Most builders think there are only two ways to do an AAC job: do it all yourself, or pay a supply-and-install company to handle everything. There's a third way.
Do it yourself
| Cost | Lowest upfront |
| Control | Full |
| Risk | Higher: no one checks the install |
| Peace of mind | Low |
Buy panels, find your own installer and hope the job is done to the guide.
The Facadia way
| Cost | Sharp supply prices, plus an inspection fee |
| Control | Full: your installer |
| Risk | Reduced: the install is checked before render |
| Peace of mind | High |
Buy panels at our upfront prices, use your own installer, and book Facadia Inspections before the render goes on.
Installers lift their standard when they know the work will be checked by a second set of eyes that isn't theirs.
Full service
| Cost | Highest: you pay a premium |
| Control | Low |
| Risk | Depends on how well they manage it |
| Peace of mind | Medium: you're trusting them |
One company does everything. You pay extra for that, and you rely on them to manage it well.
Do it yourself
You buy panels, find your own installer and manage the job. It's the cheapest way upfront, and you keep full control. But no one checks the install against the manufacturer's guide before render covers it. If something's wrong, you might only find out from a crack, a leak, a failed inspection or a question from the regulator.
Full service
One company supplies and installs. It's convenient, but you pay a premium for it, you hand over control, and you're trusting them to manage every installer on every job.
The Facadia way
- Buy panels at our upfront prices. Shop AAC panels and accessories and see the ex and inc GST prices before you order.
- Use your own installer. You choose who installs the panels.
- Photograph the hidden work. Your installer photographs the DPC, sarking, flashings, and top hats packed out and straight before the panels go on, using our photo checklist, and you send the photos with your booking. No app needed.
- Book Facadia Inspections before render. Someone who knows AAC checks the work against the manufacturer's guide and gives you a detailed report and fix list. Because your installer knows the job will be checked by someone other than themselves, the standard goes up.
Why installers do better work
Installers do a better job when they know every job will be checked. It's human nature: people lift their standard when the work is being reviewed. With the Facadia way, the work is checked by someone other than your installer. There are no shortcuts and no emotions, just photos and facts measured against the manufacturer's guide.
Why the hidden work matters
Once panels and render are on, nobody can see the damp course, the sarking or how the top hats were packed out. Photos taken before it's covered record it as it happens. They give your installer a reason to get it right, and you can come back to them whenever there's a question about what's behind a wall. We can only check what we can see on the day and in the photos supplied, so for key stages we recommend booking a visit before the panels go on.
Side by side
| Do it yourself | The Facadia way | Full service | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lowest upfront | Sharp supply prices, plus an inspection fee | Highest (premium) |
| Control | Full | Full | Low |
| Is the install checked before render? | Usually not | Yes, against the manufacturer's guide | Depends on the company |
| Installer knows the work will be checked | No | Yes, with photos and a site visit | Self-checked |
| Photo record of hidden work | Rarely | Yes: photos sent with your booking | Depends on the company |
| Peace of mind | Low | High | Medium |
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FAQ
Is the Facadia way cheaper than a supply-and-install company?
Often, because you buy panels at our upfront supply prices and engage your own installer directly. Your actual savings depend on your job and your installer's rates.
Does an inspection sign off my job?
No. Facadia Inspections checks the visible work against the manufacturer's guide and gives you a fix list before render. Your building surveyor and the manufacturer's guide have the final say.
Do I have to buy panels from Facadia to book an inspection?
No. You can book an inspection whoever supplied your panels.
What if I don't have an installer?
Tell us your area and we'll recommend a vetted installer from our network.
