The most common reason a mobile welding job takes longer than expected isn't the welding — it's the setup. Shifting furniture, moving cars, finding an extension cord, locating the right power outlet. These things add 20–40 minutes to a job that's billed by the hour. A little preparation before we arrive converts directly into cost savings for you.
This checklist applies to residential and commercial jobs alike. Tick these off before the booking and the job will run more smoothly.
1. Clear Vehicle and Property Access
We arrive in a work ute with a canopy or box body carrying welding equipment, gas bottles, and tools. We need:
- A clear path from the street to the work location — no cars blocking the driveway
- If the work is at the rear of the property, check whether there's rear lane access or whether we need to carry equipment through the house or down a side path
- For construction sites: note the site entry point and any sign-in requirements — call ahead to let the site supervisor know a mobile welder is attending so they can arrange access
2. Check Power Supply
Most welding machines run on standard 15A or 10A single-phase power. What we need:
- An outlet within approximately 20m of the work location (we carry a heavy-duty extension lead)
- Confirm the outlet is on a dedicated circuit if possible — welding draws significant current and can trip household circuits if shared with other loads
- For work at the back of large properties, in paddocks, or at locations without power access, let us know in advance — we can bring a generator but it needs to be planned
- For TIG welding, a 15A outlet is preferred. Standard 10A outlets can run MIG but may trip a sensitive circuit breaker
If you're not sure about the power setup at your property, mention it when you call and we'll advise.
3. Clear the Work Zone
The area around the weld needs to be clear for two reasons: physical access and fire safety. Welding sparks travel up to 3–4 metres and can ignite combustible materials.
- Remove furniture, plants, timber structures, stored materials, and vehicles from within 3m of the weld location
- If the work is adjacent to timber decking, timber framing, or a fence with a timber component — mention this when booking. We carry a welding blanket and fire extinguisher, but the more clearance, the better
- Move any fuel containers, paint tins, or solvents well clear of the area
- Ensure there's no dry grass, leaf litter, or mulch directly under or adjacent to where sparks will fall — sweep or wet it down if needed
4. Know the Metal Type
The single most useful thing you can tell a mobile welder before they arrive is the metal type. If you know, tell us:
- Mild steel, galvanised steel, high-tensile steel — standard for most gates, fences, trailers, and structural work
- Stainless steel — pool fencing, handrails, marine hardware; confirm 304 or 316 if you know
- Aluminium — ute trays, boats, coastal gates, lightweight structures
- Unknown — if you don't know, tell us that. We can identify the metal on arrival using a simple test. Don't guess: welding the wrong process onto the wrong metal (e.g. steel wire on aluminium) causes weld failure
If you have any existing documentation — architect drawings, previous maintenance records, specification sheets — have them handy. They can save significant time on a commercial or construction site job.
5. Send Photos in Advance
If possible, send photos of the damage or work location before we arrive. WhatsApp or email works. Good photos show:
- The damaged or failed weld clearly, from two angles if possible
- The wider context — what's adjacent to the work, what materials are nearby
- Any existing markings, brands, or spec plates on the structure (trailers, equipment frames)
Photos allow us to arrive with the right consumables for the job, reducing the chance of needing to return for a second visit. They also allow a more accurate phone estimate before we attend.
6. For Construction Sites: Notify Your Supervisor
Hot work on a construction site requires a hot work permit from the principal contractor or site manager. This isn't our requirement to manage — it's the site's. Before booking a mobile welder for a construction site job:
- Check whether a hot work permit is required (it almost always is on a commercial construction site)
- Arrange the permit before the booking day — permits often have to be approved in advance
- Ensure a fire watch person is available as required by the permit
- Confirm gas bottle delivery is permitted on-site (some sites require approval for compressed gas)
We carry our own insurance and safety documentation. If the site requires copies of our PLI certificate or SWMS (Safe Work Method Statement) in advance, let us know and we'll provide them.
7. Have Someone Present Who Can Make Decisions
The single most frustrating situation on a mobile welding job: arriving to find a scope that's different from what was described, with no one on-site who can authorise the changed scope or additional cost. If the job is at a property you're not at yourself:
- Have a contact person on-site who knows the job and can make decisions
- Ensure they know the agreed scope and can authorise additional work if the inspection reveals more than expected
We'll always call before starting any work that's outside the agreed scope. But having a decision-maker available keeps the job moving.
For more on what to look for when choosing a mobile welder, see our buyer's guide. For understanding what the call-out fee covers and how pricing works, see the call-out fee guide. Or jump straight to a quote: call 0426 829 762 or request a quote online. Full service details on the mobile welding service page.