By Daily Sports Work 
Do you need something welded? Maybe it is a custom metal gate, trailer repair, or structural job that really has to hold weight. You can call the first welding company you find and hope for the best. But that’s also how you end up with a mess.
A poor weld isn’t just aesthetically undesirable; it could be weak, unsafe, or costly to rectify. Therefore, before turning your project—and your hard-earned cash—over to somebody, here are 10 questions you should definitely ask. Not for peace of mind but because you are looking for a genuine expert who truly knows what they are doing.
1. What Kind of Welding Do You Specialize In?
Not all welding is the same. Some decorative railings and other custom metal work are created by artistic welders. On the other end of the spectrum are heavy industrial projects, including building bridges and designing machinery. Other areas where specialists may work involve automotive welders, pipeline welders, or structural steel professionals.
If you need something welded—aluminum or iron cast, for example—do not assume they know what they are doing, just because the person is a welder. You can just ask, “Have you ever done this type of job?”
If they shift uncomfortably in their seats and say, “We can make it work,” get out.
2. Are You Certified?
Good welders do not start by grabbing the torch and welding together pieces of metal; they train for this and practice under various assessments, proving competency to themselves. In terms of requirements, key certifications include but are not limited to the following:
- CWB (Canadian Welding Bureau) Certification
- Red Seal Certification
If they shrug and say, “I’ve been doing this for years, I don’t need a certification,” be careful. Experience is great, but in welding, certifications count.
3. Can I See Some of Your Work?
You wouldn’t hire a tattoo artist without looking at their portfolio, right? The same rule applies here. A good welder should be able to show you photos of past projects or even let you talk to previous customers.
If they can’t show you something, ask them why.
4. What Kinds of Materials Do You Weld?
Steel, stainless steel, aluminum, cast iron, titanium—all are different materials that require different welds, and some can be really tricky. Aluminum, for example, requires special welds because aluminum melts easily and can warp easily.
If your project requires a specific material, make sure they have worked with it. A person experienced only in mild steel is not ideal for an aluminum repair on a trailer, for instance.
5. Are You Insured?
Welding involves fire, sparks and awful heat. At some point, something can go wrong—maybe the fire gets away, or someone gets hurt. Who’s responsible?
A professional welding service has:
- Liability insurance (to cover property damage or an accident).
- Worker’s compensation (to protect their employees in case of an injury)
If they’re not responsible, you are probably paying for it. You could be held liable for damages. Don’t take their words on faith—ask to see proof.
6. Do You Provide Special Services?
Some welders only build things to specs. Others are fabricators who can design, cut, and build from scratch. If you need something custom—something like a one-of-a-kind railing or a metal sculpture—ask if they actually design and fabricate or just assemble pre-made parts.
Not every welder is a problem-solver. Make sure they have the skills to handle what you need.
7. How Long Will This Take?
Some jobs take a day. Some take weeks. Welding’s not always real quick, but you should get at least an idea of the timeline.
Ask:
- When do you start?
- How long do you think this will take?
- Do you have any other work scheduled that’s going to throw this off?
If they tell you, “We’ll get to it when we can,” that’s not good. Any professional should be able to tell you a timeline.
8. What Safety Measures Do You Follow?
Welding can be hazardous. Sparks, toxic fumes, hot temps—there’s a reason for safety regulations. A quality welder should be wearing:
- Fire-resistant clothing
- Adequate ventilation, especially for indoor work
- Eye and face protection
- Approved safety guidelines
If they downplay the importance of safety or tell you it’s not necessary? That’s not someone you’re going to want working on your project.
9. Do You Offer Mobile Welding?
Some jobs require a shop, but some jobs, such as fixing fences, repairing equipment, or even doing on-site metalwork, require them to come to you. Not all companies offer mobile welding so make sure to ask before assuming that they can.
And if they do mobile work, ask if they bring their own power source. Some mobile welders have generators, others will need access to electricity. Small detail, but important.
10. How much do you charge for your services?
Welding costs differently—including the price welders charge by the hour or by project of materials, labour and travel time.
Ask:
- How is that? Hourly, flat? Am I being quoted materials? Any overhead am I supposed to be looking at?
A good welder will tell you up front what he is going to charge. If he avoids the question or puts it off with, “we’ll figure that out later,” watch out. That’s how surprise costs arise.
Final Thought: The Good Welder Won’t Dodge Questions
A reputable, established welder should not be unwilling to answer these types of questions. They may even appreciate your concerns.
When, however, they become annoyed or defensive, that’s a red flag. Welding Mississauga requires an investment of time, depending on the project, either a structural operation or a repair or a custom piece.