Is it normal for a restoration crew to charge for a door they broke?

Tempered glass is notoriously sketchy to move once it has been installed. If they didn't give you a verbal or written warning that they weren't responsible for breakage before they started unscrewing those hinges, they are likely on the hook for the replacement. Most restoration contracts include a clause about salvageable items, but if they specifically agreed to save it without a disclaimer, that is a professional failure.

The issue with shower doors—especially the heavy frameless types—is that the **tempered glass** is under constant internal tension. If they nicked an edge against a tile or a tool while unmounting it, the whole thing goes instantly. It doesn't even take a hard hit; just the right angle on a corner or a bit of torque in the wrong direction. If the original installers used too much silicone in the channels or if the house settled and put pressure on the glass, getting it out safely becomes a total lottery.

Standard practice for a reputable crew is to tell you upfront that removal is at the owner's risk. If they just said they would save it and then smashed it, they should be covering the cost or at least crediting you. You need to check your contract specifically for a **liability waiver** regarding demolition of existing fixtures. If that clause isn't there and they didn't warn you, you have a strong case to demand a credit on the final invoice.

Don't pay the final bill until this is settled. Tell the project manager that you specifically requested the door be salvaged and no risks were communicated to you at the time of the walkthrough. They have insurance for a reason, though for a $750 door, they will usually just deduct it from the bill rather than filing a formal claim. Be firm about it because a "you break it, you buy it" rule genrally applies unless they explicitly warned you it was a high-risk move.

Total gut punch. I've seen guys try to be 'careful' and still pop those panels like it's nothing. Did they at least save the hinges and handle? Sometimes that hardware's half the cost. If they tossed those too, they're being lazy and you're out even more cash. One thing to watch out for—if you're retiling, you'll probly need the exact same specs or a custom cut to fit the new layout. If they broke it, they shouldn't just credit you the old price; they shold be covering whatever it costs to get a door that actually fits the new setup. Don't let 'em off the hook easy.

I had a crew do this with a custom vanity top and I didn't budge til they credited the full replacement cost. What worked for me was pulling up the original purchase order from my email right then and there. I showed the project manager that it wasn't some old builder-grade scrap, but a specific $750 investment. Once they saw the receipt, they stopped making excuses about 'unavoidable accidents.' If you have that receipt, print it out. It’s alot harder for them to argue with a hard number than a vague estimate of what you think it cost.

That's a total mess, but honestly, if they're going to credit you for the damage, take the win and upgrade. I always tell people to swap out broken panels with a DreamLine Enigma-X. The 3/8-inch glass is way more solid than the cheap stuff and the sliding hardware is top-tier. If they're cutting a check, you can usally snag one for around that $750 mark. It includes thier ClearMax coating wich makes a huge difference with hard water. Might as well get a better door out of the headache.

Spot on about the liability. If they didn't give you a heads-up, they're responsible. One detail people overlook is the handling equipment. Ask if they even used proper vacuum suction cups or if they were just manhandling it. If they tried to lift a heavy frameless panel by hand without glass cups, they probly put uneven torque on the hinge cutouts. That's ussually where the stress fractures start. Also, if they set it down directly on the subfloor without using rubber blocks or even a thick moving blanket, it’s basially guaranteed to explode the second they start jackhammering nearby tile. definately hold firm on that credit.

Quick update—I showed the project manager my original purchase order like suggested, and he agreed to credit the $750. Huge relief! But they alredy tossed the high-end hinges and handle before I could save them. Since I'm now starting from scratch, does anyone know if $750 is enought to cover a decent sliding door kit, or will the hardware cost me way more?