Joinery and Metalwork Installation Guide

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01/10/25, 16:19

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Survey & design brief – site measure‑up, discuss timber/steel grade, produce sketches/CAD.
Workshop fabrication – cut, machine, weld or mortice components to specification.
Protective finishing – spray‑lacquer, oil, powder‑coat or galvanise for durability.
Delivery & install – position, level and fix units, balustrades, gates or cabinetry.
Seal, adjust & test – check reveals, hinge action, load‑bearing welds, magnetic catches.
Site tidy & certification – dispose of off‑cuts, issue waste‑transfer note and (if structural) CE mark/welder’s report.

Charge type	Low £	High £	Notes
Call‑out / minimum	120	200	Mobile welder min. £200; smaller carpentry jobs often £100–£150 Checkatrade
Labour per hour	30	60	Joiner £30–£45/h Checkatrade; welder £50/h Checkatrade
Materials	50	300	Timber / steel cost swings with species & thickness; finishes extra Checkatrade
Disposal	125	320	4‑ 8 yd builder skip weekly rate Checkatrade
Extras (scaffolding)	550	1,100	Two‑storey scaffold per week avg. £650–£1,100 Checkatrade
TOTAL (most jobs come in here)	600	2,200	Alcove cabinetry, handrail or small gate incl. finish

Typical: 1 – 3 days install for a single bespoke unit or railing.
Extended: curing times for sprayed finishes, tight access, complex templates, or multiple items.
Whole‑week+: staircases, large fitted wardrobes, site welding with scaffold.

Will you provide scaled drawings or samples before fabrication starts?
What timber species / steel grade have you allowed for, and why?
How is expansion or corrosion managed (moisture content, powder‑coat spec)?
What fixing method & load testing will you use on walls/floors?
Are workshop lead‑times and on‑site dates fixed in the quote?
How are snagging visits handled if doors drop or weld seams rust?
Do you carry public & product‑liability insurance covering structural items?

Accurate dimensions: confirm final wall/floor levels after plaster or screed.
Clear access & parking: allocate space for long timber/steel sections and dust‑extractor van.
Power & ventilation: provide 230 V supply and open windows for lacquer fumes.
Dust & sparks control: protect adjacent rooms and fire‑alarm heads.
Working at height permits: arrange scaffold tags, pavement licences and neighbour notices.
Finish samples: sign off stain, lacquer or RAL colour before workshop run.