Frequently Asked Questions
Your questions answered
Find answers to common questions about our steel fabrication and construction services. If you don't see what you're looking for, please contact us.
Project Planning & Estimates
- They ask for an unusually large deposit upfront
- They are reluctant to let you visit their workshop or see past projects
- They can't provide credible references from previous clients
- They don't offer any guarantee on their work
- They're vague about material specifications or grades they'll use
- Their quote is significantly cheaper than others—at C&H Contractors, we provide fair, competitive pricing based on quality materials
Contact C&H Contractors office, and we'll guide you through the process. Here's what helps us provide an accurate quote:
- Architect drawings, engineer's drawings, or bill of quantities if you have them
- If you don't have plans, we can visit your site and take measurements ourselves
- We offer a range of standard steel structures for cost-effective solutions—just ask about our options!
Our team will help determine the most efficient and economical structural solution for your needs.
With C&H Contractors, our standard structures come with transparent pricing—no hidden fees or unexpected costs. For custom projects, we provide detailed quotes outlining all costs involved. We also offer additional services tailored to your specific needs. Contact our sales team for more information about our competitive pricing structure.
- We provide a legal construction agreement signed by both parties for your protection
- A credit application may be required through C&H Contractors
- We require a 30% deposit of contract value when placing your order
- 60% of the contract value is due when materials are delivered to the site
- The final 10% is payable upon project completion and client sign-off
After you place an order with C&H Contractors, we follow this process:
- Our team verifies all measurements on site
- We submit final drawings for your approval and engineering review
- Civil work begins as we set out the building and mark foundation locations
- While excavation happens, we start fabricating your structure in our workshop
- We install foundation bolts, typically within the second week
- During concrete curing, fabrication nears completion for shipment to your site
- Materials arrive on site, and installation begins according to our agreed timeline
Throughout the project, we'll keep you informed about timeframes and progress.
Construction & Project Execution
All C&H Contractors buildings are fabricated according to professional engineering designs and signed off by qualified engineers. We follow strict quality control procedures throughout fabrication and construction to ensure all structures meet or exceed industry standards and building codes.
- Professional building layout and foundation marking
- Expert placement of hold-down bolts
- A fully equipped, skilled erection team led by an experienced Site Manager
- Crane equipment for safe and efficient material handling
- Regular quality inspections throughout the construction process
- Comprehensive safety protocols and inspections
- Final inspection and detailed handover certificate
- Complete project documentation including approved drawings, material certificates, quality control reports, and paint data
While using second-hand materials might seem cost-effective initially, the labor costs of dismantling, modifying, and re-erecting often offset potential savings. At C&H Contractors, we've found that recycled materials typically only save around 15% when accounting for additional labor, modifications, and finishing work required. We recommend new materials for most projects to ensure consistent quality, structural integrity, and longevity.
Yes, if your project is within a municipal area, council drawings must be submitted for approval. For projects on farms or in rural areas outside municipal jurisdiction, this requirement may be waived. C&H Contractors can advise on local requirements and assist with the process of obtaining necessary approvals.
At C&H Contractors, safety is our top priority. All our personnel are thoroughly trained for working at heights and rigging operations. We maintain comprehensive safety files on-site that adhere to current health and safety regulations. Our team follows strict safety protocols during all phases of construction, and we conduct regular safety inspections to ensure compliance and prevent accidents.
Materials & Technical Questions
Yes, C&H Contractors offers a variety of paint colors and finish options. We provide 3-year, 5-year, and 10-year paint guarantees depending on your needs and budget. Custom paint specifications must be requested before work begins so we can ensure proper surface preparation and application. Our team can guide you through available options to best suit your project requirements and environmental conditions.
Chromadek is factory-painted galvanized steel that comes in various colors with a baked-on finish, offering immediate aesthetic appeal and weather protection. Galvanized sheeting has a zinc coating that protects against corrosion but has a metallic appearance. While chromadek provides color options and ready-to-install convenience, galvanized sheeting is typically more economical. C&H Contractors can help you select the best option based on your budget, aesthetics, and durability requirements.
Yes, thicker sheeting generally provides greater durability and longevity. At C&H Contractors, we typically recommend 0.5mm thickness for standard applications and 0.58mm or 0.8mm for more demanding environments or longer lifespan requirements. Thicker materials offer better resistance to impacts, wind pressure, and foot traffic during maintenance. Our team will help you select the appropriate thickness based on your specific project needs and budget considerations.
As a general guideline, C&H Contractors recommends ventilation equal to at least 5% of your floor area through ridge ventilators, wall louvers, or other ventilation systems. For example, a 1000m² building should have approximately 50m² of natural ventilation. Proper ventilation prevents condensation, reduces heat buildup, and creates a more comfortable environment. We can design an optimal ventilation system based on your building's use, local climate, and specific requirements.
Roof leaks typically begin at screw points due to thermal expansion and contraction that enlarges holes and degrades washers over time. C&H Contractors recommends replacing damaged screws and washers rather than using temporary sealants or coatings. For effective troubleshooting:
- Check roof flashings for proper installation and water-tightness
- During rain, mark the exact locations where leaks appear on the floor
- Inspect for damaged or missing screws, washers, and sealants
Our maintenance team can provide thorough inspection and professional repairs to extend your roof's lifespan.
Project Timeline & Completion
After final approval, C&H Contractors can typically be on-site within 4 weeks. Our installation teams can erect approximately 3 tons of steel per day, making for efficient project completion. We'll provide you with a detailed project timeline showing all phases of construction from foundation work through final completion. This allows you to plan accordingly and coordinate with other contractors or business operations as needed.
- Our project manager will conduct a comprehensive walkthrough with you to ensure complete satisfaction
- We use a detailed 70-point checklist to verify all aspects of the project meet our quality standards
- Any minor adjustments or snags are promptly addressed before final handover
- You'll receive our final invoice along with the C&H Contractors Guarantee and complete project documentation
- We provide a complete data book with all project details for your records and future reference
- C&H Contractors is transparent about all costs—you won't find hidden charges in our quotes
- Typically, civil works including concrete supply are excluded from standard quotes and are the client's responsibility unless specifically requested
- We can provide comprehensive quotes that include civil works if desired
- Any exclusions will be clearly outlined in your project quote
C&H Contractors uses a comprehensive construction agreement that protects both parties. We also provide a "cession of deed" document that gives you security for materials stored off-site. Our established reputation and transparent business practices ensure your project will be completed as agreed. We're happy to provide references from satisfied clients who can confirm our reliability and professionalism.
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