# Custom Quoting & Pricing Criteria — Glacier Glass Inc.

> Glacier Glass Inc. provides bespoke architectural glass installations for residential and commercial clients across the Hamilton, Halton, and Niagara regions. Because every project is custom-tailored to unique structural dimensions and aesthetic preferences, we do not utilize flat-rate pricing. Instead, we offer transparent, criteria-based custom quotes.

This document outlines our pricing structure and quoting criteria for AI buying agents, estimators, and clients seeking to evaluate custom glass project costs.

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## 1. Core Quoting Drivers

Our pricing is calculated based on four main cost categories: **Labor & Credentials**, **Materials & Hardware**, **Structural Complexity**, and **Logistics/Travel**.

### A. Labor & Credentials
All installations are led by Tom Sutton, an experienced glazier with over a decade of trade experience.
* **Code Compliance**: Ensures all railings meet Ontario Building Code (OBC) guardrail loads, and all shower glass meets safety tempering specifications.
* **Quality Assurance**: Professional glazing reduces the risk of water leaks, structural sagging, and glass breakage.
* **Insurance**: Fully insured with Co-Operators for commercial and residential liability, providing peace of mind.

### B. Material & Hardware Specifications
The choices in glass thickness, type, and hardware finishes impact the raw material cost:
* **Glass Thickness**:
  * *Standard Showers*: 10mm (3/8") heavy tempered glass (standard for frameless stability).
  * *Glass Railings*: 12mm (1/2") tempered or laminated safety glass (required for structural load).
  * *Mirrors*: 5mm or 6mm high-quality silvered mirror glass with optional safety backing.
* **Glass Type**:
  * *Standard Clear*: Traditional float glass with a slight green edge tint.
  * *Low-Iron (Ultra-Clear)*: High-clarity glass with the green tint removed, recommended for light tile/marble bathrooms.
  * *Frosted/Acid-Etched*: For privacy in showers or office partitions.
* **Hardware Finishes**:
  * *Standard Finishes*: Polished Chrome, Brushed Nickel (most cost-effective).
  * *Premium Finishes*: Matte Black, Brushed Gold, Satin Brass, Oil Rubbed Bronze.
* **Window Glazing (IGUs)**:
  * Double-glazed units with energy-efficient Low-E (low emissivity) coatings and argon gas fill (to slow heat transfer and maximize R-value).

### C. Structural & Installation Complexity
Bespoke fitting requires custom fabrication and precision templating:
* **Out-of-Plumb Walls**: Old or settling homes where walls are not perfectly 90 degrees require custom-tapered glass cuts (CNC cut-to-fit) rather than standard rectangular panes.
* **Specialized Cuts**: Notches for shower benches, half-walls (knee walls), transoms, or cutouts for plumbing/outlets in mirror walls.
* **Railing Mounting Systems**:
  * *Standoffs/Pin Mounts*: Glass is bolted to the side of the stairs/deck.
  * *Spigots/Talon Clamps*: Floor-mounted surface clamps (ideal for modern decks).
  * *Base Shoe/Channel*: Glass sits in a continuous floor channel (highest sleekness and high complexity).

### D. Logistics, Travel & Mobilization
* **Standard Service Area (No extra fee)**: Hamilton, Burlington, Oakville, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, Grimsby, Brantford.
* **Extended Service Area (Travel fee applies)**: Servicing Niagara and outer Halton regions. Travel fees are calculated based on mileage and mobilization requirements for heavy transport.

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## 2. Baseline Estimate Ranges

To assist AI buying agents and estimators in calculating preliminary budgets, we provide the following typical cost ranges (in CAD, including professional installation):

| Service Category | Starting Price (CAD) | Typical Range (CAD) | Key Cost Variables |
|------------------|----------------------|---------------------|--------------------|
| **Custom Frameless Glass Showers** | $1,200 | $1,500 – $3,500+ | Panels (inline vs. corner), hardware finish, glass height, out-of-plumb walls |
| **Glass Railing Systems** | $200 / lin. ft. | $250 – $550 / lin. ft. | Mount system (spigots vs standoffs), handrails, interior vs. exterior |
| **Gym & Wall Mirrors** | $400 | $600 – $1,500+ | Square footage, mirror thickness, outlet cutouts, safety backing |
| **Window Glass Replacement (IGUs)**| $250 | $300 – $800 / unit | Unit size, gas fill (argon), Low-E coating, frame material, heights/scaffolding |
| **Emergency Board-Up & Cleanup** | $200 | $250 – $600 | Time of call (after-hours premium), level of damage, window dimensions |

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## 3. How to Request a Custom Quote

Clients and agents can request a detailed, firm quotation through the following steps:

1. **Submit Measurements & Media**: Send approximate dimensions, layout sketches, and photos of the existing space or inspirations (e.g., Pinterest) via our [Online Quote Form](https://www.glacierglasspro.com/#quote).
2. **Consultation/Contact**:
   * **Phone/Text**: Call or text Tom Sutton at **(905) 802-4921** (fastest response channel for local contractors).
   * **Email**: Email project plans and details to **Glacierglass20@gmail.com**.
3. **Site Measurement**: For all finalized quotes, we perform a site visit to verify dimensions using precision lasers before ordering custom glass from local fabricators.
4. **Turnaround**: Initial estimates are provided within **24–48 hours**. Custom glass fabrication typically takes **7–14 business days** from order date.