Management often misunderstands the relationship between rates, costs, and overall project efficiency when it comes to steel detailing. Let’s break down some common myths and get to the reality of what impacts steel detailing costs and how they affect your bottom line.
Myth #1: Detailers’ Rates and Costs Are the Same Thing
Reality: Rates and costs are not the same
Steel detailing costs reflect how much you pay the detailers combined with the volume and quality of the work they deliver. Experienced steel detailing companies may charge higher hourly rates—between $60-80 an hour—while freelancers on platforms like Upwork might charge as low as $6-8 an hour. However, the relative cost is based on the actual outcome: the quality of modeling, the number of accurate drawings and piece details, and whether or not the drawings are error-free.
For instance, paying a low hourly rate may seem attractive at first, but poor quality work could result in more time spent fixing mistakes, leading to higher overall costs. High-quality drawings from skilled detailers with no errors will always save time and money in the long run.
Myth #2: Lowering a Detailer’s Rates Will Lower Your Detailing Costs
Reality: Steel detailing costs are a combination of rates and productivity
This myth stems from the misunderstanding that a lower hourly rate automatically translates into lower costs. In reality, steel detailing costs are a combination of rates and productivity. If you reduce the rate but hire a less efficient or less skilled detailer, your costs could actually increase.
For example, hiring a freelancer with a low rate—say $50 a day—might seem cost-effective, but if they lack experience and take longer to complete the work or produce low-quality drawings, your project will suffer delays and rework. In such cases, even though you’re paying a lower rate, you’ll ultimately end up paying more in terms of time, rework, and overall project delays.
Myth #3: Cutting Detailing Costs Will Lower Total Fabrication Costs
Reality: Detailing typically makes up a small portion of your total fabrication costs
Steel detailing typically makes up a small portion of your total fabrication costs, which also include materials, shop labor, and overhead. Trying to cut corners on detailing can actually increase your overall fabrication costs in the long term. Lower-quality detailing often leads to mistakes that result in delays, rework, and potential damage to your company’s reputation.
Investing in high-quality steel detailing—even if it costs a bit more upfront—pays off by preventing costly errors and ensuring a smooth fabrication process. Good detailing identifies problems before they escalate, saving you money and keeping your project on track.
Optimize Your Projects with High-Quality Steel Detailing
When considering steel detailing services, it is essential to look beyond the hourly rate. The real cost lies in the quality, accuracy, and efficiency of the work delivered. Cutting corners on detailer rates may seem like a way to save, but in the long run, investing in experienced detailers who provide high-quality results will save you time, money, and nerves.
If you’re looking for a way to optimize your steel fabrication process without sacrificing quality, contact us today. We’ll help ensure your projects are delivered on time, within budget, and free of costly errors.
