Commercial Glass Project Planning Checklist

Work through this before you call any commercial glass company.

Scope and Site

• List every glass item in the project: storefront, doors, partitions, mirrors, windows or display glass
• Take wide and close-up photos of each opening or area
• Write down rough width and height for each opening (estimates are fine, we measure on site)
• Note the existing frame type and finish, such as clear aluminum, dark bronze or black
• Note anything cracked, fogged, loose or not working properly

Approvals and Access

• Confirm who approves the budget and who signs the proposal
• Check whether your landlord or property manager must approve the work
• Ask whether building or code requirements apply to your project
• Note building access: hours, parking, loading area and elevator
• Find out if the building requires proof of insurance from contractors

Timeline and Budget

• Write down your target start date and any hard deadline, such as an opening or lease date
• Decide your budget range and which items matter most
• Decide your glass preferences: clear, low-iron, frosted, etched or tinted

Questions to Ask Any Glass Company

• Who will do the installation, your own crew or a subcontractor?
• Will you measure on site and give me a written proposal with scope and price?
• How long until I receive the proposal, and what is the project schedule?
• Will I have one point of contact from walkthrough to completion?

Ready for a proposal? Request an estimate or call (443) 443-5585.

Storefront Glass Checklist

For businesses replacing or installing storefront glass, entrances and framing.

Document What You Have

• Take a photo of the full storefront from across the street
• Photograph each glass panel, sidelite and transom
• Note which panels are cracked, fogged, scratched or loose
• Check the frame for corrosion, gaps, loose joints or water leaks
• Test each door: does it swing, close and latch properly?
• List the door hardware: handles, closers, locks and any exit devices

Decide What You Want

• Choose the glass type: tempered, laminated or insulated for energy performance
• Decide whether you want clear, tinted or low-iron glass
• Decide whether the aluminum frame stays or gets replaced
• Match the frame finish to your building and signage
• Check whether signage, vinyl or window graphics must be removed or reinstalled

Plan the Project

• Confirm landlord or property manager approval
• Plan how your business will operate during the installation
• Ask for a written proposal with scope, price and schedule

Want a pro to walk your storefront? Book a free storefront glass and door assessment.

Glass Partition Planning Checklist

For offices, conference rooms and interior glass walls.

Layout and Purpose

• Sketch or gather a floor plan showing where each glass wall will go
• Write the purpose of each space: private office, conference room, open area or reception
• Decide how much privacy each space needs
• Decide whether sound reduction matters for any room

Glass and Style

• Choose frameless or framed partitions
• Choose clear, frosted, etched or partial frosted bands
• Decide whether you want an etched logo or brand pattern
• Choose the frame or hardware finish

Doors and Building Details

• Decide which walls need doors and whether they swing or slide
• Decide whether doors need locks or access control
• Note ceiling type, ceiling height and floor condition
• Note nearby lighting, sprinklers and air vents that may affect the layout
• Confirm building or landlord approvals

Timeline

• Set your target completion date
• Ask for a written proposal with scope, price and schedule

Planning a partition project? See our glass partitions page or request an estimate.

Commercial Glass Door Checklist

For entrances, interior doors and replacement doors.

Location and Use

• Note where the door goes: exterior entrance, interior suite or back-of-house
• Estimate daily foot traffic
• Decide whether you need a single door or double doors
• Decide between swing and sliding operation

Existing Opening

• Measure the opening width and height, or note it as an estimate
• Check the frame: keep it or replace it?
• Photograph the existing door, frame and hardware
• Note thresholds, weatherstripping and any water or air leaks

Glass and Hardware

• Choose the glass type and any tint
• Choose handles, locks and closers
• Ask about exit hardware or accessibility requirements for your building
• Decide whether you want keypad or card access
• Match the aluminum finish to your existing storefront

Plan the Project

• Confirm landlord or property manager approval
• Ask for a written proposal with scope, price and schedule

Need a door? See our commercial glass doors page or request an estimate.

Glass Display Case Planning Checklist

For retail counters, showcases, built-in niches and collector cases.

What You Are Displaying

• List the items and note their size and weight
• Decide which viewing angles matter most
• Decide whether items need to be protected from handling

Location and Layout

• Decide where the case goes: counter, wall, built-in niche or freestanding
• Measure the available space or the existing cabinet
• Take photos of the space or cabinet
• Confirm who supplies the cabinet or base: you, your builder or us

Glass and Details

• Choose clear or low-iron glass for the most accurate color
• Choose the glass thickness for shelves and tops based on weight
• Choose the edge finish, such as polished or beveled
• Decide on hinged or sliding doors
• Decide whether you need locks
• Plan lighting, such as LED strips or spot lighting

Plan the Project

• Set your budget and your target date
• Ask for a written proposal with scope, price and schedule

Have a display in mind? See our glass display cases page or request an estimate.