Aluminium windows and doors can deliver meaningful savings from China, but they should not be purchased like simple catalogue items. The risk is in drawings, profile selection, glass specification, hardware, finish colour and site tolerance.
A good procurement process starts with project drawings and ends with labelled frames that the installation team can identify quickly.
Drawings and opening schedule
Before a factory quote, prepare an opening schedule with width, height, quantity, opening direction, fixed or operable panels and any special requirements. The factory should return shop drawings for review before production.
For renovation projects, measured site dimensions must be treated carefully because wall openings may not match original drawings.
Profiles, glass and hardware
The visible frame is only one part of the package. Buyers should confirm profile series, wall thickness, powder coating or anodizing, glass make-up, spacer, sealant, handle, lock, roller, hinge and drainage design.
- Confirm glass thickness, laminate or insulated glass requirements.
- Request finish samples for powder coating or anodized colours.
- Define hardware grade based on project use, not only price.
Performance and destination requirements
Different markets have different expectations for wind load, water penetration, energy performance and safety glazing. The buyer should state the destination requirements early so the supplier can confirm whether existing reports are relevant or whether additional testing is needed.
Packing and site labels
Windows and doors are vulnerable to scratches, glass breakage and frame deformation. Packing should protect corners, glass faces and hardware. Each unit should be labelled by opening code, floor, room or elevation so installation does not become a sorting exercise.
Next step
Send your opening schedule, drawings and target market requirements. My Building List can help compare factories, request shop drawings and coordinate samples before production starts.
How to Compare a Doors and Windows Supplier in China
A doors and windows supplier in China should price from an opening schedule and approved drawings. Confirm frame series, profile thickness, thermal-break requirement where applicable, glazing build-up, safety-glass locations, hardware brand and finish, drainage, screens and interface details.
Use a Performance and Evidence Schedule
List the performance requirements and destination review documents for each window or door type. Supplier test reports should match the relevant system and configuration; they should not be assumed to cover every size, glass combination or installation condition. Have the project designer or qualified local professional review the evidence.
Mock-Up, Labelling and Packing
Approve a representative unit or corner sample before mass production. At inspection, check dimensions, opening direction, finish, glass marks, hardware operation, sealant and drainage details. Label frames against the opening schedule and protect corners, glass and hardware for the full transport route.
What should a window-and-door BOQ include?
Include opening ID, width, height, type, quantity, handing, frame finish, glass, hardware, screen and performance notes. Send the schedule and drawings for supplier shortlisting.
Windows, Doors and Facade Package Questions
Project buyers should confirm profile system, wall thickness, surface finish, glass build-up, hardware brand level, drainage, gasket, screen, opening direction and wind-load or acoustic expectations before comparing aluminium window and door quotes. For facade or curtain-wall adjacent scopes, separate the engineering review from the product price.
Ask suppliers for section drawings, test references where relevant, packing method for glass and frames, spare hardware assumptions and a site receiving plan for long or fragile items.
