How do you compare sandwich panel installation quotes with different scopes?

Agree who supplies fasteners, sealing tapes and flashings. Assign responsibility for site measurements and approval of the cutting schedule. If the client orders the materials, tell the crew which system to expect. Panel thickness alone is too little information to price the job consistently.

Flashings may be priced per linear metre or as a separate package. Openings, service penetrations and unusual cuts may have their own rates. Equipment, travel and safety provisions can also appear separately. Check that each item and its charging basis are clear.

Ask whether openings are deducted from the measured area. Agree how to measure narrow finishing strips and charge for repairs to existing framing. The same 180 m² on a drawing can result in different invoices if measurement rules differ.

In this example, fitting 180 m² of panels at about €11.12/m² costs €2,002.09. Fitting 98 m of flashings at about €5.10/m adds €499.60. Allow €486.62 for equipment and €150.62 for travel. All figures exclude VAT. Using the unrounded converted amounts gives a total service price of €3,138.92.

Spread over the panel area, the example totals about €17.44/m² excluding VAT. This illustrative figure shows what the starting rate of €11.12/m² leaves out. If a different contractor includes flashings in the area rate, count them only once. Use the same scope and area for both calculations.

Long or heavy panels need suitable lifting and handling equipment. Check its working radius, vehicle access and bearing ground. If equipment cannot stand near the façade, installation may take a different setup. Establish these conditions before the crew prices the work.

Plan access and protection for work at height and on the roof. Ask whether the price includes setting them up. Wind and weather may limit lifting and the safe handling of panels. Agree how justified interruptions will be handled in the contract.

The crew needs a checked, ready frame and the complete set of materials. Missing flashings or panels that differ from the schedule can cause downtime. Arrange a joint site check before mobilising the whole crew and its equipment.

Provide storage space and arrange packs in installation order. Agree on power supply and site organisation where required. Record who handles each preparation so the client and installer know which costs the installation rate covers.

Define acceptance checks for fixings, joints, flashings and surface condition. Agree on film and swarf removal and photographs of concealed details. Use staged inspections as well as final handover so defects can be corrected while safe access remains available.

Price extra work before it starts. Record the reason, measured quantity and approval. Check how a design change affects material and timing. The final invoice can then be traced to agreed work on the accepted envelope.

Name the person authorised to approve increased quantities. A photograph and short description help an off-site client check each additional detail. Record time against the actual task as work proceeds.