How to Quote a Welding or Metal Fabrication Job in Canada
How welders and fabricators can price jobs: material weights, labour rates, consumables, shop overhead, finishing and delivery for custom and repair work.
Welding and fabrication pricing combines material, shop time, consumables and finishing. Underquoting is common because the small things (grinding, setup, handling) add up quickly.
Material
Price steel, stainless or aluminum by weight or length, with waste and cutting allowances. Material prices change often, so state quote validity and consider a supplier-increase clause: material cost guide.
Labour
Break time into layout, cutting, fit-up, welding, grinding and finishing, plus assembly and installation if on site. Include time for drawings, programming or engineering where needed.
Consumables and equipment
Wire, gas, discs, electrodes, PPE and machine wear. A flat consumables percentage on labour is a common shortcut.
Finishing and outside services
- Powder coating, galvanizing or painting
- Machining or laser cutting
- Inspection or certification where required
Delivery and installation
Transport, crane or lift rental and site access can change the price dramatically.
Repair vs new fabrication
Repairs have unknowns. Offer a diagnostic or hourly rate with a not-to-exceed amount, and approve extras before starting: change orders.
Set minimums
A minimum charge covers setup and travel for small jobs.
Margin and speed
Apply overhead and margin consistently: markup vs margin. Welders and fabricators can build itemized quotes quickly with quoting software for welders and metal fabricators.