Quick answer: Count panes and screens, then check the final price against crew-hours, access, travel, consumables and overhead. Separate difficult access and restoration work instead of treating every pane as identical.
Two properties with the same number of panes can take very different amounts of time. Screens, tracks, hard-water residue, ladders, parking and upper-level access change the work. Recurring storefront routes also depend on travel and minimum service time at each stop.
How to approach the job
- Count panes, screens and tracks; distinguish inside/outside, storefront and residential service.
- Identify access difficulty, obstacles, glass condition and any special cleaning requirements.
- Estimate crew-hours and loaded labor costs rather than assuming a fixed rate per pane.
- Include travel, parking, screen handling, supplies, equipment and overhead.
- Define recurring route frequency and separately quote difficult access or restoration work.
Worked example: hypothetical costs
These are invented numbers to illustrate the method. Replace every input with your actual costs, work scope and local requirements before quoting a customer.
| Illustrative cost or comparison item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Labor: 2 technicians × 3 hours × $30 loaded cost | $180.00 |
| Travel and parking | $35.00 |
| Screen handling/consumables | $24.00 |
| Other supplies | $18.00 |
| Overhead allocation | $55.00 |
The illustrative 28-pane job has a $312 cost basis. At 25% target gross margin, $312 ÷ 0.75 = $416. That is about $14.86 per pane for this specific scope—not a universal per-pane rate. If difficult access adds two technician-hours ($60 loaded labor) and $15 overhead, the added $75 cost basis would require $100 more at the same margin.
Important limits and assumptions
The numbers are not market benchmarks. Screen counts, tracks, glass condition, access equipment and safe work methods affect costs. A pricing worksheet does not authorize unsafe ladder or height work; assess the site and follow applicable training and safety requirements.
Make the estimate clear to the customer
For storefront routes, record drive time, parking and minimum visit time. For residential jobs, state whether interior glass, tracks, screens, hard-water removal and post-construction residue are included. Review actual time after the job so the next quote is more reliable.
Frequently asked questions
Is a flat per-pane price enough?
It is a useful reference only if checked against labor, access, screens, travel and overhead.
How should I price high-access windows?
Assess the safe method, equipment and time required, then quote that defined work separately when appropriate.
Use your own figures
Educational illustration only. Verify local taxes, licenses, permits, safety, actual costs and contract terms for each job.
When a per-pane price is not enough
A pane count is a useful starting point, but difficult access, screen removal, track cleaning, height, parking, and travel can change the time required. For recurring storefront routes, check whether stop-to-stop travel actually drops before assuming a lower per-visit price. Clearly identify interior versus exterior work and the frequency of service.
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