Structural steel fabrication isn’t a service where you want to discover problems after components have already been fabricated or installed.
Incorrect dimensions, components that don’t match project specifications, material issues, or missed details can lead to delays, rework, and additional costs. For contractors, industrial facilities, and businesses relying on fabricated steel components, choosing the right fabrication company is an important part of keeping a project moving.
If you’re looking for a structural steel fabrication company in Northern Colorado, here are some of the most important factors to consider.
1. Look at Their In-House Fabrication Capabilities
Start by asking which parts of the fabrication process are completed in-house and which, if any, are coordinated through outside vendors.
Structural steel projects may require several processes, including:
- CNC plasma cutting
- Welding
- Press brake bending
- Material preparation
- Assembly
- Custom fabrication
A fabrication company with multiple capabilities under one roof can have greater control over scheduling, quality, communication, and coordination throughout the project.
This can be especially valuable when a component needs to move through several fabrication stages before it is ready for installation or delivery.
2. Ask About Experience Reading Drawings and Specifications
Structural fabrication often begins with detailed drawings, dimensions, material specifications, and other project requirements.
A fabrication shop should be comfortable reviewing those documents and identifying questions before material is cut.
That includes understanding:
- Dimensions
- Material specifications
- Required tolerances
- Component quantities
- Hole and connection locations
- Finish requirements
- Other project-specific fabrication details
If something in the drawings or specifications is unclear, the fabricator should clarify the requirement before fabrication begins rather than making assumptions that could create problems later.
3. Review the Types of Structural Components They Fabricate
Structural steel fabrication covers a wide range of applications. Before choosing a company, look at whether the shop has experience producing components similar to what your project requires.
Common structural fabrication projects can include:
- Custom baseplates for equipment and structural columns
- I-beam connectors
- Structural supports
- Custom brackets and mounting components
- Repairs to existing structural steel
- Modifications to existing components
- Built-to-spec structural components
- Components for commercial and industrial projects
A shop with experience across different types of structural fabrication may also be better equipped to handle projects involving multiple components or fabrication processes.
4. Understand Their Material Sourcing Capabilities
The right fabrication process starts with the right material.
Structural projects may require particular steel grades, dimensions, thicknesses, or quantities. Ask how the fabrication company handles material sourcing and whether material procurement can be coordinated as part of the project.
Understanding material requirements early can help identify potential availability or scheduling issues before fabrication begins.
Working with a fabrication shop that also offers material sales can simplify the process when a project requires both material and fabrication services.
5. Pay Attention to Communication
Structural fabrication projects often require communication between the customer, fabricator, contractor, engineer, and other project stakeholders.
Questions can come up regarding dimensions, material availability, design details, fabrication requirements, or changes in the field.
Pay attention to communication during the quoting process. Clear answers, timely follow-up, and a willingness to clarify project requirements can provide useful insight into what working with the fabrication company may look like once production begins.
Good communication is particularly important when questions or changes need to be addressed before they affect fabrication or the project schedule.
6. Ask About a Realistic Project Timeline
Turnaround time matters, but structural fabrication timelines can vary significantly depending on the scope of the project.
A simple CNC-cut component and a structural assembly requiring cutting, bending, welding, and additional fabrication will not necessarily have the same production timeline.
Instead of relying on a general turnaround claim, ask for a timeline based on your actual project.
Be prepared to provide information such as:
- Drawings and specifications
- Material requirements
- Quantity
- Required fabrication processes
- Desired completion date
- Any additional project requirements
The more complete the project information is upfront, the easier it is for a fabrication shop to evaluate the scope and provide realistic expectations.
7. Ask the Right Questions Before Choosing a Structural Steel Fabricator
Before selecting a structural steel fabrication company, consider asking:
- Which parts of my project will be completed in-house?
- Do you regularly work from drawings and detailed project specifications?
- Have you fabricated components similar to what this project requires?
- What materials and thicknesses can you work with?
- Can you source the material required for the project?
- What information do you need to provide an accurate quote?
- What fabrication processes will this project require?
- What is the expected production timeline based on this scope?
- How are questions or changes handled once fabrication begins?
- Can additional fabrication services be completed in-house if needed?
These questions can help you evaluate more than price alone and better understand how the shop will approach the project from quote through fabrication.
Structural Steel Fabrication at R&M Welding & Fabrication
R&M Welding & Fabrication provides structural steel fabrication from its shop in Greeley, Colorado.
R&M’s capabilities support multiple stages of the fabrication process, including CNC plasma cutting, welding, press brake bending, material sales, and custom fabrication.
Structural fabrication projects can include custom baseplates, I-beam connectors, brackets, structural supports, repairs, modifications, and other built-to-spec steel components for commercial and industrial applications.
Keeping multiple fabrication capabilities under one roof can reduce unnecessary handoffs and make it easier to coordinate the different stages of a project.
Structural Steel Fabrication in Greeley and Northern Colorado
For contractors, industrial facilities, businesses, and other customers throughout Northern Colorado, working with a local structural steel fabrication company can make communication and project coordination easier.
R&M Welding & Fabrication works from its Greeley shop to support structural and custom fabrication projects throughout the region.
Whether the project involves a single custom component, modifications to existing steel, or multiple fabricated components for a larger project, the process starts with understanding the drawings, specifications, materials, quantities, and required fabrication.
Request a Structural Steel Fabrication Quote
Planning a structural steel fabrication project in Northern Colorado?
Send R&M Welding & Fabrication your available drawings, specifications, material requirements, quantities, and desired project timeline.
The R&M team can review the scope, identify the fabrication requirements, and determine what additional information is needed to move the project toward a quote.