subject: 4 Great Questions You Should Ask Your Steel Supplier [print this page] More and more people are choosing to work on their own home improvement projects these days. One of the main reasons for this is to save money, but the project can go wrong if you do not research the job first. If you are ordering steel for the first time you might find the task a bit daunting. To help you with your buying here are four great questions you should ask your steel supplier before you go ahead and make a purchase.
1. Can you cut the steel to any size I need. If you have looked on the steel suppliers website you probably found a page detailing the different sizes of steel you can purchase. If you do not see the size you need you should not assume that you need to look elsewhere. Ask the supplier if they are able to cut the steel to the sizes you require for the job. They should be able to do this for you and may request to see your plans to ensure they get the measurements right.
2. Do you deliver is another question which needs to be raised. You might think all suppliers are responsible for their own deliveries but that is not the case. Some companies may prefer it if you arrive to collect your order, others use third party drivers to pick up the stock and deliver it to you. The best steel suppliers to use are the ones with their own fleet of drivers on hand. These drivers will know the roads and the area well, have experience unloading steel and will be able to deliver quicker.
3. You should also ask about the quality of the steel. You want to make sure you are using the best quality steel in your build, especially if the steel is structural or load bearing. Some suppliers sell steel which is of poor quality, so ask the supplier straight out to ensure you are not being ripped off.
4. Always ask for a quote before you place your order. A great steel supplier will be more than happy to give you a quote without making you feel obligated to buy. Check a few prices and compare these with the type of service that is available. Do not always go for the cheapest if it means long delays, expensive shipments and poor quality materials. A great supplier will charge you a fair price for the best possible service.
