The questions that separate a real fabricator from a middleman — specification in writing, measurement timing, warranty terms and the warning signs worth walking away from.
The question behind all the others
Not “who is cheapest” but “who is actually going to be responsible when something needs adjusting in eight months”. A great deal of aluminium and glass work in Dubai is subcontracted through intermediaries who disappear the moment the invoice clears.
Six questions worth asking
- What glass type and thickness, in writing? “10mm glass” is not a specification. “10mm toughened” is.
- What profile system? A named system means parts can be sourced later. An unnamed one often cannot.
- When do you measure? The right answer is “after tiling and finishes”. Anyone measuring before finishes is planning to blame you for the gap.
- Who installs? Your own team, or subcontracted? It changes accountability entirely.
- What does the warranty cover, and for how long? Workmanship and hardware usually have different terms.
- What happens if it needs adjusting in six months? Listen for whether there is a process or just reassurance.
Comparing quotes that look different
Two quotes for “a frameless shower screen” can differ by a large multiple and both be honest, because they are not describing the same product. Normalise them:
| Line to compare | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Glass | Type and thickness stated |
| Profile | Named system, wall thickness, thermal break where relevant |
| Coating | Grade — standard or superdurable — and RAL reference |
| Hardware | Brand and grade; 316 stainless in wet or coastal areas |
| Scope | Sealing, making good, removal of the old unit |
| Warranty | Workmanship period, hardware period |
Once all six lines are filled in, the cheap quote is usually cheap for a visible reason.
Warning signs
- A fixed price for fabricated-to-size work without a site measurement.
- Reluctance to state glass type and thickness in writing.
- Full payment demanded before fabrication starts.
- No physical address and no way to see completed work.
- A quote that is dramatically below every other quote — something has been left out, and it is usually the glass grade or the hardware.
Good signs
They ask about the substrate. They raise coastal exposure before you do. They want to measure after finishes. They tell you when a repair would do instead of a replacement. That last one is the strongest signal of all — a contractor willing to sell you less than you asked for is one worth keeping.
FAQ
How do I compare aluminium and glass quotes fairly?
Get every quote to state glass type and thickness, profile system, coating grade, hardware brand and warranty terms. Most price gaps explain themselves the moment those six lines are filled in.
Should a contractor measure before or after tiling?
After. Tiling, plaster and skirting all change the finished opening dimension. Anyone cutting glass to a pre-finish measurement is setting up a fit problem.
Is a large deposit normal?
A deposit at order is normal for fabricated-to-size work, because the glass is cut to your opening and cannot be resold. Full payment before fabrication starts is not normal.
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