Compare Steel Structure Quotations: 8 Line Items That Differ

When you compare steel structure quotations, the totals rarely tell the story. Two bids can differ by a wide margin because one of them leaves out erection, uses a different steel grade or counts tonnage in another way. Check the same eight line items in every quotation before you look at the price. The method below works for any steel package, from a small canopy to a full factory.

Compare steel structure quotations on the same eight items

The list below can be used as a template for the comparison table. Each item is described briefly, with a pointer to a deeper guide where one exists.

1. The scope of work

Confirm whether the quotation covers design, fabrication, coating, transport, erection and site support, or only some of them. A lower price often means a narrower scope. Our overview of the steel structure contractor role explains the usual scope splits.

2. The steel grade and specification

Check that every bid names the same grades and standards. Grades are not automatically interchangeable, even when their strength looks similar, so confirm each grade against the governing specification.

3. The tonnage basis

Ask whether the weight is net or gross, whether it includes plates, connections and bolts, and how weight tolerance is handled. A price per ton is only comparable when the tonnage basis is the same. A bill of quantities lists the items in a consistent way and makes this check easier.

4. Surface preparation and coating

Compare the blast grade, the coating system and the coating thickness. For guidance on what to ask, see our articles on Sa 2.5 blast cleaning and on hot-dip galvanized steel structures.

5. Connections and fixings

Check whether bolts, nuts, anchor bolts and base plates are included, and whether the quotation names their grade. These small items are often excluded.

6. Inspection and documents

Look for the inspection plan, the non-destructive testing scope and the documents delivered, such as mill test certificates. Our guide to mill test certificates lists what a buyer should check.

7. Packing, delivery terms and schedule

Compare the delivery terms, such as who pays for transport and insurance, and the production schedule. Note the date from which the schedule runs, for example the approval of shop drawings.

8. Exclusions, validity and payment

Read the exclusions, the price validity and the payment terms. Provisional sums and open items need a clear owner.

Put the answers in one table

Create a simple table with the suppliers across the top and these eight items down the side. Gaps show immediately, and the exercise takes less than an hour. When you compare steel structure quotations this way, you can ask each supplier a short list of questions about the gaps instead of reopening the whole bid.

If you need a framework for the request itself, our guide to the steel structure quotation request shows what to include, and our cost guide explains what moves the price. For the supplier questions behind it, read how to choose a steel structure manufacturer.

To receive a quotation that shows each of these items separately, send your drawings and specification through our form and request a fabrication quotation from our engineering team.

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