Pricing 101
Pricing questions are among the ones we hear the most from discerning clients who are planning their projects and putting together their budgets. Our aim is to remove as much of the guesswork as possible, giving everyone the tools they need to get a ballpark cost themselves. No obscure pricing schemes. No “call for a quote”. No holding callers hostage with a sale pitch. We know that step one is simply getting your questions answered, and we’ll do our best to answer as many questions as we can here.
We’ve all heard contractors tell us that they can’t give us any pricing information upfront because “every situation is different”. Though there is some truth to this, it’s also true that a contractor is certainly capable of giving you a ballpark range based on their experiences in their field. Ballparks are of course subject to change as more details are discussed about the project, but they serve as a crucial starting point to anchor a project into feasible timeline and budget. Our guide below will help you put together a starting point that we can discuss together as we move forward.
Railings
The primary factor of railing pricing is generally total length. As railings get longer they of course require more materials and more labor to complete. That said, as railings get smaller the semi fixed costs such as mobilization, measurement visits, administrative work, and design labor remain undiluted by the smaller project size. What this means is that our linear foot pricing is highest at small volumes, and becomes more economical as the scale increases. In larger volumes these fixed costs are diluted, our material becomes cheaper, and we are able to produce the work more efficiently.
Total Length is typically given in Linear Feet. This can be be calculated by measuring along the base of where the railing is to be installed, and up or down the slope of the stair steps if the railing will include a decline or incline. If the railing will be in multiple segments, no problem, just provided the total length that will be needed with all the segments added together. Once you have a total length, you can find which of the length ranges your railing will fit into. Multiply the total length by the Linear Foot Price provided on the Railings page to estimate your project.
This will represent a good starting point for your ballpark budget. There are metal and material finishing options that can flex the pricing upward and downward, and design will play a role in the final price point as well. The pricing we provide is intended to represent a turnkey cost for a railing project designed, built and installed. The construction would be from steel and it would be professionally powder coated to protect the railing and provide the clean and sleek look.
There are assumptions we must make in order to offer ballpark pricing like this. If your situation requires something different, we will explore how those factors impact the budget together. Steel is an excellent building material, however it is not the only material that can be used to construct a railing. Materials can vary in price, sometimes substantially with Aluminum and Stainless steel typically yielding a more expensive option to consider. Additionally, all railings need an anchoring plan. We will need to determine what type of material this railing will be installed to. We must assume that the conditions of this substrate will be serviceable and safe for us to rely on when anchoring. If it is not, more remediation may be necessary and the budget may need to expand.
Frequently Asked Questions:
I’d like a more decorative infill, what would it cost to do ovals or rectangles?
These railings typically cost 15-30% more for the extra labor and materials involved, depending on the details and the scale of the project.
I love railings that run into each tread individually! Can you do that too?
Yes we can, and it comes with a range of challenges. Expect to add 20% and a more extensive day of on site fitting prior to powder coating.
What are the typical lead times for a railing project?
It truly depends on the size of the railing and the location; however, typical lead times for railings are 10-16 weeks.
What if I only need a pipe railing without a 4” spindle infill?
These railings will scale based on length and are generally 10-20% less expensive than our typical pricing.
Do I need an Aluminum Handrail?
The short answer is no. Aside from marine applications, a well coated steel handrail is very resistant to corrosion, and is generally a better material for the application from a strength and rigidity standpoint.
Do you have a catalog? What designs do you offer?
We are a custom shop. Every railing is designed and built to fit your space. Our process often includes finding photos online to share back and forth to hone in on a rough style that suits your tastes that we can build upon.
Are other colors available for the finish?
Yes! Just about any color is possible. Color matching is possible if color codes/paint codes are provided.
staircases
Pricing staircases will break down into a few key categories:
The number of risers is one of the simpler ways to communicate the total size and scope of a staircase project. By averaging out the total cost of numerous projects against the total number of risers, we come up with the price range given on our Staircases Page. This is of course not a perfect metric. Staircases can vary widely in the difficulty of their installation, the logistics of the build, or the other accompanying elements like tread and platform materials or handrails. For our purposes, these prices reflect the cost of the metalwork for the staircase and an averaged allocation for tread materials. Wood or concrete treads must be priced independently before confirming a budget, and handrails will be be priced accordingly to our pricing layout in the railings section.
