You’re likely here because you have an idea you want to realise in steel — whether fully formed or still taking shape.
This page outlines the next steps, shaped by experience and the practical realities of how steel projects develop.
FAQ's a.k.a. *Help*:
Help — what’s next?
The most important question at the start of any project is simple:
What information do you already have?
The more clearly an idea can be communicated, the more efficiently it can be priced, developed, and delivered.
Helpful starting material includes drawings (technical or conceptual), renders, dimensioned PDFs, DXFs (with reference PDFs), photographs, links, written descriptions, maquettes, or precedent images. Anything that helps articulate your intent and get us on the same page is valuable.
Another important consideration is lead time — when the work is needed. It’s never too early to reach out and begin the conversation, particularly if timing is important. Early discussion helps ensure that what you’re proposing can be achieved within the timeframe available.
What if I don’t have drawings?
That’s not a problem — but it does change the process.
If drawings don’t yet exist, we won’t move straight to quoting. Instead, we step back and help establish the brief and resolve what needs to be made. This may involve consultation, design development, and the creation of production-ready CAD or DXF files.
This work is not free. It is billed as a separate service and scoped clearly before proceeding. Doing this upfront protects both parties and ensures time is invested purposefully, with a clear outcome.
In steel fabrication, drawings are fundamental. Regardless of scale, we can’t build reliably from descriptions alone — too much is left to interpretation. Drawings define intent, expose issues before they reach the workshop or site, and ensure everyone involved understands what’s being made and why. Clear documentation leads to better outcomes.
Can SteelScale provide drawings?
This varies from project to project, depending on factors such as scale, quantity, and complexity. The best place to start is to get in touch with what you have, and we can advise on the most appropriate next steps for your specific project.
Where a project involves laser cutting — or laser cutting and folding — as a primary component, SteelScale can translate existing information, however basic, into production-ready DXF files. This service is commonly provided and is billed separately, with costs varying according to the scope of work involved.
I’m still exploring ideas — is that okay?
Absolutely — exploration is part of the process. However, there’s an important distinction between early-stage enquiry and active project development.
If you’re testing ideas or gathering information, and would like help resolving feasibility, scope, or approach, this is best handled through a paid consultation. This allows ideas to be explored properly without unbilled time accumulating behind the scenes.
Where a project requires consultation, we’ll typically provide an initial rough estimate to ensure there is a shared understanding of the likely scope and cost before moving into more detailed planning and costing. This estimate is intended as a guide only, not a fixed price.
This approach helps ensure projects move forward with clarity and realistic expectations.
Advice vs consultation
Every project is different. In steel fabrication, even small design changes can have significant implications for process, cost, and outcome. While consultation, design thinking, problem-solving, and technical input are all part of the service we provide, they’re not the same as informal advice.
In some cases, a short conversation and targeted advice is all that’s needed to make a design quote-ready and suitable for production. In others, delivering a project to a high standard requires a more involved pre-production phase.
This may include dedicated calls, site, office or studio meetings, research and development, and design revision. Where this level of engagement is required, it constitutes consultation — a structured process to properly establish the project, resolve feasibility, and define how it will be made.
Clear drawings and documentation make this distinction easier. If an idea is already well resolved, advice may be sufficient. If it requires development, testing, or coordination, consultation is often the most effective next step.
To learn more about consultations, and we’ll provide information on structure, inclusions, and costs.
Design flexibility
If you’re unsure whether something can be made — or how it might best be made — it’s important to engage early. Early discussion allows feasibility to be tested before decisions are locked in, helping avoid redesign, delays, and unnecessary work.
Flexibility creates better outcomes. Rather than shortcuts, the focus is on identifying the most appropriate approach for your project and advising accordingly.
Costs, budgets, and expectations
Steel fabrication costs vary significantly depending on material, scope, complexity, finishes, documentation, and installation requirements.
If you’re working within a budget range, sharing this early helps determine whether a project is viable and how it might best be approached. This often leads to more efficient, realistic outcomes for everyone involved.
The scale and complexity of a project also affect how quickly and accurately costs can be defined. Where a project requires consultation, we’ll typically provide an initial rough estimate to confirm alignment before proceeding to more detailed planning and costing. This estimate is intended as a guide only, not a fixed price.
Revisions, changes, and scope
Quoting is based on the information available at the time. If drawings, intent, or scope are open to interpretation, this should be identified early.
Once a deposit has been paid, the project is considered costed and scheduled on the agreed scope. Any changes requested after this point are treated as change requests and costed separately, taking into account work already completed and any additional scope introduced.
If new information comes to light after the deposit is paid — including changes to drawings, dimensions, finishes, or site conditions — and this affects planning or production, this will also be costed accordingly.
Minor adjustments are sometimes unavoidable, but by the time a deposit is paid, the intended outcome, scope, and path forward should be clear.
Confirmation and sign-off
SteelScale will not begin production without written confirmation and sign-off on the agreed drawings, scope, and cost.
This step is essential. It ensures clarity around what is being made, how it will be made, and what will be delivered — for both client and fabricator.
Fees, deposits, and payment timing
Given the range of project scales undertaken, payment structures vary accordingly.
For smaller projects, payment may be required in full prior to commencement. For others, a deposit is required with the balance due on completion. For larger or longer-term projects, a staged payment structure will be proposed to ensure work can proceed clearly and responsibly.
Importantly, deposits are required before production begins on any scale project.
Samples, finishes, and materials
Samples are often required to confirm materials, finishes, or colours. This is common and encouraged — while some samples may be free, most are not, and all involve lead times.
If a project requires a particular or unusual finish, material, or powder coat, this should be factored into both budget and schedule from the outset. Material sampling and production are separate processes and involve separate lead times.
Lead times
SteelScale works with a range of specialist suppliers, often multiple per project. Each supplier operates to their own lead times.
What may appear to be a small or simple item can involve several suppliers, sometimes across the city, state, or beyond. In addition to individual lead times, logistics also play a role. While we manage and coordinate the process where possible, rushed timelines are not always achievable and are often outside our control.
SteelScale is a small, specialist operation and can take on and manage a limited number of projects at any one time. If capacity is a factor, this will be communicated early, along with current availability.
Lead times are discussed early and should be factored into planning and decision-making throughout the project.
Installation, site access, and conditions
Installation costs and timelines are based on agreed site conditions and access. Where a project requires on-site installation over one or more days, this will be treated as a separate phase of the project and planned accordingly.
Changes to site readiness, access constraints, or scheduling may affect scope, cost, or timing and should be discussed as early as possible.
We recognise that access for some projects may be limited to specific windows or require after-hours work. This is not uncommon, and where possible we’re happy to plan installation around these requirements.
Drawings, files, and intellectual property
Drawings and digital files produced by SteelScale are created solely for the purposes of the agreed project.
Reuse, transfer, or fabrication by others is not permitted unless explicitly agreed in writing.
Privacy and NDAs
Privacy is respected and protected. If a project requires an NDA — or one is provided — SteelScale is happy to oblige, provided it is reasonable and industry-standard.
If you’re unsure where your project sits within this process, get in touch and we’ll help clarify the most appropriate next step.