

Ask whether the company holds any licenses required for the work it will perform in your location.

Licensing requirements vary by state and by the type and scope of work involved, so don't simply assume a contractor is properly licensed because the company has a website, vehicle, or advertisement.

Ask for the applicable license information and verify it when appropriate.

For example, Gatsby Glass of Henderson lists Nevada C-8 Glass and Glazing license #0094703 for its Henderson operation.

A reputable glass contractor should be willing to answer questions about its licensing and credentials.

2. Are You Insured?

Licensing and insurance aren't the same thing.

Ask the company what insurance coverage it carries for the work it performs.

Glass installation involves large, heavy materials being transported through and installed in homes and commercial properties. You want to know you're working with an established business that takes those responsibilities seriously.

Don't be uncomfortable asking.

You're hiring a company to work on your property. It's a reasonable question.

3. How Much Experience Do You Have With My Type of Project?

"Do you install glass?" isn't specific enough.

A company may work with glass every day but have limited experience with the particular project you're planning.

Instead, describe exactly what you need and ask about similar installations.

For example:

Frameless shower enclosures

Custom shower doors

Glass railings

Office partitions

Glass walls

Custom mirrors

Storefront glass

Wine enclosures

Glass shelving

Specialty architectural glass

Ask to see examples of completed projects similar to yours.

A portfolio can also help you discover possibilities you hadn't considered.

4. Will You Come to My Property and Take Measurements?

Custom glass leaves very little room for guesswork.

Walls may not be perfectly square. Floors can be uneven. Tile thickness matters. Openings that appear identical may be slightly different.

Those small differences can become important when glass is fabricated specifically for an opening.

Ask who will take the final measurements, when those measurements will be taken, and whether measurements will be confirmed after surrounding construction is complete.

This is particularly important during remodeling projects.

For example, measurements taken before tile installation may not represent the final dimensions after tile, stone, curbs, flooring, or other finishes are installed.

The glass company should explain when your space will be ready for final measurements.

5. Is the Glass Custom Fabricated for My Space?

Ask whether you're receiving custom glass or a standard-size product being adapted to the opening.

Neither approach is automatically right or wrong for every project, but you should know what you're buying.

Custom glass can provide significantly greater flexibility in dimensions, configuration, hardware placement, glass type, and overall design.

That can be especially important for frameless showers, railings, partitions, mirrors, and architectural glass.

Ask how the glass will be fabricated and what aspects of the project can be customized.

6. What Type of Glass Do You Recommend, and Why?

Don't settle for:

"This is what we normally use."

Ask why.

Depending on the project, your glass professional may discuss options involving:

Tempered glass

Laminated glass

Clear glass

Low-iron glass

Frosted glass

Tinted glass

Textured glass

Different glass thicknesses

Decorative glass

Privacy glass

The appropriate choice depends on the application, appearance, safety requirements, dimensions, hardware, location, and other project-specific considerations.

You don't need to become a glass expert.

That's why you're hiring one.

But the company should be able to explain its recommendation in terms you understand.

7. What Hardware Will You Use?

The glass gets all the attention.

Don't overlook the hardware.

Hinges, handles, clamps, channels, brackets, tracks, and other components can affect both the appearance and functionality of a finished installation.

Ask about your options.

Can the hardware coordinate with existing bathroom fixtures or architectural finishes?

Are different finishes available?

How visible will the hardware be?

How will it affect the overall appearance?

On a minimalist frameless shower or architectural glass installation, seemingly small hardware decisions can make a surprisingly large visual difference.

8. Can I See What the Finished Project Will Look Like?

This is an especially useful question when you're having trouble visualizing a custom project.

A sample, rendering, visualization tool, drawing, or examples of similar completed installations can help you understand what you're buying before fabrication begins.

This is important because "frameless," "minimal," "clear," or "modern" may mean different things to different people.

Ask the company to help you visualize the result.

Gatsby Glass, for example, uses design consultation and visualization tools as part of its process.

Regardless of which glass company you choose, you should feel comfortable that you and the installer have the same finished result in mind before custom materials are ordered.

9. What Exactly Is Included in My Quote?

This may be one of the most important questions you ask.

If you're comparing two estimates, make sure you're actually comparing the same thing.

Ask what the quoted price includes.

Does it include:

Glass?

Hardware?

Measurement?

Fabrication?

Delivery?

Installation?

Removal of existing glass?

Disposal?

Protective coatings?

Cleanup?

Taxes?

Permit-related costs, when applicable?

Also ask what isn't included.

A lower estimate isn't necessarily a better value if you'll be paying additional charges later for items included in another company's proposal.

Ask for the details in writing.

10. What Could Cause the Final Price to Change?

Sometimes conditions change.

A contractor may discover something unexpected. A customer may choose different glass or upgraded hardware. Measurements may reveal that the original concept needs to be modified.

Ask how changes are handled.

More importantly, ask how you'll be notified if a change affects the price.

You don't want the first conversation about additional costs to happen after the work is complete.

A professional company should be able to explain how changes, upgrades, and unexpected conditions are communicated and approved.

11. How Long Will My Project Take?

There are actually two timelines to discuss.

First, ask how long it typically takes from final measurement and approval until the custom glass is ready.

Second, ask how long the actual installation is expected to take.

Custom glass generally isn't sitting on a shelf waiting for you. It may need to be measured, ordered, fabricated, prepared, delivered, and then installed.

Ask what could affect the schedule and whether there are any steps you need to complete before final measurement or installation.

If you're coordinating the glass with a larger renovation, share that information with the glass company.

12. Who Will Actually Install My Glass?

The salesperson may be excellent.

But who is coming to your property?

Ask who performs the installation and what training or experience the installers have.

You may also want to ask:

Will the company handle the installation itself?

