I still remember my first metal gate commission!  I was terrified!  There is nothing like being thrown in at the deep end to get your arse into gear!  I had no idea how to go about it but soon learnt.  So here are some of my top tips:

Measuring up:  Make sure you take: a tape measure, pen, paper and a digital camera, which is absolutely essential!

Measure everything!  The drain pipe, the rendered plinths, how the wall slopes in or out, the window sill and window reveal – the more information the better, and make sure you photograph everything.  All this will prevent additional journeys back to site.  And write down measurements in one way, millimeters (mm)………it is the industry standard and helps when other people get involved.

Setting Out: Draw out your design full size.  This will help stop any embarrassing fit ups.  Also it makes it easier to build and work out all the measurements.

Top tip:  I leave a 60mm boarder gap around the sides and along the bottom edge of the gate, to allow for hinges and possible uneven surfaces.  Plus it frames the gate nicely!

Gate Building: The building is the fun part but work quickly to prevent mid job blues!  When finished, use your fingers to feel for sharp bits and smooth off with a grinder or chisel off any weld splatter.  I tend to buy my hinges from FH Brundles.  They do the simple pin hinges, which can be cut to size or a threaded hinge which can be adjusted to help level a wall or gate.
Top tip:  When using pin hinges, to prevent thieves lifting the gate, after fitting weld a blob on the inside of both pins.

Finishing: I always get my external pieces galvanized!  It’s long lasting and is essential for quality work that is intended to last.  I use Joseph Ash Galvanizers.  They have a pretty quick turn around and do a nice job.  Fettle off any zinc knobbles and bobbles after is has come back from the galvanisers.
The end finish is crucial to a piece.  It can make a piece ten times more exciting!  Sir Richard Quinnell pointed this out to me right at the beginning of BexSimon.  Try spray painting instead of hand painting to prevent streaks.

Fitting: I think Chemi fix is a must on small jobs!  Make sure you have all the necessary tools, bits of steel and waterproofs and some warm clothes, for if it is cold.  Wedge the gate up in place and always get someone to help you, even if it is to swear at them every now and then!
Top Tip: I still get really nervous before fit ups – the worry of the piece not fitting and the client stood watching. To help with the ensuring it is going to fit on the day I have been known to call my client and ask if they would like to see their gate drawn out full size.  By offering the full scale drawing up to the space the client can see if they are happy with the finished design, which they love and feel more involved, and you can check it fits its space perfectly and is artistically balanced to its environment.  Better to make the changes on the drawing than taking the gate away to rework.

Once the gate is in place, have some touch up paint to hand and clean down the gate so it shines, and sweep up after yourself… and if the work is not already fully billed, have a printed copy on the Invoice with you – they should be expecting it!

Clients: My final tip for doing a good job and leaving your client happy is remember that you must look professional at all times.  Clients are the most important part of the business equation and they must be listened too and respected! To build a trusting relationship with a client is hugely valuable as you are likely to get repeat work and they are likely to recommend you to friends.