HOW TO OBTAIN A QUOTE
We are frequently asked by builders, homeowners and even architects to provide a quote based on drawings that are preliminary or concept quality only. Sometimes we are provided with internet images or random photos on which to base a quote. They are next to useless when sourcing quotes because they don’t provide the fine details or the specifications of what is required.
They may have notes that describe a set of gates as ‘metal gates’ or something equally generic. It’s a bit like ringing around 3 car dealers and asking for a quote on a 4-door sedan, without specifying the make or model. Without details (specifications) it’s impossible to get a meaningful quote. Architectural metalwork is the same. We often have to explain to clients seeking quotes, why we can’t quote without specifications.
THE IMPORTANCE OF SPECIFICATIONS
Without specifications and details, the contractor does not know what standard of work to quote on and the client has no idea of what will be provided. For example, a set of gates could be made from lightweight pre-galv tube with a low-quality powder coat finish and a cheap lock. At the other end of the quality spectrum, the gates could be made from solid steel, forged by a blacksmith, hot dip galvanised and finished in a high-performance 2-pack paint system with a Lockwood commercial quality lock. Standing on the other side of the street at night, the 2 sets of gates could look very similar to the untrained eye but up close and after some years of weather exposure, the difference will be very obvious.
DON’T RELY ON THE WARRANTY
If a quote was accepted without sufficient specifications in the contract, then the successful tenderer has a conflict of interest. The contractor wants to maximise profit by doing the job at the lowest possible cost. Because there are no specifications to say how the job should be done, the client has little recourse if the job is not done to a specification that was wanted, but not mentioned in the contract. The statutory warranty for most building work is only 2 years, so there is little recourse once a job gets past that warranty period. If it starts rusting, giving mechanical problems or the coating fades or peels off after 2 years, it’s a lot of money wasted.
MAKE SURE YOU ARE COMPARING APPLES WITH APPLES…AND NOT A LEMON
Anyone wanting architectural metalwork supplied, should make sure that requests for quotes are based on appropriate specifications and all quotes are based on those same specifications. This is why we decline to quote without sufficient specifications being provided. We don’t want to waste our time estimating based on our high-quality work when we know a competitor may be quoting on an inferior specification at a lower price. However, we will create an appropriate specification for a fee, and you are free to shop around with our competitors using the specification we created. On high-end work or major projects, an architect would usually provide sufficient specifications so work could be put to tender.
WHY OUR WAY IS THE ONLY WAY TO GO
We direct clients to our design and quoting process BROCHURE. Our thorough design process can save clients a fortune by avoiding work of low quality that either corrodes in a few years or doesn’t function as intended. While designing costs money, it is a good investment as it can save a lot of money by making sure the metalwork is fit for the purpose and fit for the environment. It also virtually ensures that the new metalwork will add value to the property. Badly designed and specified metalwork detracts from a property and therefore devalues it. The devaluing effect is the most expensive part of a job if it happens. Our design and quoting process is second to none and architects often engage us to do detailing and specifying for the clients because it is such a specialised field. We also have a handy guide BROCHURE which explains our 12 design principles.
Finally, our DESIGN page is really worth viewing to understand how we work and why we place so much emphasis on good design. You will find plenty of examples of our design processes in the DESIGN section.