There are two main ways to procure facade cladding on a construction project: supply-only and supply-and-install. Neither is universally better. The right model depends on the facade system, the project, and the builder’s appetite for managing the interface between material and labour.
This is a straightforward comparison of how each model works in practice, where each has genuine advantages, and how Valmond & Gibson operates within the supply-only model that dominates the Australian facade market.
What is supply-only?
In a supply-only arrangement, the material supplier provides the cladding product, compliance documentation, and technical support. A separate facade installer — typically a subcontractor engaged directly by the builder — handles site installation.
The supplier warrants the product. The installer warrants the workmanship. Each party has a clear, separate obligation.
This is the standard procurement model for rainscreen cladding in Australia. Around 90-95% of V&G’s sales go through subcontract installers who purchase material from us and install it under their own contracts with builders.
What is supply-and-install?
In a supply-and-install arrangement, a single party manages both the material supply and the on-site installation. This might be a facade subcontractor who sources the product and installs it, or occasionally a supplier who also provides installation services.
The builder deals with one entity for the complete facade package. That entity coordinates supply timing with installation, manages the product on site, and takes responsibility for the finished result.
When does supply-only make sense?
Supply-only works well when the builder has an established relationship with a facade installer. This is the more common scenario on mid-rise and commercial projects where experienced cladding contractors are readily available.
The advantages are straightforward. The builder chooses their preferred installer based on track record, availability, and price. Installation pricing is competitive because it is tendered separately from material. The separation of responsibility is clean - product issues sit with the supplier, installation issues sit with the installer. And there is flexibility to use local installers, which matters on regional projects where mobilisation costs add up.
For rainscreen systems like interloQ and element13, supply-only is the industry norm. These products are designed for straightforward installation by experienced facade contractors, with well-documented fixing systems and clear installation guidance.
When does supply-and-install make sense?
Supply-and-install has genuine advantages on projects where the facade system is complex and the design, fabrication, and installation are tightly integrated.
Curtain wall is the clearest example. A system like 165CW involves bespoke engineering, factory-assembled panels, and installation that requires close coordination with the fabrication sequence. The interface between “what was designed” and “how it gets installed” is inseparable. For this reason, curtain wall projects are typically procured as supply-and-install through specialist facade subcontractors.
Supply-and-install also simplifies procurement for builders new to facade work. One contract, one point of contact, one party to manage.
What are the trade-offs?
The main consideration with supply-and-install is cost transparency. When one party manages both material and labour, the builder has less visibility on the material-versus-labour split. The subcontractor marks up both, and the total price is typically higher than a competitive material quote and a competitive installation quote tendered separately.
With supply-only, the builder manages the interface. Lead times need coordination between supplier and installer. Product arrives on site and needs appropriate storage. And if something goes wrong at the boundary between product and installation, the builder manages that conversation between two parties rather than directing it at one.
Neither is a dealbreaker. These are practical realities that competent builders manage routinely.
How does risk allocation work?
In a supply-only model, the obligations are clearly separated. The product warranty sits with the supplier - V&G provides warranties of up to 20 years on product and coating performance, backed by CSIRO testing and AS/NZS 4284 compliance reports. The installation warranty sits with the installer. Both parties know exactly what they are responsible for.
In a supply-and-install model, the single subcontractor carries both obligations. This simplifies things for the builder, but it also means the subcontractor’s financial position underpins both warranties. If that business closes, both the product and installation warranty may be at risk.
How does V&G support this model?
V&G operates as a supply-only provider. Our role is to make sure the material side is handled properly so the installer can do their job with confidence.
That includes product supply on agreed lead times, full compliance documentation for building approval, technical guidance on fixing details and substrate interfaces, budget pricing at tender stage, lead time advice for procurement planning, and colour and product selection support when the specification allows options.
For builders new to facade procurement, we can also recommend experienced installers in the relevant state or region. We work with facade contractors across Australia and know who does good work.
Practical advice for builders
If you have a trusted facade installer, supply-only is almost always the right model for rainscreen cladding. You get competitive pricing on both material and labour, clear warranty separation, and the flexibility to manage your own subcontract relationships.
If you are procuring curtain wall, expect a supply-and-install arrangement through a specialist subcontractor. The integration between design, fabrication, and installation makes this the sensible approach.
Either way, engage with the material supplier early. The earlier V&G is involved, the better we can support on product selection, lead times, and compliance documentation - all of which affect the project program and the installer’s ability to deliver.
Related Reading
- Why Builders Should Engage Facade Suppliers Before Tender
- Understanding Facade Supply Chains: Domestic vs International
- Aluminium Cladding Lead Times: What to Expect and How to Plan
- How Builders Evaluate Cladding Suppliers: What Actually Wins the Job
Last updated: 4 April 2026