If you're a few weeks out from a master-bath remodel and weighing shower-enclosure options, this is the prep walkthrough — the same one we'd hand a homeowner the day before a consultation. The goal is to leave you prepared, not overwhelmed. We'll cover what gets measured on-site (and what you can pre-check yourself), the nine custom shower enclosure layouts AGG builds, install day, lead time, the six pre-purchase decisions worth thinking through, and what to avoid before AGG arrives. American Glass & Glazing builds custom shower enclosures across the Grand Strand. For shorter FAQ-style answers, see our Shower Enclosure FAQ. To talk specifics, see Custom Frameless Shower Doors & Enclosures.
A custom glass shower enclosure relies on fractional precision — when fabrication is cut to a real bathroom, an eighth of an inch matters. The site measure is the dimension set fabrication runs against, and it's the reason kit-style shower enclosures rarely fit a real Grand Strand master bath.
What AGG measures on-site:
What you can pre-check before AGG arrives:
Final ordering dimensions always come from the site measure — the pre-check list keeps the consultation moving, it isn't a substitute for professional measurement.
Custom shower enclosures fall into a small set of layouts driven by bathroom dimensions, plumbing position, and design intent. AGG builds nine.
Semi-frameless and framed systems are tier-down configurations outside the nine-layout frameless catalog; readers weighing those should see Frameless vs Semi-Frameless Shower Doors and Semi-Frameless Shower Doors. Steam-shower enclosures use a different seal-and-clearance scope — see Steam Shower Glass Enclosures.
Most residential frameless installs run 4–6 hours start to finish. Complex configurations — 90-degree corner, grid, neo-angle, large walk-ins — can run 6–8 hours; steam showers add seal-spec time. AGG schedules one residential install per day so fit-quality gets verified without rushing.
What you'll have ready before AGG arrives:
What AGG handles during the install:
Glazing sealants on a new shower enclosure typically need 24 hours to cure before first use — plan first shower use accordingly.
Typical AGG lead time is 5–10 business days of fabrication after the site measure, then a scheduled 4–6 hour install. Total timeline from initial consultation to installed enclosure runs roughly 2–3 weeks — consultation, quote approval, site measure, fabrication, install.
A few things extend that window. Non-stock CRL hardware (matte black, brass tones) usually adds about a week. Specialty glass — low-iron, frosted, rain pattern, tinted — adds fabrication time; see Shower Door Glass Options. Steam-shower seal scope runs separately on Steam Shower Glass Enclosures. Larger walk-ins and grid configurations take longer to cut, edge-finish, temper, and drill. Spring and early-summer remodel season runs longer across the Grand Strand.
You don't have to lock all six before the consultation — AGG walks through each one with you. Thinking through them ahead makes the visit faster and the quote tighter.
1. Glass thickness — 3/8" or 1/2"? Frameless enclosures use 3/8" or 1/2" tempered safety glass. Heavy glass at 1/2" is the premium tier — more rigid, more substantial visual weight, AGG's standard for primary master suites and designer-spec installs. 3/8" is the working frameless standard. (See Custom Frameless Shower Doors & Enclosures)
2. Hardware finish — chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, brass? AGG installs CRL hinges, clamps, and channel hardware in chrome, brushed nickel, matte black, polished brass, satin brass, and gold. Finish typically coordinates with faucets, lighting, and cabinet hardware. (See Hardware Options.)
3. Privacy glass — clear, low-iron, frosted, rain, tinted? Most installs use low-iron clear glass — truer color, no green edge tint. Frosted, rain, and tinted are options for privacy or design intent. (See Shower Door Glass Options.)
4. Door swing — outward, both ways, or sliding? Residential code typically requires outward swing for emergency egress. The swing arc has to clear vanity, toilet, light switch, and towel bar. AGG verifies clearance during the site measure, but knowing your preferred swing speeds the consultation.
5. Clamp mount vs. channel mount? Hardware can be clamp-mounted (CRL clamps on tile, lighter visual) or channel-mounted (U-channel, more secure for larger panels). Substrate, glass weight, and configuration drive the choice. (See Clamp vs Channel Mount.)
6. Steam shower or standard? Steam showers require ceiling-height seals, steam-specific gaskets, and condensation drainage — a different scope from standard residential. (See Steam Shower Glass Enclosures.)
Most AGG frameless shower enclosure installs run $3,500–$8,000+, driven by glass thickness, configuration, hardware, dimensions, and steam-shower scope. Exact figures come after the free in-home site measure. Readers weighing tier options should see Frameless vs Semi-Frameless Shower Doors.
A short list of pre-purchase mistakes that delay installs:
AGG follows a defined four-step process for every shower enclosure: Reach Out → Free Consultation & Custom Quote → Site Measure & Schedule → Professional Installation. Custom Frameless Shower Doors & Enclosures walks through each step in detail.
AGG carries an SC unlimited general contractor license (#124400) — a commercial-grade credential residential homeowners often find reassuring on a high-spec shower enclosure install. Four generations of glazing craft sit behind every install.
Should I finish my tile work before AGG measures for the shower enclosure?
Yes. Tile must be fully installed and grout cured before the site measure. Tile thickness changes opening dimensions; grout cure stabilizes the surface AGG measures against. Ordering before tile is complete is the leading source of misfit returns industry-wide. AGG schedules the site measure after the tile contractor signs off.
Custom Frameless Shower Doors & Enclosures
How long does it take from site measure to installed shower enclosure?
Typically 5–10 business days of fabrication after the site measure, followed by a scheduled 4–6 hour install. Total timeline from initial consultation to installed enclosure runs approximately 2–3 weeks. Custom hardware finishes, specialty glass, or steam-shower scope can extend the fabrication window by a week or more.
Custom Frameless Shower Doors & Enclosures
What glass thickness will my custom shower enclosure use?
AGG frameless installs use 3/8" or 1/2" tempered safety glass. Half-inch is the premium tier, standard for primary master suites and designer-spec installs; 3/8" is the working frameless standard. Both tiers are industry-standard tempered safety glazing — the choice is structural and aesthetic, not safety.
What does AGG measure on-site vs. what can I pre-check myself?
AGG measures the opening at three width points (top, middle, bottom), the height at both sides, plumb and level on walls and curb, curb height, niche dimensions, door-swing clearance, and the hardware-mount substrate. Buyers can pre-check that tile is complete with grout cured, plumbing rough-in is finished, the curb is built and tiled, and there are no gaps at tile transitions. Final ordering dimensions always come from AGG's site measure — never from buyer-taken measurements.
Do I need to be home during the install?
Typically yes for the first 30–60 minutes — to walk through scope and confirm hardware finish, glass type, and door-swing direction. The install itself runs 4–6 hours for standard configurations. AGG cleans up before leaving and walks you through care and cleaning at completion.
The in-home consultation is free, designer-ready, and carries no obligation. AGG walks through the nine layouts, glass options, hardware finishes, mount type, and site-prep timing so you leave with a custom quote and a defensible install window for your GC or designer. Whether the project is a 3/8" frameless door in a guest bath or a 1/2" heavy glass walk-in spanning a primary master suite, the consultation lands you on the right tier before fabrication starts. Licensed SC GC #124400 · 4.9★ across 154 reviews.
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