The Top Five Tips to Get the Best Estimate for Your Steel Project

Getting the best quality at the best price for your company’s steel project starts with getting the best estimate. Knowing what questions to ask when you are gathering estimates (and how to read between the lines) can save your company time and money.

Here are the top five tips to get the best estimate for your steel project:

• Choose a company with diverse steel experience. Whether your project calls for steel flat processing (such as burn, plasma, laser, shearing or forming), light steel fabrication (such as punching, notching and drilling), weld and assembly, or cut to length processing, choose a steel company with a diverse background in steel. Experience in various areas of steel, including automotive steel, structural steel, aerospace and even ballistics means that your steel company has the knowledge and expertise to find the best solution for your company’s project.

Key takeaway: When you are gathering estimates for your steel project, ask the sales reps about their experience across the board in steel processing. Look for a company with diverse experience across a variety of steel disciplines. 

• Choose a steel company that carries a large inventory. A company that carries a large steel inventory can save you valuable time when you’re ready to pull the trigger on your project because they won’t need to order your steel from a third party. Additionally, a company that is large enough to carry a broad inventory is most likely getting their steel at a competitive price, and they will be able to pass some of that savings along to you. 

Key takeaway: When you are gathering estimates for your steel project, ask the sales reps if the materials needed for your project are in stock, or if they’ll have to be ordered. Find a company that will reliably have what you need for your project in stock, now, and for reorders as well. 

• Choose a steel company that’s committed to lean manufacturing and continuous improvement. Processing time means added costs on your steel project. Steel companies that are committed to lean manufacturing and continuous process improvement will consider how much time the project could take and explore alternative ways to get the project done more quickly and efficiently. The team should “think outside the box” and brainstorm alternative ways to complete the project to save you time and money. 

Key takeaway: When you are gathering estimates for your steel project, ask the sales reps if their company is committed to lean manufacturing processes, and if the team will work to give you ideas for ways to save time and money on your project. 

• Choose a steel company that is collaborative and inventive. Particularly if your steel project is new for your company, or will require a multi-step fabrication process, look for a steel company that says “yes.” A company that will take an open-minded and collaborative approach to complex projects is key to getting the best outcome. Just because it hasn’t been done yet does not mean it can’t be done. Additionally, a company that takes a collaborative approach is more likely to give you a true estimate upfront because the whole team will have had input into factors that otherwise might be missed, such as how the final product will need to be packaged and transported, or whether the final product will ultimately require material handling, such as a lift table, to get it out the door.

Key takeaway: When you are gathering estimates for your steel project, look for a company that’s willing to work with you to find creative solutions for your steel project needs. Avoid “surprises” as your project moves forward by making sure they’ve considered every element of your project, from pre-fabrication through final delivery. 

• Choose a steel company that will be your partner for the long haul. Developing a long-term relationship with a quality steel company that understands your business and consistently comes through for you is invaluable. When your steel sales rep is familiar with your business, estimates take less time to turn around. Also, you may be able to negotiate a discount on reorders once the prototype for your project is completed.

Key takeaway: When you have found a steel company that consistently delivers a quality product, on-time and on-budget, stick with them. Switching steel vendors for minor savings can add up costing you a great deal more in the end. 

About Westfield Steel 

Serving businesses throughout Indiana, Ohio, Illinois, Missouri, Kentucky and Tennessee, Westfield Steel has a deep midwestern history and has been family-owned since it was founded in 1977. It has grown and expanded over the years to encompass not just steel fabrication, but also distribution and light manufacturing. Its distribution arm, Westfield Steel Express, is an authorized-for-hire common carrier that provides affordable, on-time delivery for a wide range of cargo, including lumber, cement, steel coils, heavy equipment and building materials.

Products and capabilities

Westfield Steel’s products include: steel angles, bars, beams, channels, pipes, plates, sheets, tubes and rebar. Value-added services include: machine and tool, flat processing, weld and assembly (including robotic welding), cut to length processing, forming and stamping, rolling, rebar cutting and bending, finishing and light steel fabrication.

Industry affiliations 

Westfield Steel’s industry affiliations include: The Metals Service Center Institute (MSCI), the North American Steel Alliance (NASA), the Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (PCI), the Indiana Fabricators Association (IFA), the American Welding Society (AWS), the Canadian Welding Bureau (CWB) and the Ohio Structural Steel and Architectural Metals Association (OSA.)

Back