Comparing greenhouse quotations
Why the cheapest quote is rarely the lowest cost, and how to normalise them before you decide.
Normalise to the same square metre
One quote may exclude foundations, another may include the electrical panel, a third may price a lighter profile. Rebuild every quote into the same scope table before comparing totals.
Compare steel weight and coating
Two structures can look identical in a drawing and differ by 30 % in steel weight and coating thickness. Ask for the weight per square metre and the zinc coating specification.
Compare the climate system, not the vents
Vent area, fan capacity, cooling kW, screen openness and control points decide performance. A house with fewer vents is cheaper until the first hot week.
Price the ten-year cost
Film replacement, screen replacement, energy, spares and service. A glasshouse with a higher capital cost can win on ten-year cost in a cold climate; a film house can win in a mild one.
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