Final weight can be a significant consideration that may contribute to the final pricing as well. In some cases, heavy equipment can be used to move prefabricated structures into place. In other cases, these structures must be moved by hand. If the weight surpasses what is safe or reasonable to manage by hand, construction may even need to be done in place to ensure a good fit and a safe working experience for the Yellow Weld crew and others on site. In cases like this, an entirely different design and fabrication approach may be taken to ensure a smooth project progression. Installation isn’t the only place where weight is important to consider. At every stage of fabrication, finishing, and mobilizing, excessive material weights require more time and attention to handle safely.
Tread and Platform materials also contribute significant variability to the final pricing. If wood is desired, how thick? What species? What stain and finish would be applied? Will they need to be protected for some length of time after the project is completed while other work is taking place on site?
Finally, design and engineering can be a significant consideration that must be made in some instances. Some structures will be simpler and can be treated in a standardized manner. In other situations, careful engineering must be done to verify the proposed loading and anchoring plan will yield a safe structure. Installing a staircase in a new build home can look very different from an installation in a historic brick building. We call in the experts to give us all peace of mind that our plan has been carefully thought out. This is also where we determine how the project will be phased, and what the operation will look like on installation day. Investing in the planning phase of your project will save you time and money over the life of the project. Not every situation calls for an architect or an engineer, but where they are needed there is no suitable replacement.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the typical lead times for a staircase project?
The scale and logistics will impact this timeline most. In most situations, our timeline is around 12-18 weeks.
I like Mono Stringer staircases. Is this something you do?
Yes we do! The costs tend to be reasonably similar to traditional channel side staircases in base pricing, but can rise quickly as wood treads are optioned over standard metal treads.
I have a picture of a staircase I like. Can you match it?
Yes, most often we can. Some designs work better than others in a particular situation. We can help answer those questions and determine the best compromise if a compromise is unavoidable.
I was told my idea couldn’t be done in my space. I still need a staircase, what do I do?
Others may tell you what can and can’t be done. Most often what they’re actually saying is what they can or can’t do. Stairs are not a good project for every metal shop, so be picky when selecting your contractor. The right contractor will be honest about their limitations and will help you find a solution, even if that means referring you to another shop that is better suited to support your project.
Do you build spiral staircases?
Yes and no. We do not assemble kits for contractors or supplement other shops work on this type of project. Complex structures like these must be left in capable hands, and these work scopes are best when a single team can see them through from start to finish. Building a custom spiral staircase must be priced according to the details of the build as there are too many variables and logistics to standardize a low volume service of this kind. A safe assumption is approximately twice the cost per riser as our standard pricing layout.
Framed Glass Doors
and Accent Walls
The primary metric of glass door pricing is generally total square footage. This can be calculated by measuring the width and height of the opening in inches, multiply these two number together, and divide by 144. This converts our measurement into square feet and this will serve as the initial reference point for determining pricing. This measurement can be multiplied by the square foot prices listed on our Glass Doors page to get an initial ballpark price.
To settle on a more exact price, here are the things that will need to be explored further:
Types of glass: Glass is a specialty material that few have the ability to produce, that is why we source directly from the manufacturer every chance we get to avoid unnecessary markups. There are many variations of glass, some offering different aesthetics, some offering different functionality. Generally we must use tempered glass or laminated glass for safety and code compliance, but luckily there are still many styles that are offered in these forms. Basic clear glass is the most cost effective and some decorative options can be as much as 10 times the cost of standard glass.
Material selection: The most common material choice is Steel. However, Aluminum can also be a favorable choice for weight reduction and alternative material profiles, or Brass, where corrosion resistance or aesthetic is preferred. Building from materials other than steel typically come at a higher price point, and can be as high as 2-3 times the cost of steel construction due to the material costs.
Hardware: Door knobs and pulls come in many shapes, sizes, styles and materials as well. They also vary in cost widely. We can build you simple pulls that are integrated into the doors, or we can source hardware of your choosing that match your home and suit your aesthetic.
