Managing Window Orders for Multi-Property Projects in Leeds

Ordering windows for a single property is relatively straightforward. Managing windows across several properties, plots or phases of a development requires considerably more organisation.

A larger project may involve repeated window types, different opening sizes, specification changes, several delivery dates and multiple people working from the same drawings or schedules.

For builders, developers, contractors and installers working across Leeds, a clear ordering process can help reduce confusion and keep the window package organised from quotation through to manufacture and delivery.

Glass Tec manufactures made-to-measure REHAU windows for trade customers across Yorkshire. If you are sourcing trade windows in Leeds, providing a clear project schedule from the outset can make quotations and subsequent orders much easier to manage.

How to Manage Window Orders for Leeds Developments

A replacement window job may involve only a handful of openings.

A development or refurbishment programme can involve considerably more information, including:

• Multiple properties or plots
• Repeated house types
• Different window configurations
• Different frame colours
• Windows and doors within the same project
• Different glazing requirements
• Changing construction programmes
• Phased manufacturing requirements
• Multiple delivery dates

The objective is not simply to create a long list of windows.

The aim is to create a system where the contractor, supplier and installation team can clearly identify which product belongs where and which version of the specification has been approved.

1. Start With a Master Window Schedule

For projects involving multiple openings, it is usually better to work from one organised master schedule rather than a collection of individual emails and measurements.

Each frame should have its own reference.

For example:

For larger developments, it may be helpful for the reference to identify both the property and the individual opening.

For example:

P01-W01

could represent:

Plot 1 – Window 1

while:

P04-W07

could represent:

Plot 4 – Window 7

The exact reference system is less important than using it consistently throughout the project.

Everyone involved should be able to identify the same window using the same reference.

2. Identify Repeated Window Types

One advantage of a multi-property development is that the same window configurations may appear repeatedly.

A project containing several similar house types may use the same lounge, bedroom or kitchen windows across multiple plots.

Where this happens, assigning window types can make the project easier to manage.

For example:

Type A
1200mm x 1050mm casement window

Type B
900mm x 1050mm casement window

Type C
600mm x 900mm obscure-glazed window

The project schedule can then identify where each window type is required.

This does not remove the need to confirm individual dimensions and specifications, but it can make larger schedules considerably easier to understand.

3. Keep Plot References and Window References Separate

On a development containing several properties, avoid relying on descriptions such as:

“Bedroom window”

or:

“Rear window.”

There may be dozens of bedroom or rear windows across the project.

A clearer reference would be:

Plot 12 – W04

The schedule could then record:

Property: Plot 12
Window reference: W04
Window type: Type B
Quantity: 1

This provides both the installer and window manufacturer with a clear reference if a question arises later.

4. Separate Quotation Information From Final Manufacturing Information

The information used to obtain an initial quotation may not always be identical to the information eventually approved for manufacture.

At an early stage, pricing may be based on:

• Architectural drawings
• Provisional dimensions
• Tender documents
• Preliminary schedules
• Initial colour selections

The project may then change.

Opening sizes may be altered during construction, the client may choose another colour or the specification may be revised.

It is therefore important to distinguish between information supplied for quotation purposes and information that has been approved for manufacture.

Final sizes and specifications should be clearly confirmed before an order enters production.

5. Use Revision Numbers

Construction projects change.

The important part is being able to identify which version of the window schedule is current.

Avoid filenames such as:

windows-final

windows-final-new

windows-final2

A controlled revision system is much clearer.

For example:

Leeds Development Window Schedule – Revision 01

followed by:

Revision 02

and eventually:

Revision 03 – Approved for Manufacture

Adding the revision date can also help everyone involved establish which schedule they should be working from.

If something changes, issue an updated revision rather than altering an existing document without identifying the change.

6. Make Specification Changes Easy to Identify

When an updated schedule is issued, clearly highlight what has changed.

For example:

Plot 6 – W03

Previous specification: White

Revised specification: Anthracite Grey external / White internal

Or:

Plot 9 – W05

Previous quantity: 1

Revised quantity: 2

This is much clearer than sending an entirely new schedule and expecting everybody involved to identify the amendment manually.

If a change affects a window that may already have been released for manufacture, contact the supplier as soon as possible.

Do not assume a manufacturing instruction can automatically be changed once production has started.

7. Consider Whether the Project Should Be Supplied in Phases

A larger development does not necessarily need every window manufactured and delivered at the same time.

Depending on the build programme, it may make more sense to release windows in phases.

For example:

Phase 1
Plots 1–5

Phase 2
Plots 6–10

Phase 3
Plots 11–15

Phased orders can help reduce the amount of product stored on site and allow window deliveries to follow the construction programme more closely.

The most suitable arrangement will depend on the project, manufacturing requirements and delivery programme.

Discussing this early is preferable to trying to reorganise a large order once production has already been planned.

8. Give Each Manufacturing Release a Clear Reference

If the project is being supplied in phases, each manufacturing release should have its own clear reference.

For example:

Window Release 01
Plots 1–5
Revision 03
Approved for manufacture

The next phase could then be:

Window Release 02
Plots 6–10

This creates a clear boundary around which windows have been authorised for manufacture and which remain subject to review.

It can be particularly useful on projects where later plots are still being constructed while earlier properties are ready for windows.

9. Confirm the Complete Window Specification

A window schedule should include more than simply the width and height.

