What to Look for When Hiring a Steel Fabricator in NZ
- LBP credentials for structural work
- Steel grade specification (AS3678, Grade 300 etc)
- Welding certification (AWS D1.1 or AS/NZS 1554)
- Protective coating / hot-dip galvanising spec
- Engineer-approved drawings
Red Flags to Watch Out For
- No welder certification
- Won't specify steel grade
- No engineer approval for structural members
- No coating specification
Typical Costs Across NZ
Structural steel beam: $120β$250/m installed. Steel portal frame: $35,000β$80,000+. Balustrade: $400β$900/m
Costs vary significantly by city β Auckland and Queenstown are typically the most expensive, while Invercargill and Dunedin are among the most affordable.
Licensing Requirements
Structural steel work on buildings requires an LBP licence (Design or Structure category). Check the register β