Two workshops can quote the same drawing and be thousands of shillings apart, and neither is necessarily cheating you. They are usually assuming different things. Here is what actually moves a fabrication price in Kenya, so you can compare quotes properly and spend where it matters.
1. Material and thickness
Steel is bought by weight, so thickness is the single biggest lever. Going one gauge thicker "to be safe" can add a quarter to your material bill without adding useful strength. Tell us the load and the environment and we will specify the lightest section that does the job safely.
2. Quantity
Setup is a fixed cost. Programming, clamping and first-off checks cost the same for one part or fifty, so per-piece prices fall sharply with volume. If you know you will need more later, order them together.
3. Tolerance and finish
A bracket that bolts into a slot does not need machine-shop precision. A shaft that runs in a bearing does. Tight tolerances mean extra machining passes and inspection time. Say which surfaces are critical and let the rest be economical.
4. Complexity of the cut and the joint
Intricate patterns take longer to cut and much longer to dress by hand. CNC cutting makes detail affordable, but every internal corner still needs finishing. On decorative work like railings and balustrades, pattern choice can change the price more than size does.
5. Coating and corrosion protection
Paint systems are not equal. A gate at the gate of a dusty compound and a canopy in constant rain need different preparation and coats. Under-spending here is the most expensive saving in fabrication, because rework means stripping finished work.
6. Delivery and installation
Transport, lifting and on-site fitting are real costs. Make sure every quote you compare either includes them or excludes them - that alone explains many price gaps.
How to get a quote you can trust
Send the drawing or sketch, the quantity, the site location and the date you need it through the quote form. You get a written breakdown showing material, work and finishing separately, so you can see what you are paying for. Already have a design? Cut costs further by buying a ready file from the design shop.
Ready to move? Request a free quote, browse our engineering services, or call us on +254 723 755772 (Sun-Fri, 8:00am-5:00pm).
