Cadet Steel is the best metal fabrication company in the state of Colorado! At Cadet Steel, we think it’s all about credentials, experience, and know-how to take on whatever you have in mind. Our professionals can work with you on any project big or small, even thinking outside of the box when you need a little expertise on the subject.
Because it’s important to vet your options, here are some tips to help you out with choosing the right partner. Not all metal fabrication companies are the same, and your decision should be deliberated.
Experience – Ask how long a company has been in business. The longer they’ve been around the better, especially if they were able to pull through the economic downturn of 2008. That was an intense time of survival for the metal industry and many companies did not make it through. Metal fabricators had to learn quickly to perform more efficiently, and there was no room for waste or slacking.
And don’t forget to check out their portfolio before hiring a metal fabrication company.
The Expertise at Cadet Steel: Metal Fabrication Company
Expertise – Ask them about the size and quantity of projects they have worked on in the past. Do they work with large industrial companies, architectural, local, etc.? You will want to see whether they have successfully completed any projects in the past that are relative to yours or close to it. Technical metal fabricating is a good thing to see on their resume. The more experience they have, the better.
Quality – Quality control is something you should pay attention to when hiring a metal fabrication company. What are their policies if you are not satisfied? Do they have an inspector that critiques the job they are doing for quality? Be sure they stand behind the work they provide and ask what guarantees they have. After all, the finishing product needs to be what you desire exactly.
Facilities – A large-scale metal fabrication project like oil, energy, or mining jobs can take up a lot of space and time, and you will want to ensure the facilities can handle such an idea. At Cadet Steel, we have over 12,000 square feet of space to accommodate whatever you have in mind. A good rule of thumb is to always visit the facility if the project is relatively large. Be sure to ask about shipping and transporting, the finished concept, as well and the costs involved.
Same Page – This is important whether you want to build a long-term or even a short-term relationship when hiring a metal fabrication company. Manufacturing is a business that requires creative thinking and problem-solving. It’s important to partner with metal fabricators who will listen to what you need, communicate clearly, offer a variety of unique solutions, and provide flexibility.
Certifications – It will be comforting to know that your metal fabrication company is up to date with the latest strategies, techniques, and safety protocols. Certifications imply a company’s commitment to quality and safety. For you, it may be required that your chosen fabrication company be certified with a certain safety program governed by each state. Safety standards can affect bidding opportunities.
Timeline – You want to know for sure that a metal fabricator can meet your deadlines. You will want to be suspicious of metal fabricators that take on projects bigger than they can accommodate, or if they have a lot of people ahead of you and already waiting. Get it in writing how long they estimate the job to be and don’t sign anything you don’t agree with when hiring a metal fabrication company.
References – This is an important part of your inquiries when looking for a reputable metal fabrication company. Doing your research and questioning other customers firsthand is key. Some companies may only offer up their biggest and best customers but fall short on any negative feedback that they have been given. This is where doing your homework comes in handy in the future.
Value – Don’t confuse value with price. Cheaper, doesn’t mean it’s better. It is important to negotiate a fair price that makes both parties happy in the end. There is a cost associated with a variety of situations that can happen including delays. Make sure you include all factors in your final decision and be sure you understand any hidden costs. The age-old rule, “you get what you pay for” should be taken literally.
Equipment – Does this company have the latest technology to do the job right? Having the precise tools of the trade will ensure your final product will be of the utmost quality and craftsmanship. Most metal fabrication shops are diligent in this area. Because without the latest technology, they are rather limited in what they can achieve. Be sure they are not just sourcing out and charging you as a middleman.
Capabilities – When hiring a metal fabrication company, make sure the company can work from any drawing you bring in, whether on a napkin, electronic device, or just an idea in your head. Be sure they can work with a variety of metals and thicknesses and the fundamentals such as:
- Assembling
- Welding
- Cutting
- Forming
- Metal finishing
- Fabrication and installation
- Fastening
The American Welding Society has plenty of great consumer information as well as industry standard rules and guidelines that may be worth your while looking into if you are hiring a metal fabrication company. Companies affiliated with The American Welding Society and The Better Business Bureau are always an excellent choice.
Now you know what you should look for when hiring a metal fabrication company, and while these are just a few key tips, it is always advisable to go with your gut feeling when interviewing companies.
Cadet Steel would appreciate your consideration on any upcoming projects you might have. With an experienced team, cutting-edge technology, and processes, we are a leader in delivering on time, every time. We provide quality work, open communication, and absolute satisfaction. Get in touch.