How to Prepare a Window Schedule or BOQ for a Factory Quotation
Most delays in aluminium window quotations are not caused by the factory. They are caused by an incomplete window schedule. A supplier who has to guess dimensions, glass or quantities will either ask for more information or price with a risk margin — both cost you time or money.
Window schedule and BOQ are not the same thing
- A window schedule describes each window type: what it is, how big, how it opens, what glass and finish, and where it goes.
- A BOQ (bill of quantities) counts and prices the work. It may group items by type, floor or building.
For a factory quotation you need both — or a schedule detailed enough to build a BOQ from.
What to include for every window type
- Mark or reference — W01, D03, and so on, matching your drawings.
- Location — building, floor, room, and orientation if known (west façades change the glass decision).
- Type and operation — fixed, sliding, casement, top-hung, folding, lift-and-slide, pivot, entrance door.
- Size — width × height, and state whether it is the structural opening or the frame size. This single point causes more re-quotes than any other.
- Quantity — per type, and total.
- Glass — double or triple, low-E, laminated where safety glass is needed, and any tint or solar-control requirement.
- Frame finish — anodized, powder coated, colour reference (RAL or anodizing class), inside and outside if they differ.
- Hardware and operation — handle type, locking, motorisation for large sliding panels or pergolas.
- Performance requirement — what the project specifies for wind load, water tightness, air permeability, thermal and acoustic performance, and by which standard.
- Programme — required delivery, and whether shipments are phased by floor or building.
- Site constraints — access for panels, crane availability, sea freight port of discharge.
A format that works
One row per window type, one column per attribute, in Excel. Keep units consistent (millimetres is safest). Add a second sheet with the drawings index. Group identical types so the factory can see repetition — repetition reduces unit cost.
| Mark | Location | Type | W × H (mm) | Qty | Glass | Finish |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| W01 | Villa A / Living / West | Sliding 2-panel | 3000 × 2700 | 6 | Double, low-E | Anodized silver |
| W02 | Villa A / Bedroom | Casement 1-sash | 900 × 1500 | 14 | Double, low-E | Anodized silver |
What slows a quotation down
- Sizes given as “opening” by one party and “frame” by another, with no note.
- Drawings without a schedule, so every window must be measured from geometry.
- Performance requirements described as “good insulation” instead of a standard and a value.
- No delivery date, so the factory cannot plan production slots.
- Asking for the cheapest option without stating what the cheapest option may not include.
What a good factory sends back
A quotation that lists, for each type: system, profile and glass build-up, finish, hardware, unit price, quantity, packing, lead time, payment terms and validity — plus a written list of the questions that must be closed before production. If a supplier returns only a price, you cannot compare it with anyone.
Next step: send your window schedule, BOQ or drawings to our project team — we reply with a quotation and a written list of any open questions, normally within 48 hours (Sunday to Thursday).