Depending on the project, information may include:

• Frame dimensions
• Window style
• Opening configuration
• Frame colour
• Internal and external finishes
• Glazing specification
• Obscure glazing requirements
• Safety glazing requirements
• Ventilation requirements
• Cills
• Ancillary profiles
• Hardware
• Handle colours
• Quantity
• Plot reference
• Window reference

The more complete the information supplied at quotation and ordering stage, the easier it becomes for both the contractor and manufacturer to work from the same specification.

10. Consider Site Access Before Arranging Delivery

Delivery planning is not simply about choosing a date.

Construction and refurbishment sites can have restrictions including:

• Limited vehicle access
• Restricted unloading areas
• Scaffolding
• Temporary road closures
• Other trades working nearby
• Restricted delivery times
• Locked compounds
• Limited storage space

Provide relevant access information when discussing delivery arrangements.

A supplier may know the project postcode, but they will not automatically know whether a particular entrance is restricted or whether unloading can only take place during certain hours.

If you are arranging trade window supply in Leeds, discussing delivery requirements in advance can help both parties plan the order more effectively.

11. Avoid Having Too Many People Altering the Specification

Larger projects can involve several parties, including:

• Developers
• Architects
• Main contractors
• Site managers
• Window installers
• Clients
• Suppliers

Problems can arise if different people provide conflicting instructions.

Where possible, nominate the person responsible for approving the final window specification and any subsequent amendments.

Other members of the project team can still raise questions, but there should be a clear route for determining which instruction represents the approved requirement.

This becomes increasingly important as the order approaches manufacture.

12. Keep Technical Requirements With the Window Schedule

If a project has specific technical requirements, keep those requirements attached to the relevant window references.

These might relate to:

• Thermal performance
• Glazing
• Ventilation
• Safety glass
• Security
• Opening configurations
• Planning requirements
• Project-specific specifications

Important requirements should not depend on somebody remembering a telephone conversation several weeks later.

Where appropriate, include the relevant requirement within the schedule or accompanying specification.

13. Coordinate Windows and Doors Where Appropriate

Many developments require more than windows.

The same project may also require:

• Entrance doors
• Composite doors
• French doors
• Patio doors
• Other glazed products

Planning these products together can make it easier to coordinate colours, project references and delivery requirements.

Glass Tec also supplies supply-only doors in Leeds for trade and project customers.

If your project requires both windows and doors, supplying the overall requirement at quotation stage can give the trade team a clearer understanding of the complete project.

14. Retain Project Records After Installation

Window schedules can remain useful after the development has been completed.

If a sealed unit, handle or other component needs identifying in the future, having the original project references can make the process considerably easier.

Instead of receiving a request such as:

“We need something for the rear bedroom window from that Leeds project last year.”

the supplier can be given:

Project: ABC Development
Plot: 14
Window: W06

That provides a much clearer starting point for identifying the original product.

Keeping good records therefore has value beyond the manufacturing and installation stages.

Working With a Trade Window Fabricator

For larger window packages, direct communication with the company manufacturing the products can be useful when dealing with detailed schedules, specifications and phased requirements.

Glass Tec manufactures supply-only REHAU windows at its Bradford facility for installers, builders, contractors and developers across Yorkshire.

Trade customers can submit complete schedules containing:

• Project references
• Quantities
• Dimensions
• Window configurations
• Colours
• Glazing requirements
• Ventilation requirements
• Hardware
• Cills
• Delivery requirements
• Relevant project specifications

If you are currently pricing a development, refurbishment or multi-property project, visit our trade windows Leeds page or send your schedule to the Glass Tec trade team for a quotation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Send a Complete Window Schedule for a Leeds Project?

Yes. Sending a complete project schedule can make it easier to understand the overall requirement.

Where possible, include dimensions, quantities, window configurations, colours, glazing requirements and individual plot or window references.

Can a Large Window Order Be Split Into Phases?

Potential phasing can be discussed when planning the order.

For larger projects, clearly identify which properties or plots you would like included within each proposed phase.

Manufacturing and delivery arrangements will depend on the size and specification of the order.

What Should Be Included in a Window Schedule?

A useful window schedule may include:

• Property or plot reference
• Individual window reference
• Quantity
• Dimensions
• Window style
• Opening configuration
• Colour
• Glazing specification
• Ventilation requirements
• Hardware
• Cills
• Ancillary profiles
• Delivery information

Project-specific technical requirements should also be identified where applicable.

Does Glass Tec Supply Trade Windows to Leeds?

Yes. Glass Tec manufactures made-to-measure REHAU windows for trade customers across Yorkshire, including installers, builders, contractors and developers working in Leeds.

For more information, visit our Trade Windows Leeds page.

Can Windows and Doors Be Quoted Together?

Yes. If your project requires both windows and doors, provide the complete requirements when requesting a quotation.

This can make it easier to understand the complete scope of the project and coordinate the products required.

Need Windows for a Development or Refurbishment in Leeds?

If you are pricing a multi-property development, refurbishment programme or larger construction project in Leeds, send Glass Tec your window schedule.

Include the information currently available, such as:

• Plot references
• Quantities
• Dimensions
• Window configurations
• Colours
• Glazing requirements
• Project specifications

The Glass Tec trade team can review the requirements and prepare a quotation for your project.

View Trade Windows in Leeds →