Custom Metal Fabrication and Welding Sales Agreement

What a good one includes

• A detailed breakdown of the metal types, grades, finishes, and thickness tolerances to be used, ensuring the client knows exactly what they are paying for.
• A structured payment timeline that requires an upfront deposit to cover raw materials, followed by progress payments tied to fabrication milestones and final delivery.
• A clear description of the final piece, backed by signed-off shop drawings or CAD designs, establishing that any changes after approval require a formal change order.
• Specific terms detailing who is responsible for transporting the finished fabrication, who handles the installation, and how many days the client has to inspect and accept the work.
• Explicit limits on structural or finish warranties, clarifying that you are not liable for natural weathering, improper third-party installation, or loads exceeding engineered specifications.
• A clause stating whether the fabricator retains the design rights and ownership of the shop drawings, preventing clients from taking your custom designs to a cheaper shop.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Failing to include a material price escalation clause, which can leave you paying out of pocket if steel or aluminum prices spike between the quote and fabrication dates.
• Agreeing to mid-build modifications over a phone call or text message without a signed change order, which frequently leads to unpaid labor and disputes over the final product.
• Omitting specific standards for weld aesthetics, grind finishes, or paint coats, which often results in clients demanding unrealistic, mirror-polished perfection for industrial-grade work.
• Neglecting to clarify who is responsible for verifying structural anchoring points or securing building permits, which can hold your shop liable for site-related failures.

Frequently asked questions