Why quotes differ so much between suppliers
Two quotes for "a louvre awning" can be genuinely difficult to compare, because they're often not describing the same object. Before comparing numbers, check that both include the same things:
- Guttering — is a full all-round gutter system included, and how many downpipe outlets?
- Material and guarantee — aluminium at 15 years and Chromadek® at 10 are different products at different prices
- Operation — manual gearbox or automation, and whether automation is priced in or "available"
- Manufacture — built to your measurements, or a standard size adapted to fit?
- Extras — downlights, fans and finishing are real line items, not free additions
The cost drivers, ranked
| Driver | Effect on your number |
|---|---|
| Size (width × projection) | Largest single factor — it sets material volume |
| Material | Aluminium is the premium option; Chromadek® the friendlier price |
| Operation | Automation adds cost over a manual gearbox |
| Guttering and downpipes | Outlet count and routing to suit existing stormwater |
| Mounting conditions | What the system fixes to, and how straightforward that is |
| Extras | Downlights, fans, finishing details |
If the budget is tighter than the brief
There are two honest routes rather than one. Specify the same louvre system in Chromadek® instead of aluminium — you keep the adjustable roof and the gutter system, and trade five years of guarantee and some refinement of finish. Or move to a Fixed IBR awning, which is our most cost-effective cover and uses the same gutter system with a similar aesthetic; what you give up is the ability to open and close the roof.
What you should not do
Don't accept a firm price from anyone who hasn't seen your space. Mounting conditions and stormwater routing are not visible from a description, and a number produced without them is a number that will move. Our own process exists for this reason: we quote from a photo and measurements, and then confirm every dimension on site before manufacture.
Getting your number
Email or WhatsApp a photo of the area with rough width, projection and height, and tell us the material and operation you're leaning towards — or ask us to quote more than one option so you can compare properly. That's the fastest route from "what does this cost?" to a figure you can actually plan around.
