Terms and Conditions for Glass and Aluminum Services

What a good one includes

• Clear requirements for site preparation and access, specifying that the client must ensure structural openings are plumb and level before installation begins.
• A strict deposit and progress payment schedule, detailing that custom glass or custom-extruded aluminum orders require non-refundable upfront material deposits.
• Industry-standard manufacturing and deflection tolerances, explaining that minor visual blemishes in glass or slight thermal expansion in aluminum are not grounds for non-payment.
• A risk-of-loss and storage clause, outlining when ownership of the materials transfers to the client and how storage fees are applied if the site isn't ready for installation.
• Explicit warranty terms for both the physical materials, like sealed unit failure, and your specific installation workmanship.
• A formal change order process that mandates written approval and price adjustments for any alterations to custom measurements or finishes.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Relying on generic construction contracts that fail to address glass-specific issues like spontaneous breakage or thermal shock.
• Accepting client-provided measurements without a clause that absolves you of liability if those measurements turn out to be inaccurate.
• Assuming the builder or homeowner will automatically prepare a safe, clear, and structurally sound work area without explicitly writing it into the contract.
• Failing to clearly separate the manufacturer's warranty on glass units or powder-coated finishes from your own labor warranty.

Frequently asked questions