Hinges: There are many different types of hinges. Some swing both directions, others only swing in only one. Finding the right option for the weight and clearances required takes careful planning. Our experience working with a range of products gives us insight and intuition to make the right selection.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is the typical lead time for this?
We are looking at about 10-14 weeks.
Where should this fit within a larger remodel or a new build?
Our favorite place to be phased in is after drywall is complete but before trim and paint. Sometimes we need to coordinate with framing prior to drywall to ensure we have blocking in the correct places to securely anchor our work as well.
Do you have glass samples we can look at?
We do! We have 22 common glass types available to look through together.
I have some existing glass in the home. Are you able to match it?
Most often yes! Or at the very least something that is quite close. There are not many large manufacturers of glass which means their are fewer bespoke options to worry about. For safety reasons, some glass styles may not be code compliant to use in some situations, but the vast majority can be used without issue.
What about exterior doors?
Exterior doors are generally pretty similar to our standard interior doors. They will require seals and a different kind of glass typically, which makes them incrementally more expensive than their interior counterparts.
I want my doors to feel substantial and close with a good thud. What will these doors feel like?
Building custom doors is often about finding a blend between optimal weight and optimal stiffness/strength. To build something that lasts and feels good to use, we opt for more robust materials that we know will outlast the home they are installed within. On their own they are weighty, but extra measures can be taken to deaden them further if desired.
firepits
Firepits can be made in a wide range of different ways. Steel, stainless steel, weathering steel, and copper among the most popular. Some firepits will utilize a natural gas or propane burner, others will simply use wood for fuel. These can influence the way the firepit must be constructed and installed. Pricing on these units can vary widely so each custom build will need to be priced according to each client request. The pricing on our services page offer a starting point which we can expand upon during an exploratory call.
If a burner is going to be used, determining the dimensions and BTU rating is the first step to ensuring you have a fire that is big enough to suit the application, but not so large as to become a hazard. We can help you determine what would be best for your situation.
When selecting the materials, aesthetic and function are the primary drivers. If the unit is intended to be dropped into a concrete, brick, or stone firepit structure, the aesthetics may be less of a concern and instead the function and longevity are going to be maximized. For a standalone unit, extra care may be taken with the material selection to achieve the desired appearance and create an heirloom worthy piece.
Material Finishes are another element that must be considered. Most types of finish aren’t designed to be subjected to high heat or large variance in temperature. In some situations, choosing a material that will not require a finish is the best option. In other cases, pairing a high temperature compatible finish to the project is best. We can help you determine what will suit your needs best.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the typical lead times for a firepit?
Depending on the size and material about 8-14 weeks.
I looked at burners and they have different version depending on the gas. How do I decide which will be better for me and why are they different?
The real reason that these gases require different burners has to do with their stoichiometric ratios. This is the ratio between fuel and air that a particular fuel requires to burn cleanly and efficiently. The burners optimize their function for the fuel they will burn. Deciding between the two is a balance between flexibility and function. Natural gas may be convenient because it is already at the home, however piping in the gas means you must decide where the firepit will go and it cannot easily be moved. Propane can be run from compressed cylinders which will make it mobile, but when the cylinders need to be refilled it may be less convenient. Only you will be able to decide which scenario is best for you.
If this firepit is metal, will it get hot?
Yes, fire is hot and it will make your firepit hot too. Be careful and enjoy responsibly.
Can you do indoor fireplaces?
We can. Interior units have a few more hoops to jump through to ensure safe operation and code compliance. We can facilitate all these compliance concerns so you can enjoy your new fire feature with peace of mind.
Do you build these for commercial settings like breweries, distilleries, restaurants and public patios?
Of course! Building in larger volumes will even allow us to offer pricing breaks. Any space that requires ambiance, we can provide a fire feature for.
What about Corten Steel or Weathering Steel?
These are excellent materials to use for firepits. These steels are more expensive than mild steel, however their character and durability make them a great option in both form and function. They can however stain hardscape over time, so be prepared to power wash periodically to keep your patio looking fresh and clean.
