Why Smart Homeowners Choose Supply-Only Glass (And Save Thousands)

When you’re planning a kitchen renovation, bathroom upgrade, or adding a rooflight to your extension, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is choosing between a full-service glass company (with installation) or a supply-only provider. At My Colour Glass, we’ve specialized in supply-only architectural glass for over 17 years. And while it might seem counterintuitive that we don’t offer fitting services, there’s a very good reason thousands of London homeowners and builders choose this approach—**it saves you serious money without compromising quality.** Let’s break down when supply-only makes sense, and why it might be the smartest choice for your project.

The Real Cost Advantage: Supply-Only vs Full-Service

Here’s what most companies won’t tell you: when you pay for “supply and fit,” you’re often paying a significant premium that goes beyond the actual installation work. With supply-only, you’re avoiding the markup on installation that full-service providers build into their pricing. This can represent substantial savings—often 40-60% of the total project cost—especially when you’re already working with a trusted builder or contractor.

When Supply-Only Makes Perfect Sense

1. You’re Already Working with a Builder or Contractor

This is the most common scenario—and where supply-only delivers maximum value. If you’re having an extension built, a kitchen fitted, or any renovation work done, **your builder is already on-site.** They’re equipped, insured, and familiar with your project. Adding glass installation to their scope is straightforward. **Why pay for a separate glass installation team when your builder can do it?** Your builder will: – Install the glass as part of the overall project flow – Take responsibility for the finished result – Ensure everything integrates properly with surrounding work – Save you coordination headaches

2. You’re DIY-Competent (or Know Someone Who Is)

Many of our products are designed for straightforward installation: – **Glass splashbacks:** With the right adhesive and preparation, a competent DIYer can achieve professional results – **Mirrors:** Wall-mounting mirrors is within reach of most handy homeowners – **Shower screens:** Require more precision, but doable with proper measuring and patience We provide: – Detailed installation guides – Technical support via phone/email – Precise measurements and templates – Quality fixings and adhesives (available separately) **Real customer feedback:** *”I was nervous about fitting the splashback myself, but MCG’s guide was crystal clear. It looks absolutely professional. Totally worth it.” – Sarah, Ealing*

3. You Want Control Over Quality and Timing

When you choose supply-only: **You control the timeline:** No waiting weeks for a glass company’s installation schedule. Your glass arrives in 2-3 days, and your builder fits it when it suits your project timeline. **You choose your installer:** Work with someone you trust, someone who’s accountable to you, someone who knows your property. **You avoid “package pricing”:** Full-service companies often bundle costs, making it hard to see where your money goes.

4. You’re a Trade Professional

Builders, contractors, and construction companies are our largest customer base. Why? – **Better margins:** Buy direct at trade-friendly prices – **Fast turnaround:** 2-3 days on most products (vs weeks elsewhere) – **No competition:** We don’t install, so we’re not competing for your customers – **Flexibility:** No minimum orders, no account setup complexity – **Reliability:** 17+ years, 80+ five-star reviews

What About Warranties and Guarantees?

This is the question we hear most: “If you don’t install it, what happens if something goes wrong?” Here’s the reality: **Product defects are incredibly rare** (we use premium toughened and laminated glass), but when they do occur: – MCG guarantees all glass products against manufacturing defects – Issues caused by faulty glass are our responsibility—**we’ll replace it** – Issues caused by poor installation are the installer’s responsibility **This is actually better for you:** – Clear accountability (product vs installation) – No finger-pointing between supplier and installer – Your builder stands behind their work – No “warranty void if not professionally installed” fine print

The Hidden Costs of “Free” Installation

Some glass companies advertise “supply and fit” at seemingly competitive prices. But look closer:

1. Restricted Choice

Full-service providers often push certain products because they’re easier to install or have better margins. Supply-only means you choose what you want, not what’s convenient for them.

2. Schedule Limitations

“We can fit you in three weeks on a Tuesday between 9-5” vs “your builder can install it next Wednesday when they’re already there.”

3. Change Order Fees

Need to modify measurements? With supply-only, contact us directly. With full-service, you’re often dealing with rigid systems and change fees.

