What Happens After an Onsite Consultation? | Understanding the Quotation Process
Introduction
An onsite consultation is not the end of the project planning process. It is usually the point where general ideas, drawings, measurements, and site observations are brought together to determine the actual requirements of your project.
After the consultation, the information collected from the site can be reviewed to establish the scope of work, required materials, measurements, specifications, hardware, installation requirements, and other project details.
For glass and aluminium projects such as shower cubicles, office glass partitions, aluminium windows and doors, glass balustrades, shopfronts, and custom glass installations, this process helps create a quotation that is based on the actual project requirements rather than assumptions.
What Happens After an Onsite Consultation?
1. Site Information Is Reviewed
After the site visit, the measurements, photographs, drawings, layouts, and other information collected during the consultation are reviewed.
The objective is to understand the complete project before preparing the quotation.
This may include reviewing:
- Site measurements
- Existing structures
- Opening sizes
- Wall and floor conditions
- Proposed layouts
- Glass requirements
- Aluminium requirements
- Hardware requirements
- Installation conditions
2. The Project Scope Is Defined
The next step is to establish exactly what needs to be supplied and installed.
For example, a shower cubicle project may require a glass door, fixed panels, hinges, handles, seals, brackets, and installation.
An office glass partition may require glass panels, aluminium profiles, doors, handles, locks, and related fittings.
Defining the scope helps ensure that the quotation reflects the actual project rather than providing a vague overall figure.
3. Materials and Specifications Are Determined
Once the scope is clear, suitable materials and specifications can be considered.
For glass installations, this may involve determining the appropriate glass type, thickness, finish, configuration, and hardware.
For aluminium projects, this may involve selecting suitable profiles, finishes, configurations, and accessories.
The specification should be appropriate for the intended application and site conditions.
4. Quantities and Measurements Are Calculated
The measurements taken during the onsite consultation help determine the quantities and dimensions required for fabrication.
Accurate measurements are particularly important for custom glass and aluminium work because products are fabricated to specific dimensions.
This stage helps reduce the risk of relying on assumptions or approximate measurements.
5. The Quotation Is Prepared
After the project information has been reviewed, the quotation can be prepared.
A professional quotation may include:
- Description of the work
- Measurements
- Quantities
- Material specifications
- Hardware and accessories
- Fabrication
- Installation
- Delivery or transportation, where applicable
- Payment terms
- Project timeline
- Applicable terms and conditions
The purpose is to give the client a clearer understanding of what the proposed project involves.
What Should You Check When You Receive the Quotation?
Do not look at the final figure alone.
Review whether the quotation clearly explains:
Scope: What exactly is being supplied and installed?
Materials: What glass, aluminium, hardware, and finishes are specified?
Quantities: Do the listed quantities correspond with your project?
Installation: Is professional installation included?
Timeline: What is the expected fabrication and installation period?
Payment terms: When are payments expected?
Conditions: Are there any exclusions, assumptions, or additional requirements?
Understanding these details makes it easier to compare quotations accurately.
Why the Quotation May Differ From an Initial Estimate
An initial discussion or estimate may be based on limited information.
After an onsite consultation, additional details may become clear.
For example, the site assessment may reveal unusual dimensions, additional hardware requirements, difficult access, specific finishing requirements, or installation conditions that were not apparent from photographs or preliminary discussions.
This is why a quotation prepared after an onsite consultation can provide a more informed project assessment.
What Happens If You Approve the Quotation?
Once you approve the quotation and agree to the applicable terms, the project can move toward the next stage.
Depending on the project, this may involve:
- Confirming the project scope
- Approving specifications or designs
- Confirming measurements
- Processing the required project payment
- Scheduling fabrication
- Preparing materials
- Planning installation
- Installing the completed products
The exact process can vary depending on the size and complexity of the project.
What If You Need Changes to the Quotation?
If you want to change the glass type, dimensions, design, hardware, finish, quantity, or scope after receiving the quotation, communicate this before approving the project.
Changes can affect the materials, fabrication requirements, installation process, and overall quotation.
Early communication makes it easier to revise the project properly before fabrication begins.
Why an Onsite Consultation Matters
An onsite consultation helps bridge the gap between what is shown on paper and what exists at the actual property.
Architectural drawings, interior designs, photographs, and measurements can provide valuable information, but an onsite assessment allows the project team to physically evaluate the installation environment.
This can be particularly important for custom installations where accuracy and proper fitting are essential.
How Maraba Glass & Aluminum Systems Ltd Handles the Process
At Maraba Glass & Aluminum Systems Ltd, the onsite consultation is part of the project planning process.
After assessing the site, the available project information can be reviewed to establish the appropriate scope, measurements, materials, specifications, and installation requirements.
Our solutions include:
- Shower cubicles
- Glass shower doors
- Office glass partitions
- Aluminium windows
- Aluminium doors
- Glass balustrades
- Glass shopfronts
- Sliding glass doors
- Decorative mirrors
- Custom architectural glass solutions
The objective is to help clients understand what is required before fabrication and installation begin.
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens after an onsite consultation?
The site information is reviewed, the project scope is established, measurements and specifications are assessed, and the information is used to prepare the quotation.
How long does it take to receive a quotation after a site visit?
The timeframe depends on the size and complexity of the project and how much information needs to be reviewed before preparing the quotation.
Does the quotation include everything discussed during the site visit?
The final quotation should clearly state the agreed scope. If something discussed during the consultation is not included, ask for clarification before approving the quotation.
Can I request changes after receiving the quotation?
Yes. Discuss any changes before approving the quotation because modifications to materials, dimensions, designs, or quantities may affect the project requirements.
What should I do after receiving a quotation?
Review the scope, materials, specifications, quantities, installation details, payment terms, timeline, and applicable conditions before approving the project.
Does an onsite consultation guarantee the final quotation?
An onsite consultation provides important information for quotation preparation, but the quotation itself should be reviewed and approved based on the documented project scope and specifications.
Conclusion
What happens after an onsite consultation? The information collected from the site is reviewed and used to establish the project’s scope, measurements, materials, specifications, hardware, and installation requirements.
The next important step is the quotation. A clear quotation allows you to understand what is included, compare the proposed scope, request any necessary changes, and make an informed decision before fabrication begins.
For custom glass and aluminium projects, the process is simple: assess the site, define the requirements, prepare the quotation, approve the scope, and then proceed toward fabrication and installation.
Ready for the Next Step After Your Site Visit?
Have you completed your onsite consultation and need to understand the quotation process?
Maraba Glass & Aluminum Systems Ltd provides professional glass and aluminium solutions for residential and commercial projects.
📌 Professional onsite consultation fee applies.
📞 Call/WhatsApp: 0733 444 516 | 0745 730 042
📍 Nairobi & Countrywide
🌐 www.marabaglass.com | info@marabaglass.com
A successful installation starts with accurate assessment and a clear quotation.
