Fabrication projects have high stakes and many crucial intertwined factors which determine success. Communication is a key to ensuring the successful implementation of your project. Here’s five questions you should ask your fabricator before implementing your project:

Quality Certifications

The quality of your finished product is determined both by the expertise and certifications of your fabricator’s talent. Make sure that your fabrication company has a good reputation for hiring experienced, quality talent. Be sure to inquire that your fabricator’s quality certifications are relevant and up-to-date. In Canada, good quality fabricators will have the Weld QualityMark issued by the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB). As well, they will usually have ISO 9001 certification. Just because a fabricator has a good shop and equipment, doesn’t always mean they are qualified to handle your project. Ensuring your fabricator is fully qualified can safeguard from project failure.

Case studies or testimonials from previous customers

When hiring a fabricator you haven’t worked with before, it’s always good to do a little research of your own. A reputable fabricator will have project case studies, testimonials or reference letters from satisfied customers available on their website. If you cannot find a case study or testimonial that is similar to your fabrication job, ask your fabricator if they have provided similar work to another client that could give a reference. You may also find it beneficial to read business reviews on Google+ or Facebook. All of these things are indications of experience and customer service.

Metal specifications

Going over the details of built components before your project begins can save potential headaches later. Some factors to consider asking about:

• Material grades and their availability
• Bolted versus welded connections
• Alternative materials, which may be more budget friendly and available

A good fabricator will be transparent about what they can offer and will try to help you save costs whenever possible.

Shipping specifications

Anticipating and accounting for shipping size are crucial to discuss with your fabricator. You may do this during a Feasibility Analysis.

Ensure that your fabricator is able to ship your project safely to your site. There may be transportation challenges that need to be taken into consideration such as roadways, powerlines and weight and height restrictions. These challenges can all be overcome with careful consideration and planning. An experienced fabricator will proactively anticipate potential challenges.

Scheduling

Ask to build out dates beforehand and come to an agreement about how timeline challenges will be communicated. Sometimes timeline challenges are uncontrollable, such as extreme weather conditions that can cause delays in shipping. Roadblocks like shipping delays can have a domino effect in your project.

Entrusting large industrial, and often expensive fabrication projects with a fabricator can be nerve-wracking.

With careful research, good communication and a quality check, you can choose the right fabricator who will ensure your project is successful.

Saskarc has over 25 years of experience providing superior steel fabrication solutions achieved by combining project analysis, stakeholder communications and design innovation for modularization.

See what our customers have to say about us and contact us today.