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Choosing a glass company isn’t just about finding someone who can hold a screwdriver and a level. It’s about finding a team that understands structural integrity, local building codes, and the long-term physics of heavy, tempered glass hanging in a wet environment.
When you’re hiring a glass company, the difference between a “good deal” and a “lifetime investment” often comes down to the questions you ask before the first hole is drilled. At CFG, we don’t just tolerate tough questions; we encourage them. We believe an educated customer is our best customer.
Here is your comprehensive guide on how to choose a shower door installer by asking the right questions.
This is the single most important question to ask a shower door company. Many installers act as “middlemen.” They take measurements, order a pre-fabricated kit from a large supplier, and simply bolt it together in your bathroom.
Why it matters: Every bathroom has its quirks. Walls are rarely perfectly plumb, and floors are rarely perfectly level. A company that custom manufactures (like CFG) can cut glass to account for these “out-of-square” conditions.
The CFG Difference: By controlling the manufacturing process, we ensure the glass fits your specific space to the millimeter, resulting in tighter seals and a more seamless look.
In the world of glass, thickness equals stability. Most “big box” store kits use thinner glass to save on shipping costs, but for a custom frameless shower, you need more heft.
The Standard: You will generally see options for 3/8″ and 1/2″ glass.
3/8-inch glass: The industry standard for frameless doors. It offers a great balance of weight and durability.
1/2-inch glass: Provides a premium, high-end feel with maximum structural integrity.
Red Flag: If a company suggests anything thinner than 3/8″ for a frameless application, they are compromising your safety for a lower price point.
Stock photos are easy to find online. A reputable company should be able to show you a deep gallery of their own installations.
When reviewing their work, look for:
Consistency: Are the gaps between glass panels uniform?
Hardware Alignment: Are the hinges and handles level?
Complexity: Do they have experience with the specific type of enclosure you want (e.g., neo-angle, steam shower, or sliding barn-door style)?
Pro Tip: Check our Project Gallery to see the level of precision we bring to every local bathroom renovation.
When hiring a glass company, the “sticker price” can be deceiving. Some companies provide a low-ball estimate and then add “hidden” fees later.
Ensure your quote explicitly covers:
The Glass: Type, thickness, and any coatings (like Easy-Clean).
Hardware: Materials and finishes (brass, chrome, matte black).
Labor: The actual installation time.
Cleanup and Disposal: Will they remove your old door and leave the site spotless?
Taxes and Permits: If applicable.
A shower door is a moving mechanical object. Over time, hinges may need adjustment or seals may need replacing.
Manufacturer Warranty: Covers defects in the glass or hardware finish.
Installation Warranty: Covers the labor. If the door starts to sag or leak six months later, will they come back to fix it for free?
At CFG, we stand behind our craftsmanship. You can read the specifics on our Warranty Information page, but the short version is: we treat your home like our own.
This is a hidden gem among questions to ask a shower door company. High turnover usually indicates a lack of training or a “subcontractor” model where the company doesn’t actually know who is entering your home.
Experienced installers have seen every “nightmare” wall and “impossible” layout. They know how to pivot when they encounter a hidden stud or a problematic tile. Ask if the installers are W-2 employees of the company or independent contractors.
Even with the best companies, reality happens. A tile might chip, or a measurement might be off by a hair.
The mark of a professional company isn’t perfection; it’s accountability.
Do they have insurance to cover accidental damage to your bathroom?
What is their timeline for “make-goods” if a panel arrives from the furnace with a scratch?
Do they have a dedicated service department?
While learning how to choose a shower door installer, keep an eye out for these warning signs:
The “Handyman” Special: If they offer to “fit it in” between painting jobs or deck builds, they likely lack the specialized tools required for heavy glass.
Unusually Low Prices: High-quality tempered glass and solid brass hardware have a baseline cost. If a quote is 40% lower than everyone else’s, they are cutting corners on safety or material quality.
Vague Timelines: If they can’t give you a clear window for manufacturing and installation, they are likely at the mercy of a third-party supplier’s schedule.
At CFG, we don’t want to just sell you a piece of glass; we want to provide a structural element of your home that lasts for decades. We are proud of our manufacturing process, our veteran installation team, and our transparent pricing.
We believe that the more you know about the industry, the more likely you are to choose a specialized glass company over a generalist. We invite you to learn more [suspicious link removed] and our commitment to the craft.