What Should Schools Look for When Appointing a Building or Glazing Contractor?

What Should Schools Look for When Appointing a Building or Glazing Contractor?

Schools should look for a building or glazing company that understands the specific demands of an educational environment, rather than simply choosing a contractor that offers the cheapest quotation.

A good company should demonstrate high standards of workmanship, safeguarding, health and safety, reliability, energy efficiency and the ability to work around pupils and staff without disrupting the school day.

Essential qualities to look for;

1. Experience working in schools

• Proven experience working in primary schools, secondary schools, colleges or academies.

• Understanding of safeguarding requirements and working around children.

• Experience carrying out projects during term time and school holidays.

• References and examples of previous education-sector projects.

• Understanding of the need to minimise disruption to lessons and school operations.

2. Health, safety and safeguarding

• Strong health and safety policies and procedures.

• Appropriate risk assessments and method statements (RAMS).

• DBS checks where appropriate to the role and site-access arrangements.

• Clear segregation of working areas from pupils, staff and visitors.

• Appropriate construction-site security and safe storage of materials.

• Compliance with CDM Regulations 2015.

• Suitable insurance, including public liability and employers’ liability.

3. Reliability and communication

Schools need contractors who do what they promise.

Look for:

• Clear and transparent quotations.

• Realistic project timelines.

• A dedicated point of contact.

• Regular progress updates.

• Prompt responses to maintenance issues.

• Flexibility around school opening hours.

• A clear process for dealing with unexpected problems.

4. Project management and aftercare

A good building and glazing company should not disappear once the installation is complete.

Schools should expect:

• A clear project manager responsible for delivery.

• Proper planning, scheduling and coordination.

• Quality checks throughout the project.

• Snagging and remedial work completed promptly.

• Written guarantees and warranties.

• Ongoing maintenance and repair support.

• Emergency call-out arrangements where available.

• Full handover documentation and relevant certificates.

5. Specialist glazing requirements

Glazing is particularly important in schools because of the potential risks associated with glass in high-traffic areas.

Schools should check that the contractor understands:

• Safety glazing: Appropriate toughened or laminated safety glass in doors, low-level windows and vulnerable areas.

• Impact resistance: Glazing suitable for busy corridors, classrooms, sports facilities and communal spaces.

• Security: Secure window and door systems that help protect pupils, staff and school property.

• Acoustic performance: Glazing that helps reduce external noise and creates a better learning environment.

• Thermal performance: Systems that improve insulation and help maintain comfortable classroom temperatures.

• Compliance: Relevant Building Regulations and applicable British Standards.

The Department for Education specifically highlights that glazing in school buildings must be made from safety material or protected against breakage and appropriately marked.

Questions schools should ask before appointing a company

 

What separates an excellent company from an average one?

 

The ultimate test

A good building and glazing company should offer schools five things:

1. Trust: The school knows its pupils, staff and visitors are safe.

2. Quality: Work is completed to a consistently high standard.

3. Reliability: The contractor turns up, communicates and delivers on promises.

4. Value: The school receives a durable solution rather than simply the cheapest option.

5. Partnership: The company understands the school’s long-term building requirements and is there when support is needed.

Schools should look for a building and glazing partner, not just a contractor. The best companies understand the pressures schools face, take responsibility for their work and build long-term relationships based on trust, quality and service.

 

Waller Building and Glazing Services has worked with over 150 schools, academies and colleges in Kent

 

For school projects carried out by Wallers, please click on the following link www.wallerservices.com

Building Services We Provide In Schools

The building services we provide include smaller refurbishments through to extensions and new builds. The services we provide include anything that a school would require. This includes, toilet and kitchen refurbishments. We also install fencing, flooring and carry out complete new builds. Check out our website case studies to view projects that we have recently completed.

Glazing Services We Provide In Schools

In addition to building works, we also carry out works from window and hinge repairs through to complete aluminium and uPVC window and door installations.

Contact Waller Building and Glazing Services

Based in Sittingbourne, we carry out works Kent as well as the south east of England. If you would like a quotation on any size of building or glazing project please contact us. Telephone – 01795 424435. Additionally email mark@wallerservices.com