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3 Signs You Should Use Third-Party Residential Steel Fabrication Services

9 September 2022 by Izak Wassing

Dealing with steel fabrication work is becoming an increasingly common problem in modern residential construction. Steel can serve a number of roles aesthetically and structurally, and many contractors are comfortable doing at least some fabrication work. There will come a point, though, when you should ask a third-party fabrication business to help. Here are three signs it's time to look into residential steel fabrication. 

Extreme Engineering Requirements

Structural steel fabrication requirements can present unique challenges even on seemingly simple projects. Especially if the requirements exceed what you're comfortable with in terms of bending and welding, it's a good idea to go to a specialist for assistance. They can look at specifications from structural engineers, architects, and designers to produce components that will exceed the requirements.

Working with a third party will allow you to offer greater peace of mind to customers and collaborators while reducing your liability exposure. Likewise, you may be able to offer more services because you can take on these sometimes unusual jobs with confidence.

Difficult Welds

Clean welding is critical, especially in a design world where exposed steel is becoming popular as part of the industrial aesthetic. If you can't hide the welds and your team lacks the necessary talent for the job, it's a good idea to turn to outside professionals. That is particularly true if the welds will go on exposed structural steel. You want to know the results will look good and provide more than enough support, and a professional can deliver.

Contractors may also encounter this issue with some stylistic applications of steel. For example, a customer might want to weld the steel to a different metal. That is rarely a job even for contractors who have serious welding skills. A professional can quickly determine if the weld is possible and how to do it.

Equipment Limits

If you work with steel in the course of your projects, you probably have at least some basic equipment. You might have, for example, a pipe bender. However, you're less likely to have systems that can execute aggressive bends safely. Also, few contractors have machines that can deal with precise cuts for ornamental work.

Whenever the proposal for a project exceeds the limits of your equipment, talk with someone at a shop about their fabrication options. Even if an idea sounds outlandish to you, send the plans along because they might see how it could work using their specialized equipment and know-how.

Contact a local structural steel fabrication service to learn more. 

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