A written quote for a glass door installation should do three things: let you compare suppliers like-for-like, show you what you’re paying for, and serve as the basis for the contract you eventually sign. A quote that’s a single lump-sum number with no breakdown does none of those well.
Here’s what a complete written quote should include, and what you actually receive when you ask us for one.
The product spec section
The spec section names exactly what’s being supplied. For a glass door quote, this means:
- Door type (sliding patio, frameless shower, interior glass, french, pivot, etc.)
- Panel count and configuration (e.g. “two-panel slider, single track”)
- Overall opening dimensions (width x height in inches or feet)
- Frame material and finish (e.g. “thermal-break aluminum, white powder coat”)
- Glass spec (thickness, tempered or laminated, single or insulated, coatings)
- Hardware spec (lock type, handle style, finish)
- Any specialty features (mosquito mesh, smart lock, hurricane rating)
If the spec section just says “1 x glass door” with no detail, the quote isn’t a quote; it’s a placeholder. Ask for the full spec before evaluating it.
The scope of work section
Scope covers what work the supplier is doing in addition to delivering and installing the door product. For a typical Jamaican glass door install, scope should include or explicitly exclude:
- Site visit before fabrication for precise measurement
- Delivery to site
- Removal and disposal of existing door (for replacements)
- Opening preparation (squaring, lintel work, plaster repair)
- Installation of the new door
- Sealing (interior and exterior)
- Interior trim and finish work
- Cleanup and debris removal
- Demonstration of operation to homeowner
Items not in scope (e.g. “electrical work for smart lock by others”) should be stated explicitly so you can plan for them or arrange separately.
The pricing breakdown
A useful quote shows pricing by line item rather than a single lump-sum:
- Product cost (door, glass, frame, hardware)
- Site survey/measurement
- Delivery
- Installation labour
- Opening prep (if applicable)
- Finishing work
- Cleanup and disposal
- Subtotal
- Taxes (GCT in Jamaica)
- Total
The line-item view lets you compare two quotes that have different sub-totals on different items. It also makes change orders easier (if you want to add a door later, the unit cost is clear). And it makes the quote auditable: if the supplier later says “labour wasn’t included,” you can point to the line.
The lead time and timeline section
Two timing elements:
Fabrication lead time. From signature to product ready for install. Typically 1 to 2 weeks for standard-size doors using stock product, 3 to 5 weeks for custom-fabricated doors.
Install duration. How long the install itself takes (hours or days).
Together these tell you when to expect the work to be complete relative to signing.
The warranty section
Specifics on what warranty terms apply:
- Workmanship warranty duration (typically one year)
- What workmanship covers (the install itself, sealing, hardware mounting)
- Product warranties (pass-through from manufacturers on glass, frame, hardware)
- What’s explicitly not covered (misuse, weather events outside normal range)
- Claims process (who to contact, expected response)
A vague “warranty included” without these specifics isn’t useful.
The payment terms section
What you’ll be billed and when:
- Deposit amount (typically 30 to 50 percent at signing)
- Progress payment (if any, typically at delivery or install start)
- Final payment (on completion and acceptance)
- Payment method options
- Late payment terms
The deposit and final payment percentages should add to 100. The triggers for each should be explicit and time-bound.
The validity period
Quotes have an expiration. Material prices change, exchange rates move, and the supplier’s capacity changes. A typical quote validity is 14 to 30 days from issue. If you wait longer than that, request a refreshed quote (which may or may not match the original).
The quote contact and revision info
Practical detail: who issued the quote (name and contact), date issued, quote reference number, and any revision number. This makes follow-up cleaner and prevents version confusion if the quote gets revised during negotiation.
What a missing quote section looks like
Common omissions that should prompt a follow-up:
- Single lump-sum total with no breakdown
- “Sliding glass door installed” with no spec
- No mention of warranty
- No mention of lead time
- No mention of payment terms
- No validity period
- No reference number or revision tracking
Each of these makes the quote harder to evaluate and harder to enforce later. A reasonable supplier produces all of these without resistance.
Related reading
- What does a glass door installation cost in Jamaica?
- Five things to check before signing a glass door contract
- What is included in a written sliding window quote
For more on what makes up a construction quote) generally, the Wikipedia entry has the basic framework.
Frequently asked questions
What should a written glass door quote include?
The full product spec (door type, dimensions, frame, glass, hardware), the scope of work (including prep, sealing, cleanup), the pricing by line item rather than lump-sum, the fabrication lead time and install duration, the warranty terms, the payment schedule with triggers, and the quote’s validity period. Anything missing from these sections makes the quote harder to evaluate against alternatives.
How long is a glass door quote valid?
Typically 14 to 30 days from issue, depending on the supplier and current market conditions. Material prices and exchange rates can move, so suppliers limit validity to avoid being locked into outdated pricing. If you wait longer than the validity window, request a refreshed quote.
Why does a lump-sum quote without breakdown matter?
Because it prevents like-for-like comparison and creates ambiguity later. If two quotes both say total cost $X but one breaks out labour, materials, and prep while the other doesn’t, you can’t tell whether they include the same scope. The breakdown also matters if you want to add or remove items: with a line-item quote, the unit costs are clear.
Is GCT included in a glass door quote?
It should be either included in the line total or stated as a separate line. Jamaican GCT (General Consumption Tax) is 15 percent at time of writing. A quote that shows pre-tax pricing without flagging the tax adds a surprise to the final invoice; the better practice is to show subtotal, tax, and total clearly.
What if I want to change something after receiving the quote?
Tell the supplier and ask for a revised quote. A reasonable supplier will issue a new version (often with a revision number) reflecting the change. Don’t sign a quote that’s almost what you want and assume the change will get added later; once the deposit is paid, changes typically become change orders with separate pricing.
The next step
Our written quotes include all the sections above by default. Send your project brief through the quote request form and you’ll get back a quote that you can read end-to-end and use to compare against other suppliers.
The glass doors service page covers what we install. The contact page is for questions before the formal quote.
A clear written quote saves arguments later. It’s worth taking the time at the quote stage to make sure everything is on the page.