The cost of façade installation cannot be reliably determined from the façade area alone. Two façades with the same area can require very different amounts of installation time and preparation. The system used, the number of junctions, access and the condition of the supporting structure all affect the work on site.
A sound assessment therefore starts with how the work will be carried out. What exactly needs to be installed? Are the dimensions and drawings up to date? How will the components be moved into position, and what work do other contractors need to complete beforehand? Below, we explain what information is needed to assess the scope of façade installation accurately.
The type of façade system and its construction
A façade may comprise aluminium profiles, glass, panels, window frames and various finishing components. The way these components fit together determines the installation sequence. A repetitive façade layout generally calls for a different approach from one with many non-standard bays, offsets or corners.
The system itself matters too. With a curtain wall the mullions, transoms, glazing and junctions are installed in a set sequence. With other aluminium façade systems pre-assembled units or individual components may be installed. More operations per façade bay mean more work, even if the total area stays the same.
Glass, panels and special elements
The size and weight of glass or panels affect how they are moved and positioned. Large or heavy components require different preparation from those that can be carried into position by hand. Doors, window frames, grilles and other interruptions make the façade less repetitive and often increase the number of junction details.
Dimensions and the condition of the substrate
Façade components must fit the actual building conditions. If the dimensions, adjustment clearances and fixing points match the project information, installation can proceed as planned. Discrepancies need to be checked and discussed first. Sometimes the work sequence needs to change, or work on a section can only continue once another contractor has resolved a discrepancy in the building structure.
This often needs closer attention on refurbishment projects. An existing façade may be out of plumb, damaged or have previous junction details that only become visible after removal. This does not automatically make installation complicated, but it does mean that photos alone do not always provide enough information. A targeted site survey can reduce uncertainty before work begins.
Site access and equipment
The installation area must be accessible to people, materials and the necessary equipment. Work at ground level differs from installation on an upper floor. The space around the building, ground conditions, obstacles and the ability to unload components close to the façade determine how efficiently the work can be organised.
A mobile elevating work platform, scaffolding or lifting equipment may be needed, depending on the height, weight and installation position. This involves more than simply using the equipment. Space for setting up, moving equipment, coordination with other site traffic and a safe work area also matter. If the façade area needs to be cleared during the work or repeatedly set up again, this affects installation time.
Number of junctions and the required finish
A façade consists of more than large surfaces. Edges, corners, roof edges and junctions with window frames or doors require particularly precise measurements. A compact façade area with many interruptions can therefore involve more work than a larger, uniform surface.
The agreed finish must be clear in advance. This includes cover trims, corner pieces and aluminium finishing components, such as folded sheet aluminium. If finishing components need to be measured or adjusted on site, this involves different work from installing components supplied complete. The required joint layout and sightlines also play a part, as small discrepancies quickly become visible in aluminium and glass.
Scheduling, phasing and coordination
A continuous installation period differs from work carried out in several short phases. Phased work may require preparation, deliveries and setting up the work area to be repeated several times. Dependencies matter too. The supporting structure, openings and fixing points must be ready before the relevant façade section can be installed.
A realistic schedule takes account of component lead times, work by other contractors and access to the façade. Clear agreements on who supplies materials, who approves dimensions and who can make decisions on site help prevent delays. On the page about how ACS Montage works you can read about the information discussed during the enquiry and preparation stages.
New builds, refurbishment and removal
On new builds, installation is usually tied to the construction schedule and progress on the building structure. On refurbishment projects, protecting existing components, limited access and working in an occupied building may need extra attention. If old façade components need to be removed first, the scope of removal and how the resulting materials will be disposed of must also be clear.
Refurbishment more often involves unknown conditions behind existing finishes. It is therefore sensible not to assume that any remedial work is included in the installation. Agree in advance which tasks are covered by the contract and what will happen if removal reveals a substrate that differs from expectations.
Practical checklist for a focused assessment
The following information helps assess the scope of the installation work:
- the address and the position of the façade on the building;
- up-to-date drawings, dimensions and an overview of the façade layout;
- the brand or type of façade system, if known;
- quantities, dimensions and weights of glass, panels and profiles;
- clear photos of the façade area, substrate and junctions;
- the working height, access and available space for setting up equipment;
- the preferred schedule and any phasing;
- a description of supply, removal and finishing work;
- information about equipment already available on site;
- a designated contact for technical questions during the work.
Photos of completed façade work can also help when discussing the standard of finish and detailing. Take a look at ACS Montage’s completed projects.
Frequently asked questions about façade installation costs
Is a price per square metre enough to compare façade installation quotes?
Not without further information. The façade area tells you little about the number of corners, junctions, glass units and the equipment required. Compare the scope of work too, including what is and is not covered by the installation.
Why are both drawings and photos needed?
Drawings show the intended dimensions and system construction. Photos show the actual access, substrate and surroundings. Together, they provide a more complete picture than either does on its own.
Do aluminium finishing components affect the scope of installation?
Yes. Trims, corner pieces and junction details need to be measured, positioned and fixed. It makes a difference whether these components arrive complete and correctly sized or still need to be adjusted on site.
What information helps prevent unexpected additional work?
A clear scope of work is the most important factor. Specify which façade components will be installed, who will provide materials and equipment, the condition in which the substrate must be handed over and what will happen if the actual conditions differ from the drawings.
Preparing for your façade installation
Would you like to discuss a specific installation project? Send the location, available drawings, photos and preferred period for the work. You can use the ACS Montage contact page to share this project information.