Steel Warehouse Quotation Checklist: 10 Questions to Ask Before Ordering

Getting a steel warehouse quotation is easy — getting a quotation you can actually compare with others is the hard part. Most buyers request 3 quotes, receive wildly different numbers ($35–$85/sqm), and end up choosing the cheapest — only to discover later that the "cheap" quote excluded roofing, or used a thinner steel section, or didn't include bolts.

This checklist gives you the 10 questions to ask every supplier, so you can compare quotes side by side and make an informed decision.

Before You Request a Quote: The Information You Must Provide

Suppliers can't give you an accurate price without these 7 details. Include them in your first email:

1. Building dimensions: Length × Width × Eave Height (not just total sqm)
2. Location: City and country — determines wind load, seismic zone, and corrosion category
3. Building use: Warehouse? Factory? Cold storage? Each has different load requirements
4. Insulation preference: None / EPS / PU / Rockwool? What thickness?
5. Crane requirement: Yes/no, capacity (tons), and whether it's immediate or future
6. Door specifications: Quantity, type (roll-up/sliding), and size (width × height)
7. Wall type: Single skin or sandwich panel? If single skin, any internal liner?

The 10 Questions

Question 1: What Grade of Steel Are You Using?

Not all steel is equal. The steel grade directly affects structural safety and building lifespan.

What to ask: "Please specify the steel grade for columns, rafters, and purlins in your quotation." If the quotation doesn't mention steel grade, assume it's the cheapest option.

Question 2: What's the Total Steel Tonnage?

The single most objective way to compare two steel structure quotes: total steel weight in kilograms or tons. More steel = stronger structure = higher cost. A quote that's 20% cheaper but has 30% less steel is not actually cheaper — it's a lighter, weaker building.

What to ask: "Please provide the total steel tonnage broken down by primary frame (kg), secondary framing (kg), and purlins (kg)."

Question 3: Is the Steel Hot-Dip Galvanized or Painted?

What to ask: "Is the steel hot-dip galvanized (HDG) or painted? If HDG, what zinc coating thickness (g/m²)? If painted, what paint system and DFT (dry film thickness)?"

For coastal areas (within 5km of sea), hot-dip galvanized is strongly recommended.

Question 4: What's Included in the Roofing?

Many quotes say "roofing included" but don't specify what that means:

• Type: IBR corrugated sheet, standing seam, or sandwich panel?
• Thickness: 0.4mm, 0.5mm, or 0.6mm? Thinner = cheaper but dents easily
• Coating: Zinc (Z275), galvalume (AZ150), or color-coated?
• Accessories: Are ridge caps, flashing, gutters, and downpipes included?

What to ask: "Please list all roofing components with material specification and quantity."

Question 5: Are Bolts, Fasteners, and Anchor Bolts Included?

A shocking number of "complete" quotations exclude bolts. Anchor bolts alone can cost $800–$2,000 for a 1,000 sqm warehouse — and they're essential for connecting the steel frame to the foundation.

What to ask: "Are all connection bolts, washers, nuts, and anchor bolts included in the quotation? Please list quantities."

Question 6: What's Excluded? (The "Exclusions" Section)

Every quotation has an exclusions section — but many suppliers bury it in fine print or don't mention it at all. Explicitly ask.

Typical exclusions to watch for:

• Foundation and concrete work
• Installation/erection labor
• Doors and windows (sometimes excluded from "steel package")
• Electrical wiring and lighting
• Plumbing and sanitary
• Fire protection systems
• Permits and engineering stamps
• Freight and customs clearance
• Crane rental for erection

What to ask: "Please provide a complete list of everything NOT included in this quotation."

Question 7: What's the Engineering Design Standard?

Your building must be engineered to the correct code for your country:

• Philippines: NSCP 2015
• Indonesia: SNI 1729
• Vietnam: TCVN 5575
• UAE: BS 5950 / Eurocode 3
• Saudi Arabia: SBC 306 / AISC

What to ask: "Which design code is the structure engineered to? Can you provide the design basis including design wind speed, seismic zone, and roof live load?"

Question 8: What's the Payment Schedule?

Standard international steel structure payment terms:

What to ask: "What is the payment schedule? Is payment by T/T or L/C? Are there any additional bank charges?"

For orders above $100,000, consider negotiating a Letter of Credit (L/C) for buyer protection.

Question 9: What's the Delivery Timeline?

A complete timeline should cover:

What to ask: "Please provide a detailed production and delivery timeline from order confirmation to site delivery."

Question 10: Can You Provide References From Our Region?

The best validation of a steel structure supplier is a project similar to yours in a country similar to yours.

What to ask: "Do you have reference projects in [your country]? Can you share project photos and client contact information for verification?"

Quick-Reference Checklist Card

Print this or save it on your phone when reviewing quotations:

`` □ STEEL GRADE: _______ (columns) / _______ (rafters) / _______ (purlins) □ TOTAL STEEL TONNAGE: _______ kg (primary) + _______ kg (secondary) □ SURFACE: □ HDG □ Epoxy □ Primer Zn thickness: _______ g/m² □ ROOFING: _______ type, _______ mm, _______ coating □ INCLUDED: □ Bolts □ Anchor bolts □ Flashings □ Gutters □ EXCLUDED: □ Foundation □ Installation □ Freight □ Permits □ DESIGN CODE: _______ Wind speed: _______ Seismic: _______ □ PAYMENT: ___% deposit / ___% pre-shipment / ___% balance □ TIMELINE: Fab _______ weeks / Shipping _______ days / Total _______ weeks □ REFERENCES: □ Photos provided □ Contact shared ``

FAQ

How many suppliers should I get quotes from?

Three. More than three creates analysis paralysis. Three is enough for competitive pricing without overwhelming yourself with comparisons.

Should I always choose the cheapest quote?

No. Choose the quote with the best value: the right steel grade and tonnage for your requirements, proper surface treatment for your environment, and a supplier who answers all 10 questions clearly. A cheap quote with Q235 painted steel in a coastal location will cost more in maintenance within 5 years than a mid-range quote with Q355 galvanized steel.

How binding is a steel structure quotation?

A quotation is generally valid for 15–30 days due to fluctuating steel prices. After that, the supplier may need to reprice. If you're close to ordering, ask the supplier to lock in the price with a letter of intent (LOI) or proforma invoice.

What's the difference between a quotation and a proforma invoice?

A quotation is an estimate. A proforma invoice is a formal offer with fixed terms — it's one step before a commercial contract. Once you accept a proforma invoice and pay the deposit, the price and terms are locked.

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Ready to get comparable quotes? Contact us with your building specifications. We'll provide a detailed BOQ quotation that answers all 10 questions — and tell you exactly what's included and excluded.