designing your window

If you haven't already visited "understanding the art of stained glass" (or "the art...) please do.  This will give you an understanding of the process of making your window and help to explain that few if any glass artist can answer "What will it cost?" without knowing some facts. 

Below are frequently asked questions...  (Click on a bulleted question to expand it.  Clicking again will collapse it...)

• how is a window priced?
  • Hopefully, you can see that creating a finished project, although like doing a puzzle, isn't as simple as buying the puzzle off of the shelf.  Every artist prices his/her art differently, some by square foot, some by sq. foot & number of pieces, some by costs & estimated hours to complete.  There is no science.  When quoting  any project, variables which are critical in determining the price  are:
     
  • Size - How large is your project?  (At times, I will have to visit your home to take exact measurements or create a template.)
     
  • Shape - Do you need a square, an oval, octagon, eyebrow or something else?  Adding angles, adds to the cost.  We both know that few Squares/Rectangles  are "really" true.  They are easier to create though, than any other shape.
     
  • Design - What do you really want?  How long will it take to get your thoughts into a design? Generally, design costs are built into the cost of the project.  However, if the project is for more than one window, there may be a separate design charge.
     
  • Number of pieces - Believe it or not, it takes just as much skill to cut a small piece of glass as it does a  large piece.  Whatever the size, the glass must fit correctly into the pattern.  There is a perceived value that the larger the window, the greater the cost.  In my opinion, the 415 piece Tiffany lamp that I completed is my most valuable creation in my history of creating glass  -- due to complexity, size of pieces & 3D design. 
     
  • Type and Variety of Glass - just like everything else in life, depending upon the glass you want, the price may vary based on its cost.  Generally speaking, Architectural Glass is less expensive than Stained Glass but when creating something that adds value to your home or will be passed down from generation to generation, don't settle just on the cost of the glass.  The glass is just one piece of the whole price.  Understand that glass is created -- some of it is handmade, other made by machine.  Regardless, it will not be "perfect" but will have different "characteristics" that is part of the glass.  Some glass has more "character" than others.  I'll help you when picking glass to identify and set your expectations on what to expect but cannot guarantee that the glass provided to me by the wholesaler will be perfect.
     
  • Specialty items - Do you want bevels or jewels or copper overlay or agates?  Yes, they do add to the final cost and also to the design difficulty but they are worth it if used correctly.
     
• what information is needed for a price quote or estimate?
  • For starters, provide the size of the finished piece.  Providing  a digital picture of the window, door, area, whatever  is also very helpful.  Will your art be "installed" or "free-hanging"?  Who will do the installation?
     
  • Do you have an idea of what you want?  Provide a picture, drawing, example of what you like.  Do you have specific colors in mind?  (Please understand that I cannot duplicate the work of another artist.  Good business ethics dictate that Copyright, whether the original artist finds out or not, applies.)  Your picture & ideas will help me to know what you like for creating your window.
     
  • I will provide a ball-park quote for your project. 
     
  • If you would like to see the actual design, I will require a minimal deposit.  If you decide to proceed, that deposit will go toward your finished piece of art.  If you don't, that deposit will go toward the time I spent creating your work. 
     
• what would help reduce the cost?
  • Having an idea or showing a picture or pictures of what you like will help reduce the cost.  
     
  • If you want a garden tub window, start looking at windows that are installed in other homes.
     
  • The more complex the design, the more it will cost to produce.
     
• stop with all the verbiage, I still would like a ball park figure!
  • OK, OK - search the internet & you'll find that pricing is all over the place -- some as high as $1200/square foot and more!  Just understand that until your project is identified, pricing is a guessing game.  Estimates are free so don't click away until you know what your project will cost.
     
  • Understand that I want and need to do glass for my own sanity.  I don't want to frighten you away but I do want to be realistic.   Stained glass cannot compete with mini-blinds or a can of window spray paint -- it will win hands down in beauty & long lasting elegance but will lose the price war. 

    However, for simplicity here are some guidelines: Architectural glass (clear with texture, no color) - guess-timate $100/square foot to cover bevel clusters, etc.  My fear is that you walk away without getting a real price. 

    Understand that bevels/specialty items, non-standard shapes & number of pieces of glass (and all the other variables as mentioned above) will affect this price - either lowering it or possibly making it higher.

    Adding stained (colored) glass or highly textured architectural glass will affect this price.
     

  • Stained glass (colored) which may include some clear glass- guess-timate at $125/square foot. 

    Again, bevels/specialty items, non-standard shapes & number of pieces of glass (and all the other variables as mentioned above) will affect this price.
     

  • 3-D Art - lamps, etc. - priced on a per project basis.
• installation - who does it?
  • In most cases, LKY Glass is able to provide a price for installing your window.  If you would prefer to hire a contractor to do the installation, that is fine as well.
     
• how long does it take from start to finish?
  • For one window, estimate the entire process to take 4 to 6 weeks from the time you sign the contract.  If there are multiple windows, I will give you a good idea when you commit to the project and provide a deposit .
     
• the fit - will my window or door or whatever fit perfectly when it is installed?
  • The goal of creating a window is for it to fit into the space with a little room to spare around the edges for "breathing". 
  • Expect to see light where the lead & the wall meet in a few areas.  Generally, if you have hired a contractor, they may cover this breathing room with trim.  Caulk is also an alternative if the window is tacked into place.
     

• when do I pay?  do you require a deposit?

  • I require a 50% deposit (this does not include installation cost) when you commit to the project. 
     
  • If you have selected specialty glass or other "not-so-standard" items, this deposit may increase.  Since each window is "custom",  your deposit is not refundable. 
     
  • Final Payment is due before or at the time of the installation or delivery.
     
• is there a warranty?
  • Once glass is installed into a window  or door or whatever (or is removed from my studio/booth or purchase location -- such as a freestanding panel, a lampshade  or glass art), there is no "warranty".  At this point, I have lost control over its safe keeping & cannot protect it from others, from flying objects, or for whatever else may cause it to crack or break. 
     
  • Prior to installation, I will request that you inspect your window & provide final approval.  I will have scrutinized the window as well.  Understand that glass is an art -- some may be handmade, other made by machine & will not be "perfect" but will have different characteristics that is part of the glass.  Some glass has more "character" than others.  I'll help you when picking glass so that it is appropriate for the application but I cannot guarantee that the glass provided to me by the wholesaler will be perfect.
     
  • Obviously, if the piece is to be installed in a fixed window or door or whatever & the piece does not fit, I will fix it.

Pricing & Information may change without notice.