A New England ornamental iron shop used IronKit to generate a miscellaneous metals bid package for a four-story commercial office building. The scope covered interior stairs, guardrails, balcony rails, embed plates, bollards, and custom steel signage frames — the classic "misc metals" scope that GCs bundle into a single subcontract. IronKit organized it by category with each item separately line-itemed, which the GC's project manager said made budget tracking straightforward throughout the project.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a "misc metals" scope on a commercial project?
Misc metals covers all the small-to-medium steel items that don't fit into the main structural steel scope: stairs, guardrails, handrails, embed plates, bollards, frames, angles, and custom fabricated items. GCs typically bid this as a single package because the labor and materials are interrelated and one shop can price the whole bundle efficiently.
How do I price guardrail per linear foot?
Guardrail pricing depends on system complexity, material, and finish. Simple pipe rail (1-1/2" Sch 40 post and top rail) in shop primer runs $35–$45/LF installed. Galvanized ornamental tube with pickets runs $65–$95/LF. Cable rail systems run $80–$150/LF depending on post spacing and hardware cost. IronKit lets you set the per-foot rate and quantity.
What is the hot-dip galvanizing lead time?
Galvanizing typically requires 3–4 weeks lead time at a commercial kettle galvanizer. Plan for this in your fabrication schedule — you need to complete fabrication and deliver to the galvanizer 3–4 weeks before you need the material on site. Rush galvanizing costs 20–40% premium; expedited slots at busy shops may be unavailable.
Should I price stairs as a lump sum or per-tread?
Both work, but per-stair-tower (lump sum per stair) is most common for misc metals bids. It's simpler to track, easier for GC budget management, and protects you from disputes about exact tread count when the architect changes the riser height post-bid. IronKit supports either pricing method.