If you are developing a multi-unit property in Boone, NC, don’t leave shower doors for the last minute. A wrong measurement, a missed spec, or a late order can push your whole timeline back. Getting this right early saves you money and avoids delays that affect your entire project.
Key Takeaways
- Standardize your shower door specs across all units early in the planning phase.
- Account for lead times, especially for custom or frameless glass doors.
- Work with a glass supplier who has commercial project experience.
- Confirm rough opening dimensions before placing any order.
- Understand the difference between framed, semi-frameless, and frameless options.
- Plan for site access and installation sequencing across multiple units.
Start With Your Specs Before You Do Anything Else
Many developers wait until the build is nearly done to think about shower doors. That is a mistake. For a multi-unit property, you need consistent specs across every bathroom. Inconsistency leads to custom orders for each unit, which drives up both cost and lead time.
Set your standard rough opening size early. Work with your architect or GC to keep all shower openings the same size across units. This lets you order in bulk and simplifies the installation process considerably.
Choosing the Right Door Style for Rental or Sale Units
The type of shower door you choose affects durability, maintenance, and tenant satisfaction. Frameless glass doors look great and are easy to clean, but they do cost more upfront. Framed or semi-frameless doors are more budget-friendly and still hold up well in high-turnover rental units.
Think about who will be living in the units. Long-term tenants may appreciate the cleaner look of frameless glass. Short-term or high-turnover rentals may do better with semi-frameless options that are quicker to repair or replace. All Glass can help you weigh your options based on your specific project type.
Lead Times Matter More Than You Think
Custom glass does not ship overnight. Frameless shower doors, in particular, require precise templating and fabrication. For a multi-unit project, you are multiplying that timeline across every unit in the building.
Lead times for custom shower enclosures can range from two to six weeks depending on the glass type, hardware finish, and supplier workload. If you are close to a certificate of occupancy deadline, ordering late is a serious risk. Build your glass order into your project schedule well in advance.
How to Coordinate Delivery and Installation Across Multiple Units
For multi-unit properties, delivery and installation need to be planned carefully. You do not want all units being installed at the same time if other trades are still working in the building. Sequence your installations so the glass crew has clear access to each unit.
Communicate your floor-by-floor or unit-by-unit schedule to your glass supplier early. A supplier with commercial experience, like All Glass, understands how to work within a phased installation schedule. This keeps your timeline moving without creating bottlenecks on site.
Measurements Must Be Exact
Glass is cut to size. You can’t trim it down on site if the measurement is off. Every rough opening needs to be measured by a qualified person before the order is placed. For a multi-unit project, that means going unit by unit, not assuming they are all identical.
Even in a well-built structure, slight variations occur from floor to floor. A difference of a quarter inch can mean a door does not fit or seal properly. Take verified field measurements, not just plan dimensions from your drawings.
Working With a Glass Supplier Who Handles Commercial Projects
Not every glass company is set up for multi-unit commercial work. You need a supplier who can handle bulk orders, coordinate phased deliveries, and provide consistent quality across every unit. Experience with commercial and residential projects is a must.
All Glass has worked with general contractors and developers across the region since 1994. They handle custom shower doors and enclosures for both residential and commercial jobs. You can learn more about our commercial glass work in our case study to see how we have supported projects similar to yours.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all units in a multi-unit property need custom-sized shower doors?
Not always. If your rough openings are built to a standard size, you may be able to use semi-custom or stock doors. However, most developers find that at least some units require custom sizing due to slight variations in construction.
What type of glass is best for high-turnover rental units?
Safety glazing, typically tempered glass, is required by code for shower enclosures. For durability in rental units, thicker glass, typically 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch, holds up better over time. Semi-frameless options also tend to be easier to service if hardware needs replacing.
Can a glass supplier measure and template all units on a single visit?
Yes, in most cases. A commercial glass supplier can schedule a full site visit to template every unit in sequence. This is the most efficient approach and reduces the chance of measurement errors that come from multiple separate visits.
What hardware finishes should I choose for multi-unit properties?
Brushed nickel and matte black are both popular and tend to hold up well over time. Pick one finish and use it consistently across all units. This simplifies future replacements and gives the property a uniform, polished appearance.
How far in advance should I contact a glass supplier for a multi-unit project?
Contact your supplier at least six to eight weeks before you need installation to begin. For larger projects with more units, reach out even earlier. This gives your supplier time to template, fabricate, and schedule delivery without rushing.
Talk to All Glass Before You Finalize Your Order
Getting shower doors right on a multi-unit property takes planning, accurate measurements, and a supplier who understands commercial timelines. The decisions you make early, from door style to glass thickness to hardware finish, affect your project long after the build is done.
All Glass has served general contractors and developers across the region since April 1994. Our team handles custom shower enclosures for commercial and residential projects out of our Hickory, NC location. Visit allglasscompany.com to learn more or call (828) 324-8609 to discuss your project today.