Choosing any product for a project requires careful thought and consideration. If you don’t consider some key factors, you’ll encounter costly amends and project delays.
To meet client expectations, align with the available budget, and meet project timelines, you need to be one step ahead. You’re likely polar-focused on quality and turnaround times but are you missing some crucial considerations?
In this post, we’ve created a list of the factors you need to consider before buying sliding patio doors as supply. We’ve even featured some topics that aren’t that obvious either.
We’ve covered:
- uPVC or Aluminium?
- Check Pricing and Budget
- Keep In Mind Lead Times
- Don’t Compromise on Quality
- Visit Showrooms
uPVC or Aluminium?
uPVC or Aluminium? Which material is better? Which one will align with your project the best? Of course, as with every product and material, there are many advantages and disadvantages. However, this is all project dependent. Let’s have a look at some of the pros and cons.
Aluminium
Pros
- More robust than uPVC. High-grade material, designed to provide lasting support and longevity
- Available in an array of an endless choice of colours and finishes. From gloss to satin, woodgrain and more
- Product performance is guaranteed for 40+ years
- Highly recommended for all direction-facing properties
- Weather-resistant for all situations and provides endless protection against intruders and the outdoor elements
- Provides excellent levels of thermal and acoustic protection.
Cons
- The higher price point than uPVC
uPVC
Pros
- Varying configurations are available, as well as a choice of colours and styles finishes to choose from (including woodgrain)
- uPVC is significantly cheaper than aluminium, but the other drawbacks should be considered
- Unlike timber, uPVC will not rot and will provide lasting protection
- uPVC will keep properties insulated and protected from the outdoor elements
Cons
- A considerably shorter lifespan than aluminium
- Plastic warms and expands under heat and sunlight – making sliding doors more difficult to open and close over a period of time
- Not recommended for south-facing properties
- Won’t achieve the elegant aesthetics, uPVC usually creates bulky frames and sightlines
- There are limitations when it comes to larger
Check Pricing and Budget
The pricing of the sliding doors you choose will differ from one project to another. Many factors will impact the cost significantly, from the material you choose to the specifications, configurations, and supplier.
Ensuring the budgets selected are adhered to is essential and will be a priority for you and your clients. If you choose a reputable supplier and manufacturer, they will be transparent with you about the expected costs, and they’ll ensure you’re kept in the loop.
Also, the quality of the final product you receive is essential. Ensure you do your research, ask questions and align all the available budgets, alongside expectations and timelines. Sliding doors are cheaper than bi-folding doors, but this depends on the bespoke requests.
Keep In Mind Lead Times
Lead times on sliding doors is an important consideration. In fact, it’s one of the most important factors in this list. The last thing you need and want for a project is delayed lead times and prolonging the process of a completed project. Timelines are created for a reason, especially when you want to delight clients – and make a profit.
Lead times vary, and this all depends on the manufacturer you choose, the configuration you’ve selected for your sliding door and other bespoke requirements. The more complex design, the longer the lead time.
Before choosing any sliding door for your project, weigh up the deliverables and the expected lead times. You should be realistic and consider the need for amends and installation too.
With a trusted and reputable supplier, you needn’t worry about lead times. They’ll be honest from the get-go and answer any queries you have. Choose a supplier that will enable you to meet project timelines efficiently, without compromising quality.
Don’t Compromise on Quality
No matter what’s agreed upon, it’s vital to have quality at the forefront of the decision-making process. Although some manufacturers and suppliers have shorter lead times, this may come with its flaws.
Quality will provide longevity, delight clients, add to your repertoire of experience and build your portfolio of properties. If you compromise on quality, you’ll have to make adjustments elsewhere, and you’ll likely incur costly fees later down the line.
Even the finishing touches are important. Quality should be present at every stage – from the decision to installation and delivery. The small details make a big difference.
To ensure that quality is guaranteed, ask your chosen supplier and manufacturer about their quality check procedures. Enquire about the materials they use and query their manufacturing methods. This adds to your research and inevitably provides insight into the guaranteed final result.
Visit Showrooms
Nothing beats seeing products in real life. It’s great to look at spec sheets and scroll through endless images, but seeing the product in person and meeting the manufacturers and suppliers are part of the process.
The best way to gauge an understanding of the supplier is by attending their showrooms, asking questions and seeing product samples. No waiting around for samples to arrive – see them there and then.
At FrameX, we welcome trade and commercial customers to our showroom situated in the heart of Rossendale, Lancashire. Come along, see our precision engineered products, and ask all the questions you have. We’re here to provide guidance and advice at every stage.
Come and See Our Precision Engineered Products for Yourself. Book a Free Appointment Today!
Ready to see our products in action and speak to an expert team? Get in touch and book your free appointment today. We look forward to meeting you soon.
