Does your team have the expertise to collaborate on this project and come to a solution? Before jumping head first into a project, first take a step back and look at the overall scope of the project. Based on your team’s background, do you feel as though they could even discuss the possibility of doing this project themselves? Could they complete the project? Would they catch the same mistakes an expert would? If the answer is yes, continue reading.

Does your team have the time to take on the project? 

If you’re team is already swamped with their current workload, it may not be a great idea to add onto their plate. If this project will require them to work a significant amount of overtime, is it worth the potential damage to employee morale? 

How much time will it take your team based on their level of experience?

Now that you’ve decided your team is capable of completing the project, it’s time to decide how efficiently they can complete it. Your team may be able to complete the project, but it may take them more time than it would if you were to outsource the project. Time is money, so if it’s going to take them significantly more time to complete the metal work; save yourself the money and headache and just outsource the project.

Do you have the proper equipment to get this metal project done safely? 

When you don’t have the proper equipment to complete a metal project, things can get very dangerous, very quickly. The equipment it takes to work with metal is usually heavy, flammable, and hazardous. Not only will you need the proper equipment to get the job done, you may also need more safety equipment such as welding sleeves, helmets, booths, guards, etc. 

Another aspect to think about in regards to safety, is the position the job may require the workers to work in. Will they be bending over frequently? Will they be lifting heavy materials? What injuries could they endure from this project? How much would those injuries cost your company?

Are your workers qualified to do this kind of work?

There is a reason people are qualified to do certain work. It’s a safety hazard to have an unqualified worker, working with equipment they shouldn’t be. Especially when it comes to metal work, because there are a lot of things that could potentially go wrong.

Do you have the equipment needed for this project? 

If this project requires you to buy new equipment, you’ll have to factor that into your decision. If you foresee taking on multiple projects like this, it might make sense to buy the equipment. If you won’t ever use the equipment needed, it’s probably not a good investment. If you do decide to buy the equipment, make sure you mull over where the equipment will go and what other costs/maintenance that equipment will require. 

Do you already have the metal on hand? 

You may have all of the equipment to complete the project, but you’re also going to need metal. If you don’t have the needed metal on hand, you’ll have to order it. If you don’t normally order metal, it may cost you more than it would a custom metal fabricator. You’ll also have to think about what you’ll do with the surplus you may acquire from your metal order. You will most likely have to order metal in full quantities (by the box, stick, plate, etc.). 

If you do decide to take on the project yourself, remember that you are now taking on the risk of losing time, money and resources. If something goes wrong, you are responsible. If you had outsourced the project, the risks and responsibility would be put on another company. They now have to worry about their expertise, time, safety, materials and risks.