If you are in the beginning stages of your project the first step is to pick out a design. This can easily be done by perusing websites. Look at photos of designs appropriate to your project. Print the designs that you like and download them to save on your computer.
If you’re shopping for a price, the following is especially helpful and will save you time and aggravation. The best way to find a good iron fabricator is through recommendations. Ask your neighbors or friends for references. Stroll through your neighborhood, look for homes that have an iron design (that you like and looks like a solid product), and ask the owner what contractor they used for their project. In most cases, people will be happy to share contact information of the iron fabrication shop that they used. You can also ask that person questions about the project to further educate yourself. You probably want an iron fabrication shop that is in your local area, so asking neighbors is a great way to find someone nearby. If you choose a shop that is a distance away, be prepared for a higher price because of the travel time.
Now that you have a recommendation(s) of an iron shop (or several shops) to contact, there is a little more work for you to do. When discussing your project with an iron fabricator, they will first need to know about what design you've chosen. Since you've already downloaded some images, you can email them, and include the measurements for your project. The necessary measurements will consist of length and height. If the project is on a slope include that information. If you have a HOA then inquire about codes and compliances. Ask your fabricator if he can provide you with plans for submittal to your association if that is a prerequisite.
It is important to know what type finish you want on your project. The standard finish is usually primed and painted black. Another option is powder coating; this is a great option if you want to have a color or texture. There are also attractive patina's available but keep in mind that powder coating and patina's are usually at an additional charge.
If you choose an intricate design then your project will be more expensive. I find it's important to begin with presenting a design to your fabricator that you love. This gives the iron fabricator an idea of your taste and architectural style. If pricing comes in too high, and you can’t have exactly what you want, then you can work with the fabricator to come up with a design that is more cost effective but still desirable.
The last bit of information that your iron fabricator will need is how, and where, the iron design will be installed. Take pictures of the area of installation. It's important to take several pictures so that the fabricator has a really good idea of the degree of difficulty in installing your project. An iron fabricator will look to see if your project will be installed in dirt verses concrete. If you're installing a gate, then he'll look to see if there are existing pillars that the gate will attach to and will question you about the stability of those pillars.
If you’re installing a driveway gate it’s important to figure out if you want that gate automated and what safety devices you will require. Figure out if you’ll need a telephone entry system or a keypad. Ask yourself how guests and maintenance people will enter and exit through your automated gate.
Once you’ve gathered all this information, then it can simply be emailed to your fabricator(s). Once your iron fabricator receives all the information then he can make a good estimate of what the project will cost right over the phone.
If you follow the outline above and contact your iron fabricator will all the facts then you can save yourself time. With this information, your iron fabricator should be able to provide you with a budget price. Once you receive this price, you’ll know if your project is affordable and doable.
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