Range Hoods
Range hoods are also loosely priced by the total square footage. Providing the dimensions of each face (or an estimation of these dimensions) is the best way to communicate the size and scale of your project and the accompanying budget.
There are several popular materials used in range hoods, the most common materials are Steel and stainless steel though copper and brass are also popular materials to use to accent the piece. Pricing varies across these materials by 50-150% depending on the size and the particular material desired.
Common finishes would include clear coats, patinas, or powder coat. We can help pair your budget and your aesthetic to the finish options that best suit your needs. Patinas have a high degree of variability so each will be unique and one of a kind. Typically a patina finish will add 30-40% to the total project cost for the extra care and prep that this finish requires. Patinas can be done in a wide range of different styles making it dynamic and versatile. A clear coat can be paired with hot rolled steel to showcase the natural character of steel, providing options for those who like modern, minimalist, or industrial appearance. Powder coating will provide a wide range of colors and sheens that can be paired to your desired color scheme.
Sometimes builders have the framing ready for us, other times we build the framing ourselves. Regardless of who builds the framing, it will need to be square, plumb, and true to the target dimensions for us to have the best result possible. Let us know what you need from us and we will assist however we can.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What are the typical lead times for a Range Hood?
Depending on the size and material about 8-14 weeks.
I like the style with straps and rivets, is this something you do?
Yes. This style is loved by many and is simple to incorporate into the design.
The minimalist range hoods look seamless in photos, are they?
Sometimes they are, but discrete seams and overlays are necessary for larger units or in cases where there are deviations that must be adjusted for. Our steel is straight and square which makes it unforgiving against the typical variations found in the walls, ceiling, and the framing provided for the range hood.
I’m doing a kitchen remodel. When during this process should I get in touch?
The earlier the better. Coordinating our work with the remodeler can make our installations simpler and more efficient, and can also ensure that everyone is done on time as planned.
Custom Lighting
Custom lighting is a broad umbrella that can encompass projects of a variety of shapes and sizes. Our services pages give a few examples to help determine a realistic budget, however each individual must be quoted according to the details of the inquiry.
The size of a custom piece can impact what lighting components can be used, how the piece must be constructed, and how power is supplied to the unit.
The complexity of a unit is also a contributing factor to the final cost. Is the piece meant to be delicate and ornate? Will it be difficult to route the circuitry, provide power, or hook up switches where they are needed? Careful thought must be given to these elements.
We work exclusively in low voltage systems. Doing so allows us to assemble and install custom fixtures that are created from elements that are already UL (Underwriters Laboratories) listed. Using a UL listed lighting element as a foundation, we can build housing for a code compliant unit without jumping through the hoops of a certification process. Doing so allows us to build custom pieces without optimizing for mass production. This means you can get what you want and it can be built to last. Building fixtures at scale is an expensive process, which inevitably leads to lower build quality, less variety available, and less robust fixtures. Our approach side steps these common problems so we can design something distinct together that is built to last.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How long would it take to make a custom light?
With so many components with making a custom light and depending on how small or large the project is, it could take anywhere between 8-12 weeks.
How do I determine if I’m going to get the right warmth of light?
Luckily the Kelvin Light Scale is a useful resource. Generally ranging from 1,000K up to 10,000K, the light spectrum fans from a warm amber color up to a cold blue. Between these extremes we have our warm yellows, soft whites, true whites, and light blue tints. Pairing a light warmth to the color palate of the home is the best way to ensure everything works in harmony.
Can you do large installations like what might be seen in a public building or event space?
Absolutely. Ambitious builds are what we do best. If you have concept sketches, we can expand from there. If you need help with concept drawings, we can work with you from the bottom up.
For remodels or new builds that incorporate custom lighting, when should we start the conversation?
As early as possible is typically best. Large installations may need support in the ceiling for hanging and power will need to be run to these locations. Collaborating with your contractor will help us coordinate effectively and avoid overages and change orders.
With all of this information given, I hope you were able to take it and be able to make an efficient plan for your vision. When you are ready, click this little button to contact us for the next step within your journey with us!