4. Coordination Complexity

Another tradesperson on-site means: – Scheduling conflicts – Access coordination – Payment to another company – Another party in your project chain

When You SHOULD Choose Full-Service

We’re honest: supply-only isn’t for everyone. **Consider full-service if:** – You’re not working with a builder and don’t have DIY capability – It’s a complex structural glass installation (large balustrades, structural glazing) – You need one company responsible for everything (some commercial projects) – You value convenience over cost savings – The installation requires specialized equipment (heavy lifting, scaffolding) **But even then:** Get quotes from supply-only AND full-service. You might be surprised at the difference.

Why MCG for Supply-Only Glass?

Over 17 years, we’ve refined the supply-only model to work seamlessly:

Speed That Saves You Money

– **2-3 day turnaround** on rooflights and skylights – Standard turnaround on all other products – No waiting weeks for installation slots

Massive Choice

– **20,000+ colours** with custom matching (no extra cost) – 72 products across 9 categories – Bespoke sizes on everything

Quality Guarantee

– Premium toughened and laminated glass – Full compliance with UK building regulations – CE/UKCA marked products – Proper packaging for safe delivery

Real Support

– Technical advice via phone/email – Installation guides and templates – Help with measurements – Product recommendations

Transparent Pricing

– No hidden “fitting” markups – Clear itemized quotes – Trade-friendly pricing for builders – No surprise fees

How to Make Supply-Only Work for Your Project

Step 1: Measure Accurately

We provide measuring guides for every product. If you’re unsure, send us photos and dimensions—we’ll help verify.

Step 2: Choose Your Installer

– **Already have a builder?** Perfect. Show them our installation guide. – **DIY?** Review our installation resources before ordering. – **Need recommendations?** While we don’t install, we can sometimes point you toward local fitters (no guarantees).

Step 3: Order with Confidence

– Get a quote via our website or phone – Confirm measurements – Order and pay online – Expect delivery in 2-3 days (rooflights) or standard timeframe

Step 4: Install and Enjoy

Follow our installation guide, take your time, and if you have questions, call us. We’re here to support you.

Real Customer Success Stories

**Kitchen Extension, Richmond** Working with their existing builder, a Richmond family saved significantly on their glass splashback and rooflight installation compared to full-service quotes they received. **Loft Conversion, Ealing** Two rooflights installed as part of a loft conversion. The homeowner’s builder handled the installation seamlessly, saving weeks of scheduling delays. **Bathroom Renovation, Harrow** A frameless shower screen and mirror splashback installed by the homeowner’s trusted contractor, with substantial savings compared to package pricing.

Common Questions

**Q: What if I order the wrong size?** A: Measure twice, order once! We provide detailed measuring guides. If you’re unsure, send us photos and dimensions—we’ll double-check before manufacturing. **Q: Can I return glass if I change my mind?** A: Custom-cut glass is made to your specifications, so returns are limited. This is true for ALL glass suppliers (supply-only or full-service). Get your measurements right upfront. **Q: Do you recommend installers?** A: We don’t formally recommend installers (we’re supply-only), but we can sometimes point customers toward local fitters who’ve worked with our products. No guarantees or endorsements. **Q: What if the glass arrives damaged?** A: We package everything carefully, but transit damage occasionally happens. If you receive damaged glass, photograph it immediately and contact us—we’ll arrange a replacement at no cost. **Q: Is your glass the same quality as full-service providers?** A: Yes—often better. We use premium toughened and laminated glass from the same suppliers major companies use. The difference is we don’t mark it up significantly and bundle it with installation fees.

The Bottom Line

**Supply-only glass isn’t about cutting corners—it’s about cutting costs without cutting quality.** If you’re working with a builder, you’re DIY-capable, or you simply want more control over your project, supply-only is the smart financial choice. You’ll save substantially on your project, money that can go toward better finishes, upgraded appliances, or simply staying on budget. For over 17 years, we’ve helped thousands of London homeowners and builders get premium glass at honest prices. No gimmicks, no hidden fees, no unnecessary installation markups. **Just great glass, fast delivery, and genuine savings.** —

Ready to Save on Your Glass Project?

**Get a Free Quote:** – Email: info@mycolourglass.co.uk – Visit our website for instant quotes **Browse Our Products:** – Rooflights & Skylights (2-3 day delivery) – Juliet Balconies – Glass Splashbacks (20,000+ colours) – Shower Screens – Mirrors – Walk-On Glass **Serving Greater London & Home Counties** – Fast delivery, honest pricing, quality glass. — **Share your supply-only success story:** Tag us @MyColourGlass or email photos of your finished project. We love seeing how our glass transforms your spaces!