Direct Factory Purchase or a Full-Service Contractor?
Some clients consider buying sandwich panel sheets directly from a factory and hiring separate labor for installation, instead of working with a full-service contractor. The first option can look cheaper on paper, but the real difference shows up in accountability and warranty.
Comparing responsibilities between the two options
| Criterion | Direct Factory + Separate Labor | Full-Service Contractor |
|---|---|---|
| Responsibility for defects | Split and sometimes unclear | One party fully responsible |
| Warranty | Materials only, from the factory | Covers materials and installation together |
| Coordination and scheduling | On you | Fully handled by the contractor |
| Visible cost | May look lower initially | Higher on the surface but all-inclusive |
The real risks of going direct to the factory
If a leak appears after installation, who's responsible? The factory will say the material is sound and the problem is installation, and separate installation labor may not carry a real warranty covering it. This finger-pointing between parties is the biggest risk in this option.
Why a full-service contractor offers more peace of mind
When one party is responsible for both material and installation, any issue gets resolved directly with no passing of blame, and the written warranty covers both together.
When going direct to a factory might make sense
Only if you have a trusted in-house execution team with prior experience managing similar projects, and prefer to take on the coordination yourself for a potential cost saving.
Note: prices in this article are indicative and vary with specification, quantity and site conditions. For an exact figure for your project, request a free quote.
Frequently asked questions
Is a full-service contractor necessarily more expensive?+
It may look that way on the surface, but it includes installation and a comprehensive warranty, while going direct to a factory hides the labor and coordination cost you'll bear yourself.
What if I want to buy material from a factory I trust and have you install it only?+
We can discuss this per project, but note that the full warranty is stronger when we handle both supply and installation together.
How do I confirm a contractor uses genuine materials?+
Ask for the material's source and specifications documented in writing within the quote and contract before starting.
