ᐅ Differences in Quality of Shower Enclosures?

Created on: 26 Feb 2017 12:39
C
corran
C
corran
26 Feb 2017 12:39
Hello,
the topic of price differences comes up here quite often, but I don’t really have an explanation for our specific example.
At the moment, for our new build, we are having our bathroom designed by the general contractor (GC). For the shower enclosure, we chose one with a corner entry and hinged doors. Our GC is offering us the HSK Atelier including installation for 1,300 EUR. On the Bernstein-Badshop website, you can find an almost identical enclosure from an unspecified manufacturer for just under 400 EUR.
BOTH have lift-and-lower mechanisms, 8mm (5/16 inch) tempered safety glass, and fully recessed hinges.

How can there be such a large price difference here? Should we expect significant quality differences? If so, which ones? And what should we roughly budget for installation by an external plumber?
N
Nordlys
26 Feb 2017 12:47
The problem is finding the tradesperson. If you have two workers estimate three hours each, that comes to $240 net. But they won’t do it because they weren’t allowed to sell the door. They would have made good profit on that, since even a small sale brings in more than just the labor. And since their schedule is probably full and you’re not a long-standing regular customer... You might find a one-man maintenance service you trust to handle it. Then it could work out.
C
corran
26 Feb 2017 13:01
Ok, good to know. But where could the quality differences be between this no-name product and HSK?
Mycraft26 Feb 2017 13:57
Fittings, gaskets, rollers, profiles ... all of these can be manufactured in different quality levels, just like any other products ... a shower enclosure is no exception in this regard.
B
Bieber0815
26 Feb 2017 21:36
corran schrieb:
How does such a big difference come about here?

Aside from the quality of the components themselves, you’re comparing a pure delivery price (including shipping?) with a price for delivery and installation, plus the waste removal is handled as well.
K
Knallkörper
27 Feb 2017 16:10
I also believe that the price difference hardly results from differences in quality. The 1,300 euros likely include, besides the mentioned factors, the measurements and the warranty. Add a small "all-in-one-service" surcharge, and it roughly makes sense.