Steel is the gold standard for building in structural construction thanks to its strength, versatility and durability. However, while it’s important to get good quality materials, getting your steel from a reliable source is the first big hurdle to a successful project. Enter your structural steel fabricators as the primary producers – from design, drafting to final installation.
At Weldform Structures, we know how important it is to choose a fabricator that’s right for you, but finding the right one for your project can be challenging.
This article will inform you of the best qualities structural steel fabricators have as well as serve as a guideline to select fabricators for your future projects.
Criteria for selecting a structural steel fabricator
There are hundreds of fabrication companies registered in Australia, but not every fabricator has a one-size-fits-all approach that can adequately take on the specific needs of your project.
You will need a lot of time researching and sound judgment to help you choose the right steel fabrication company. Here are three key considerations you always need to take into account when choosing a steel fabrication company:
Location
While this factor is typically overlooked, location is the first factor you should always consider when hiring a structural steel fabricator.
If you browsed local fabricators in your area and found that they’re over your budget, hiring from interstate can cost you significantly more than sourcing locally.
First, moving something heavy like steel can be very expensive, expect to do the math on this one. Your best bet to cut down on transport costs is to source locally.
Next, should you have any questions about their quotes, capabilities, and recommendations, a locally-sourced steel fabricator is only at arm’s length from your site.
Capabilities
Collaborating with a steel fabricator who can accurately follow the architects’ or engineers’ notes down to a T, all the way through delivery is a very important way to gauge their capabilities.
Why? Fabricators with the capability to handle various aspects of your project are more efficient in projects, have a deeper expertise of the industry, and have an overall higher degree of competence which are all welcome signs you need to look out for.
Usually, full-service steel fabricators have these traits. Here are some of the services full-service steel fabrication companies do:
- Steel fabrication
- Steel installation
- Drafting and detailing
- Surface treatment
- Delivery
- Miscellaneous metalwork
Experience
When it comes to choosing a fabricator, it’s a no-brainer that you’ll choose someone with plenty of experience. However, with the sheer amount of companies with considerable experience out there, it can still be very overwhelming to choose one.
Here are factors you can consider to accurately gauge a fabricator’s experience and help you choose better:
- Standard Operational Procedures: Ask your potential fabricators about how up-to-date their industry codes and regulations are and what relevant certifications they hold in handling structural steel.
This process will require a bit of research on your end, but knowing what grounds they can operate on can align a lot of your expectations.
Also, know how some of your chosen fabrication companies tend to operate.
Some companies aim to complete projects as fast and simple as possible, while others are very conscious of their reputation and take a more meticulous approach to ensure quality standards are met.
- Previous Comparable Projects: To get a feel of the fabricators’ expertise and output quality, you can take a look at their previous comparable projects either through their website or by requesting their portfolio if it’s unavailable for some reason.
- Reputation: An experienced fabrication company values complete transparency with its existing and potential clients above all else, this means they are open to most client inquiries and have most of their testimonials, references, and projects visible on their website.
Additionally, try asking your potential fabricators lots of relevant questions about your project. Experienced fabrication companies will openly discuss project details with you and promptly answer any questions you might have about the job.
How Weldform Structures can Help
Not all metal fabrication companies are made equal. So, you need to choose the right one that carefully aligns with your budget, location, and standards.
Some specialize in installation, and some may excel in drafting, but choosing the next doesn’t have to be so much of a headache thanks to the three key considerations mentioned above.
If you’re looking for Melbourne steel fabricators who provide high-quality metalworks and structural steel solutions, don’t hesitate to reach out to us and see why we are one of the leading fabrication companies in the area.