3 Blunders to Avoid When Acquiring a Steel Fabrication Quote

23 September 2020
 Categories: Industrial & Manufacturing, Blog


Are you searching for a company that can handle your steel fabrication project? Some of the concerns you'll have include verifying if the company is qualified and has the resources to complete the project successfully within the set timeline. Another aspect you cannot overlook is the cost of the project. After all, you need to know how much you will need to complete the project in advance so you can determine if your budget is sufficient. 

One of the best ways to know how much you will pay is to obtain an estimate. But, how do you go about it and ensure that you don't get burned? This post will outline mistakes you shouldn't make while acquiring steel fabrication quotes.

Not knowing the product design

Before the fabrication company can offer an accurate quotation, they'll need to know the accurate design of the products you need. Most reliable companies will ask for accurate drawings of the product or a sample. Therefore, before you ask the price, ensure you have an idea of the products you require and have their designs or blueprints ready.

If you don't provide these details and still ask the company to offer a quote, you will suffer serious consequences later. For instance, you could be forced to fabricate other products which will cost you more and waste time. So, ask an engineer or designer to get you the accurate design or drawings as soon as possible.

Failing to choose the appropriate finish

Most steel products need to be coated with a finish to boost their sturdiness and longevity. The types of finishes usually vary, and their prices differ as well. So, you have to determine if the products need epoxy, paint, or another special coating like powder coating. The colour of the coating should also be specified.

The last thing you want is to assume that the fabricators will apply the right finish only to realise that it's not ideal for the application on the final project completion date. Therefore, research or talk to your project managers to know the best finish so the fabricator can include the costs in the quotation. This not only saves time but also prevents mistakes later on.

Not providing material specifications

Another aspect you must consider is the type of material you want the fabricator to use. Depending on the design and product function, you might need to use different steel gauges. The procedure used to fabricate products using mild steel may differ from that of stainless steel, which will affect costs. Therefore, specify the materials the fabricator will use, particularly if they are the supplier.


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