Custom fabrication shops have the capability to fashion almost anything your project needs, from structural components of office towers to replacement parts for vital equipment. However, not all providers have the same equipment or experience, and some may focus on serving specific industries. Below are a few questions to ask before choosing a shop for your project.

4 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Custom Fabricator

How much experience do you have?

A shop with years of experience will have the expertise to deliver the results you expect on time, so look for an established provider who has been serving the community for decades. However, you should also ask whether they’ve worked on similar projects in the past. For instance, if you’re designing steel structural components, think twice about choosing a shop that focuses mostly on creating parts for industrial machines. It is best to choose the best fabricator for your project.

Do you handle finishing in-house?

Finishing, prime painting, and galvanizing are critical steps in the fabrication process. Many shops have the equipment and training to handle the finishing themselves, while others outsource to another company. Depending on the demands of your project, either approach may work, but you should understand who will actually be working on your project.

Where do you source your materials?

The success of any steel fabrication job depends on starting with the right raw materials. Before hiring a shop, make sure they have access to a wide range of raw metal, and whether they expect delays for sourcing the materials your project requires. Some fabricators also handle bulk steel sales, which can reduce costs and potential delays waiting for imported materials.

Do you provide detailing?

Before work can begin, your original blueprints will have to be converted to shop drawings with precise measurements and detailed schematics. Many of the best custom fabrication specialists have detailers that handle this task for you, which saves time and reduces the risk of errors.

In addition to providing an extensive selection of raw steel products, Magna Steel Sales Inc. offers fabrication services to businesses and individuals throughout the Westport, CT, area. Since 1984, their highly skilled technicians have crafted everything from ornamental railings to construction beams for projects of every size. Visit their website for more on their custom fabrication services, get tips and insight on Twitter, or call (203) 888-0300 to discuss your project with a member of their team.