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Consider the contractor’s experience, project portfolio, certifications, proven track record, financial reliability, bonding and insurance capacity, and ability to manage fabrication and erection. When comparing structural steel fabricators, also review safety metrics like the Experience Modification Rate (EMR), confirm they source steel from certified mills, and verify the availability of mill test reports. Reviewing past projects can also help assess whether the contractor has experience with projects similar to yours, along with the strength of its project managers, feedback from past customers, and whether a dedicated team supports the work from start to finish. Using a scoring matrix can make bidder evaluations more consistent, and a low bid may indicate compromised materials or inadequate quality measures.

AISC certification demonstrates that a steel contractor follows established quality standards for fabrication and erection and reflects a proven process for building projects right the first time. It can also indicate that the contractor has documented procedures for areas such as welding, quality control, inspection, non-destructive testing, material traceability, and surface preparation to support structural safety, prevent corrosion, and improve long-term durability. Protective finishes and coatings should also be selected for the local environment to help prevent rust.

Bonding capacity can indicate a contractor’s ability to take on larger projects and fulfill financial obligations. When evaluating a steel contractor, buyers may consider bonding capacity alongside revenue, insurance coverage, financial stability, experience, and overall project capabilities.

Structural steel erection involves assembling, positioning, connecting, and erecting fabricated steel components at the construction site using skilled steel erectors, certified ironworkers, and crane operators working on-site. Contractors coordinate the installation of beams, columns, connections, and other structural members, along with metal decking where applicable, according to the project’s plans and specifications, allowing safer and more efficient assembly.

In-house fabrication can streamline communication between fabrication and erection teams, and in-house teams can specialize in tighter coordination between both phases to help reduce potential delays. They can also assist by coordinating detailers’ precise shop drawings and erection diagrams before fabrication begins. It can also create a stronger focus on coordination between design, fabrication, and on-site installation, with in-house fabrication processes like CNC drilling and sawing helping teams address construction challenges earlier.

Contractor bids should be compared based on the complete project scope rather than the quoted price alone, including any differences in erection services. The comparison should account for fabrication methods such as CNC drilling and sawing when relevant to the bid, as well as erection, materials, transportation, project requirements, certifications, and other factors that affect total project cost, especially on industrial projects or military projects where scope differences can materially affect comparisons. Make sure each bid reflects the same scope and quality expectations.