Cost, quotations and ordering
What changes price and how to compare quotations fairly.
How much does smart film cost in the UK?
Direct answer: There is no responsible universal rate. Price depends on film area, pane count, cutting efficiency, prepared connections, transformer and controls, survey, access, travel, edge details, installation, electrical scope and VAT. Use a pane schedule for a project quote.
Why is smart film priced by more than square metres?
Direct answer: Two projects with the same area can have very different pane counts, waste, lead preparation, access and controls. Each pane is measured, cut, handled, connected and tested, so complexity affects cost as well as area.
What information is needed for an initial quote?
Direct answer: Send project postcode, application, pane count, width and height of every pane, clear photos of glazing and frames, access height, preferred controls, target programme and whether you need supply, training or installation.
Is a site survey included in the price?
Direct answer: It depends on the quotation. Some projects can be budgeted from supplied information; others need a paid or included survey before final cutting. Confirm survey cost, location and whether it is credited against an order.
Does a smart film quote include VAT?
Direct answer: Do not assume. UK business and consumer quotations may present VAT differently, so the quote should state whether prices are inclusive or exclusive and the applicable rate.
Does the price include the transformer and controls?
Direct answer: Only if the quote says so. Confirm the matched transformer, switches or remotes, relays, cables and accessories, plus who installs and connects them.
Does the price include an electrician?
Direct answer: Not automatically. Many smart-film quotes separate film application from mains electrical work. The scope should state who provides the supply, isolation, transformer connection, control integration and any required records.
Is retrofit smart film cheaper than replacing glass with smart glass?
Direct answer: It can avoid the manufacture and replacement of the existing glazing, which may reduce project cost and disruption. The actual comparison depends on glass condition, access, electrical work, specification, finishes and the scope of each quote.
Can I buy a sample before ordering?
Direct answer: Ask for a powered sample of the proposed film. A useful review considers haze, colour, clarity at angles, privacy under backlighting and how the edges and controls may look in the finished room.
How long does smart film take to arrive?
Direct answer: Lead time depends on stock, cutting and preparation workload, components, approved dimensions, delivery location and project programme. UK stock can shorten part of the route but does not guarantee immediate delivery.
Can I buy smart film supply-only?
Direct answer: Yes. PriviFilm supplies made-to-measure PDLC smart film at £275 per square metre excluding VAT (£330 including VAT). Every order is supplied as a complete wired kit with prepared electrical connections, correctly sized transformer, required wiring and accessories, and remote control. Enter three width and three height measurements per pane in the UK supply-only smart film configurator, and review the proposed film size. If the film must extend behind removable glazing beads, the entered glass-opening measurement must include that covered area—not only the visible opening. Mainland UK delivery is £30 plus VAT (£36 including VAT) below £900 product value excluding VAT and free from £900 excluding VAT. Payment is followed by technical review and final dimension approval before manufacture.
Is DIY smart film a good way to save money?
Direct answer: DIY kits exist, but PDLC film is expensive to waste and sensitive to contamination, creasing, alignment, edge treatment and electrical errors. Compare the saving with the risk of replacement, limited support and warranty restrictions.
What deposit or payment terms should I expect?
Direct answer: Terms vary by company, cutting status and project. Bespoke film may become non-returnable once approved and cut, so check deposits, drawing approval, cancellation, storage, balance dates and ownership of materials in writing.
PriviFilm’s UK route
PriviFilm™ is the switchable smart film brand from parent company PriviTechnologies. Forti Nova Ltd is the authorised UK distributor, providing UK supply, project support, professional installation routes and practical installer training.