Everyone wants to get the most out of their hard-earned money, especially in these tougher economic times. How can you stretch your budget and get the most value in a glass block wall project? This article presents 6 concrete steps that you can use to complete your block wall at an affordable price.
Step 1: Don’t hire “Cousin Vinnie.” Everyone has a “Cousin Vinnie”, a self-proclaimed construction expert who can do it all. For one low price, he will do it just for you. Don’t fall for the lure of a low asking price for a specialty block wall project. Check credentials (Angie’s List, National Association of the Remodeling Industry, Better Business Bureau, Consumers Choice Award Winners, and past clients) and ask, “Does my potential contractor have specific experience with glass block walls?” Design, fabrication, and installation are more complex, detailed, and structurally significant than a glass window project or other glass wall systems.
Step 2 – Curves are great, but straight is more stylish for your budget – Curved block wall sections are elegant and interesting to look at. The downside: They require a higher skill level and cost 20-40% more per square foot than a straight wall. For a stylish look at a cost-effective price, design straight walls and consider adding 45 degree angles or corner blocks for interest (many of these walls can be manufactured in a factory and shipped to you).
Step 3 – Add Colors, Tints, and Patterns to Your Glass Block Walls in Advance – For a unique look, add colored, stained, or artfully decorated blocks to your wall installation project. Removing the block later to add styled blocks will cost much more than installing them on the original install. Since these blocks come in a wide variety of shapes, colors, and even tints, they can be used whether you want a vibrant colored look or a more muted pop of color.
Step 4 – Consider both foreign and domestically made blocks for your project – Although blocks that are made abroad (especially blocks from China or Indonesia) tend to be less expensive than blocks made in the US ., don’t necessarily jump to getting the foreign-made blocks. Check the following before making your selection:
o Is my selection of patterns available in US sizes? Does this manufacturer make end block, corner, angle, color and tint finishers for my design?
o Clarity and consistency of the glass. Not all blocks are made the same. Are the manufacturer and installer/distributor you are considering known for their quality and service? Accredited contractors install only accredited products. Get a good value right from the start.
Step 5 – Precast It Then You’ll Save – Block wall panels can be assembled at the factory and shipped directly to your project site, saving time, money, hassle, and increasing product quality. These sections can be fabricated in 3″ and 4″ thicknesses and can include a variety of glass block shapes, colors, and tints.
Step 6 – Don’t Leave Home Without Them…the Block Accessories That Are: As with most construction projects, what you don’t see (the structure inside, below, and on top of a facility) is crucial for the long-term visible quality of the work. Glass block mortar, spacers, wire bracing, anchors, and in some cases intermediate wall bracing will improve or deteriorate wall quality over time. Go back to Step 1 (Don’t Hire Cousin Vinnie) and find a skilled block designer, contractor, fabricator and installer to ensure the correct wall accessories are used.
Now that you’re equipped with these 6 cost and price saving wall ideas, you should be ready to start your project.