Drafting a budget for a venture can be strenuous because you are at crossroads between your willpower and purchasing power. When paying for your glass partition, bear in mind that you are also paying for a service, as these will invariably determine the space you enjoy within the area. The price of glass partitioning is largely dependent on the square metre of the mapped-out area for partitioning. However, other factors may influence the cost of a glass partition, which are:
1) Quality of material
2) Design
3) Installation
Quality of Material
The quality of material used in making a product determines its circulating market price. Different kinds of glasses are used to serve different purposes based on their unique characteristics. Some of such glasses are:
Single Glazed Tempered Glass: This is mostly used for shower doors, front doors, frameless glass partitions, glass doors and furniture due to its counteracting stress, making it break into small fragments rather than shards, consequently reducing the risk of injury when damaged. This kind of glass in its natural state is transparent and reflective (mirrored). It can however be made translucent making it difficult for one to see what it’s shielding. Single glazed partitioning with toughened glass is often charged per square meter while the doors are changed per unit. The cost of single glazed tempered glass partitioning ranges from N52,500 to N72,600 per square meter depending on the glass thickness.
Double Glazed Tempered Glass: The type of glass consists of two units of glass separated by a spacer to reduce heat transfer and sound transmission. The space in between the glasses is thereby filled with air or argon. Most times units are produced with the same thickness of glass on both panes but special applications such as security may require one pane or both to be laminated with increased thicknesses. The cost of a double-glazed tempered glass partition ranges from N105,000 to N183,000 per square meter.
Design
Some glass partitions are bespoke and are designed based on the client’s specifications. Here, the full aesthetic expression of the client is captured. Some glass partitions come with the logos and other insignia of the organisation. When customers require custom-designed glass partitions, the effect reflects how they are invoiced. However, there are some basic glass partitioning designs we will consider.
Shoreditch: This is a blend of the old and new school design, a contemporary adjustment on an old classic. It parades a tenuous aluminium frame that is glued to the partitioning glass. This creates the effect of smaller panels.
Switchable Smart Glass: This is designed to provide options for clients to choose between a see-through office space and a closed one as a flick of an electric switch can provide instant privacy as well as turn the glass from opaque to transparent. Switchable glass has an adaptable and diverse feature that gives it a touch of professionalism. The price for this glass design ranges from N179,800 to N221,400 per square meter.
Fire Rated: This is designed to provide safety to occupants as well as properties in a facility against fire outbreaks. With recurring fire incidence in buildings, it is pertinent to address the safety requirement of real estate projects at the planning stage without compromising on aesthetics and other variables. The price of fire-rated glass partitioning ranges from USD114 to USD 210 per square meter.
Acoustic: Tranquillity is paramount to efficiency in a workspace, and this design is made to keep the noise in the facility down. Acoustic glass come in different resolutions and styles to meet the creative taste of the client. The price for acoustic glass partitions ranges from N117,600 to N219,600 per square meter.
Installation
In line with the popular axiom that a workman deserves his wages, there is no project you can embark on without factoring in the cost of labour. However, different variables influence the charge for labour, and the labour for glass partitions installation is no exception. Some of the factors are:
Location: The geographical location of the site influences the charge for the installation. Partitioning companies consider the distance between the site and their factory, as this greatly impacts the amount they will spend on logistics, and accommodation to get the job done.
Working Hours: Gaining access to some facilities can be tedious. Most commercial buildings have their operational hours, and carrying out a project in such facilities demands that you do your job within the allotted timeframe. This may impact your delivery schedule and consequently affect other commitments. When this comes into play, the result reflects on the invoice.
Surface Area: The topography of a project area impacts the project bill, and in glass partitioning, certain topographic issues are considered before invoicing a client. Some of them are:
A. Evenness and plumpness of the walls, floors and ceiling.
B. Skirting
C. Drilling and cutting, especially for concrete floors.
D. Obstructions in work areas such as fittings, pipes, switches, sockets, cables, etc. These will require moving them to other parts of the facility and, in some cases, a rewiring of parts of the building although partition companies prefer the clients to handle the repositioning of these obstructions.