So you’re thinking about replacing your glass shop front, or fronts for shop owners who own multiple shops, and you’ve come down to the budgeting portion of your search.
When it comes to understanding the exact glass shop front cost, many shop owners get lost in a barrage of estimates and quotes.
This guide is designed to help you understand glass shop front costs, as well as all the variables that have a substantial impact on the price. Read on to streamline your entire research process and learn how to find the best possible option for your shop.
What Goes Into Your Glass Shop Front Cost
In order to nail the perfect glass front, there are a ton of different variables that must be considered. From the glass quality and meeting Australian standards, to the frame prices and pure aesthetics, there are a lot of moving parts. A simple running list of everything that must be considered includes:
1. Glass Type
This is one of the most important variables in your glass shop front because it not only impacts how much you ultimately spend, but how customers perceive your shop.
Keep in mind that safety glass (glass with additional safety features that make it less likely to break) has become the standard for many shops due to its extended lifespan and the fact that it is less of a threat when broken.
A large shop front typically uses 12.38 clear laminate, or 12mm clear toughened glass.
These glass types sell for roughly $300 per square metre, but the price largely depends on where you get them from.
The prices for these types of glass will vary, which is why it’s important to find the perfect glazier to help you get the highest quality glass for the best possible price.
2. Frame Components
Having the glass is one thing, but where will you put it?
Many shop owners forget that the frame is just as important to the overall appearance and structure of the glass as anything else.
A few things that must be considered here are the materials and type of installation.
3. Additional Materials
There are quite a few different types of materials in play that must also be considered.
While the cost for these isn’t as substantial as the main materials such as glass and frame components (aluminum, silicone), you should still be aware that they exist.
4. Labour
Looking at all the glass types and material costs, many shop owners forget about putting it all together.
The cost of the labour largely depends on how extensive the job is.
Professional glaziers often have backgrounds in construction, carpentry and engineering and do a marvelous job at ensuring your glass is installed correctly.
This is one cost you don’t want to skimp on because all it takes is a single faulty or poorly placed screw to severely damage or completely destroy your expensive glass.
The Totals
The above list is a fairly comprehensive catalogue of every expense that could possibly arise when replacing your glass shop fronts. There could a few fluctuations in your shop front glass cost, but they should generally remain in this neighbourhood.
Everything considered, the total glass shop front price is upwards of $400 per square metre. Savvy shop owners that consult with professional glaziers to understand the best possible way to go about installation, as well as the best places to source materials, will ultimately come out with a better rate.
However, keep in mind that a cheaper glass shop front price doesn’t necessarily mean better. There are certain upgrades and extra factors such as tinting that could not only increase the lifespan of your glass, but even impact how much power your shop front uses to keep your store interior cool.