Shop drawings are a key part of any construction project, helping bring design intent to life. They improve coordination, keep teams aligned, and help avoid costly mistakes and delays.

But…

Their true value comes from being reviewed thoroughly and applied effectively throughout the project.

In this post, we’ll dive into what makes up a shop drawing, why they’re essential for a successful build, and how you can maximize their potential. We’ll also share actionable tips on streamlining the review process to save time and reduce mistakes.

Let's get started.

What are shop drawings?

Shop drawings, also known as 'technical drawings' or 'fabrication drawings', are detailed plans created by contractors, manufacturers, or fabricators to illustrate how specific components will be manufactured, assembled, and installed as part of a construction project. They serve as a guide for producing key project elements such as structural steel, pre-cast concrete, windows, elevators, and millwork.

What’s in a shop drawing?

Shop drawings include detailed specifications, dimensions, materials, fabrication methods, and installation instructions to ensure each component fits the overall design. They also show how parts connect, comply with building codes, and may feature different views such as section, detail, and elevation perspectives. Additionally, shop drawings often include schedules, diagrams, illustrations, brochures, and sample submittals to provide further clarity.

Here is a more detailed breakdown of what's included in a a shop drawing:

• Dimensions – Precise measurements for fabrication and installation.

• Materials – Specifications for materials, finishes, and coatings.

• Fabrication details – Instructions on how components are manufactured or assembled.

• Installation instructions – Guidance on how elements should be placed or secured.

• Connections and joints – Details on how parts fit and interact with other elements.

• Compliance information – Notes on building codes, regulations, and standards.

• Schedules, diagrams, and illustrations – Visual representations of the design and construction process.

• Brochures and sample submittals – Supporting documents that provide additional product details.

They may also feature different views to clarify design intent, such as:

• Section view – Shows phases of construction and how elements connect.

• Detail view – Highlights small but crucial design details.

• Elevation view – Provides a straight-on perspective of the component.

  
  

Why do we need shop drawings?

Shop drawings provide the technical documentation required to communicate how the project components requested by the designer and their team will actually be fabricated, assembled, and installed. They fuel a shared vision that has proven essential for bringing complex construction projects together. 

Shop drawing benefits

The benefits of shop drawings are many and include reduced project costs, enhanced productivity, and improvements to the delivery schedule.

Shop drawings are critical collaboration tools that:

• Communicate the design vision and intent

• Identify the materials required to execute

• Facilitate collaboration between all parties throughout the build

• Build on the manufacturer or contractor’s documents with the rich detail and specifications required to bring the concept to fruition

3 tips for shop drawings success

Shop drawing submissions typically ramp up at project kickoff and slow down as construction progresses. Unlike contractor drawings, shop drawings remain unchanged throughout, acting as a single source of truth for all parties. This helps reduce misunderstandings and mistakes during the build.

Here are some tips to help you get the greatest value from and make the best use of your shop drawings:

1. Finalize the vision before creating shop drawings

Project specifications should clearly outline which shop drawings need to be submitted for consultant review. Shop drawings must be based on final decisions made from reviewing the drawings, contracts, and other specifications provided by the designers.

Once shop drawings are finalized, they cannot be changed. Ensure all required information and requests are included before sending them for preparation.

2. Ensure that shop drawings fulfill their intended purpose

Shop drawings should reflect actual site conditions and highlight how they differ from the contract documents. This check is crucial to ensure that what is manufactured off-site or constructed on-site meets the design intent outlined in the contract.

Shop drawings must be reviewed by the contractor before submission to consultants. This eliminates wasted time on drawings that will likely be rejected.

Additionally, shop drawings that are merely copies of consultant drawings should be rejected, as this indicates the subcontractor has not fully considered how their system fits into the overall design and construction.

3. Automate the process of shop drawing review

Reviewing shop drawings manually is time-consuming and can lead to errors. You constantly need to make sure no one is working on outdated versions, and chasing feedback can slow everything down.

Automating the shop drawing review process with an integrated construction management platform can:

• Eliminate crowded inboxes and version confusion

• Reduce human error

• Save time by streamlining file uploads and downloads

• Provide real-time updates and controlled access to the most recent version

Shop drawings often require multiple reviewers and days of coordination. Automation tracks the review process, showing where a document is, who is responsible, and which version is current.

By automating shop drawing reviews, you reduce manual effort, streamline workflows, and ensure that the right versions are being reviewed at all times—saving you time and minimizing errors.

Reviewing shop drawings becomes faster and more accurate with Part3's AI-powered Submittal Assistant. It automates the review process, streamlining workflows and keeping everyone on the same page. No more chasing feedback or dealing with outdated files.

Get an inside look at how our Submittal Assistant works in this webinar:

Shop drawing reviews made easy

Managing shop drawings doesn’t have to be complicated. By streamlining your review process, you can reduce delays and errors while improving coordination across your team. With the right tools and strategies, you can ensure that your shop drawings contribute to the success of your project from start to finish.

Book a demo to see how Part3 can help optimize your shop drawing review process.