A multi-panel door is usually fabricated to suit a measured opening. Once profiles are cut and glass is processed, correcting a mistaken assumption can be expensive. The safest time to resolve uncertainty is before approval: while opening direction, finished levels, structural support and neighbouring work can still be coordinated.
This checklist is intended for discussion with the supplier, designer, contractor and installer. It does not replace project-specific structural, waterproofing, safety or regulatory advice.
Confirm what the finished door must do
Write down the location, intended use and exposure. State whether the system is an internal partition, a sheltered edge or an external weather-facing opening. Record the desired daily access, maximum clear opening, stack location, privacy level, locking expectations and any accessibility considerations.
Agree the panel count and operating sequence. Ask for plan and elevation drawings showing handles, locks, stack depth and clear opening. If the concept is still uncertain, compare formats in the hinged, sliding and folding door guide before paying a fabrication deposit.
Complete the final site survey at the right stage
The survey should record several widths and heights, diagonals, head and sill levels, wall construction and available support. Confirm whether dimensions refer to unfinished structure or completed surfaces. Tiles, screed, plaster, ceilings, skirting and waterproofing can all change the opening.
Identify who confirms the adequacy of the beam or supporting structure. For top-hung panels, head support is particularly important; for bottom-running systems, the floor and threshold build-up need equal attention. Do not conceal the relevant structure until required fixing details are agreed.
Photograph services and concealed preparation before finishes cover them. Note wiring, pipes, drainage and underfloor systems near drilling zones. Mark the final location of switches, sockets, curtains, blinds and air-conditioning equipment.
Reconfirm access dimensions after any approved site change. A thicker floor finish, revised ceiling bulkhead or added wall lining can affect clearances even when the nominal structural opening appears unchanged. Send revisions to the fabricator through the agreed project contact rather than relying on a verbal message.
Make the quotation boundaries visible
A comparable quotation lists the profile system, finish code, glass specification, hardware, locks, handles, seals and threshold. It also states panel dimensions, opening arrangement and whether drawings, engineering checks, delivery and installation are included.
Clarify builder's work. The door installer may not provide a new beam, floor recess, waterproofing, plaster repair, painting, electrical relocation or removal of an existing frame. Assign each item to a named party and set a date by which it must be ready.
Ask who protects nearby floors and walls, removes packaging and disposes of old materials. Confirm access restrictions, lifting needs, parking, work hours and whether large glass panels can pass through lifts, corridors and corners. Delivery access should be checked before manufacture, not when the vehicle arrives.
Review material choices with the aluminium frame and glass guide. The main swing and slide door guide provides the broader decision framework.
Prepare the site and inspection points
Before installation day, verify that the opening matches the approved survey condition and that wet work has cured as required. Clear the working and panel-staging areas. Protect finished floors, furniture and nearby glazing. Keep children, pets and unrelated workers outside the controlled zone.
Agree what will be checked before frames are concealed or sealed. Useful points include fixing locations, track level, packers, perimeter gaps, sill support, drainage and interfaces with waterproofing. Photographs at these stages create a practical record for future investigation.
Changes discovered on site should be documented. If the opening differs, pause and confirm the remedy rather than forcing the frame into position. Cutting a structural member, altering safety glass or improvising drainage should never be treated as a minor undocumented adjustment.
Plan temporary security and weather protection if an existing external door must be removed before the new assembly is fully sealed and operational. The quotation should state whether installation is completed in one visit and who is responsible if another trade delays closure.
Operate, inspect and document the result
Open and close every panel several times. Check that movement is consistent, panels park securely, handles remain clear and locks engage without lifting a leaf. Look for frame damage, glass defects, incomplete seals, exposed fixings and uneven perimeter work. For external systems, inspect drainage paths and specified sealant interfaces.
Ask for a demonstration of the correct operating sequence and cleaning procedure. Record keys, accessory quantities, glass markings, finish references and adjustment instructions. Obtain warranty documents that identify coverage, exclusions, reporting procedure and responsibility for service visits.
Create a short defect list with photographs and completion dates. Avoid signing an unconditional acceptance if agreed work remains unfinished. After occupation, report changes such as scraping, lock misalignment or unusual movement promptly rather than applying force.
A final review of the room-planning guide can confirm that furniture, curtains and circulation remain clear once the space is set up.