Who will be my contact if I have questions?

How will my property be protected during installation?

What should I do before the installers arrive?

Will the installers clean the work area afterward?

Will someone inspect the finished project with me?

The quality of an installation matters just as much as the quality of the glass.

13. What Warranty or Guarantee Comes With the Work?

Ask this before signing, not after something goes wrong.

Find out whether the company provides warranties or guarantees covering the glass, hardware, installation, or other components of the project.

Then ask for specifics.

What is covered?

For how long?

What isn't covered?

What happens if a door needs adjustment?

Who should you contact if you have a problem after installation?

Don't assume that every component has identical coverage.

A reputable glass company should be willing to explain what happens after the final invoice is paid.

14. How Should I Maintain the Glass?

Your relationship with the glass doesn't end on installation day.

Ask how to clean and maintain it properly.

This is especially important for shower enclosures and other glass frequently exposed to water, soap, minerals, fingerprints, or environmental conditions.

Ask:

Which cleaning products are recommended?

Are there products I should avoid?

Can abrasive cleaners damage the glass or hardware?

How should the hardware be maintained?

Is a protective glass coating available?

If the glass has a coating, does it require special care?

If you're investing in custom glass, you want to know how to keep it looking good.

15. What Happens If I Have a Problem After Installation?

This question can tell you a lot about a company.

Glass doors can require adjustments. Hardware can occasionally need attention. Questions can arise after you've lived with a new installation for a while.

Ask how the company handles post-installation service.

Is there a local number to call?

Does the company service its own installations?

How are warranty issues handled?

How quickly can someone respond if there is a problem?

The lowest bidder doesn't seem like much of a bargain if you can't get anyone to answer the phone six months later.

Don't Be Afraid to Ask About Reviews and References

Online reviews can be helpful, but don't look only at the star rating.

Read what customers actually say.

Look for comments about:

Communication

Scheduling

Professionalism

Installation quality

Cleanliness

Problem resolution

Accuracy of estimates

Follow-up service

Pay particular attention to reviews describing projects similar to yours.

You can also ask the glass company whether it has photographs, testimonials, or references from comparable projects.

Red Flags to Watch for When Hiring a Glass Company

Sometimes the questions a contractor won't answer are just as important as the answers you receive.

Be cautious if a glass company:

Won't provide licensing information when licensing applies

Is unwilling to discuss insurance

Provides a vague estimate with little explanation

Pressures you to make an immediate decision

Can't explain what type of glass will be used

Doesn't discuss final measurements

Can't explain the installation process

Won't put important project details in writing

Is unclear about warranty coverage

Has no process for addressing problems after installation

One red flag doesn't necessarily tell the entire story.

But multiple unanswered questions should give you a reason to investigate further.

Should You Get Multiple Quotes From Glass Companies?

For a significant custom glass project, comparing more than one company can be worthwhile.

But don't automatically choose the lowest number.

Compare the complete proposals.

One company may be quoting different glass, different hardware, a different configuration, or different services.

Ask yourself:

Are these actually comparable projects?

Then consider the entire package: experience, materials, design, communication, installation, warranty, service, and price.

The objective isn't simply to find the cheapest piece of glass.

It's to find the company you trust to measure, fabricate, install, and stand behind the finished project.

Questions to Ask Yourself Before Calling a Glass Company

The contractor isn't the only one who should arrive prepared.

Before your consultation, think about what you want.

You don't need every detail figured out, but it helps to consider:

What am I trying to accomplish?

Are you creating privacy? Opening a room visually? Modernizing a bathroom? Adding a railing? Dividing an office? Making a space feel larger?

What style do I like?

Frameless? Minimal? Traditional? Contemporary? Clear? Frosted? Bold hardware? Hardware that nearly disappears?

What's my approximate budget?

Providing a realistic budget can help the company recommend solutions that make sense for your project.

What's my timeline?

If the glass is part of a larger remodel or construction project, let the company know.

Do I have inspiration photos?

Save them.

A few pictures can communicate your vision much more effectively than trying to describe exactly what you saw somewhere six months ago.

A Quick Glass Company Hiring Checklist

Before choosing your glass contractor, make sure you can answer these questions:

Is the company appropriately licensed where required?

Does it carry appropriate insurance?

Does it have experience with my specific type of glass project?

Who will take the final measurements?

Is my glass being custom fabricated?

What type and thickness of glass will be used?

What hardware is included?

Can I see examples or a visualization of the finished design?

What exactly does the quote include?

What could change the final price?

What is the expected timeline?

Who will perform the installation?

What warranty or guarantee is provided?

How should the finished glass be maintained?

Who do I contact if I need service afterward?

If you're comfortable with the answers, you're in a much better position to make your decision.

Hiring Gatsby Glass or Another Glass Company? Ask Us These Questions

At Gatsby Glass of Henderson, we think customers should ask questions.

In fact, bring this list with you.

Ask us about our licensing. Ask about the glass. Ask about the hardware. Ask who measures it. Ask how it's fabricated. Ask about installation. Ask about our service guarantee. Ask how long the process should take. Ask how to maintain your finished glass.

And if you're comparing Gatsby Glass with another glass company, ask them the same questions.

An informed customer is better equipped to choose the glass solution and glass contractor that fit the project.

Gatsby Glass of Henderson provides custom glass solutions for homes and businesses throughout Henderson, Las Vegas, and surrounding Southern Nevada communities. Our services include custom shower glass, glass walls and partitions, glass railings, mirrors, office glass, commercial glass, and specialty custom glass projects.

Have a Glass Project in Mind?

Start with a conversation.

Contact Gatsby Glass of Henderson at (725) 525-3096 to schedule a consultation, discuss your project, and ask us every question on this list.

We'll be happy to answer them.