Shop drawings translate design intent into fabrication and installation. Effective review and coordination keep them aligned with the contract documents and reduce RFIs and rework.
What Shop Drawings Are
Shop drawings are prepared by contractors, subs, or suppliers to show how they’ll build or fabricate their work. They’re not a substitute for the contract documents; they must conform to the plans and specs. Common types include structural steel, reinforcing, millwork, casework, and MEP coordination.
The Review Process
Typically the design team (or owner’s rep) reviews shop drawings for conformance to the contract. Comments should be clear and tied to specific spec sections or drawing references. “Approved as noted” means the reviewer has accepted the submittal with required revisions; the contractor then implements those revisions before fabrication or installation.
Coordination Across Trades
When multiple trades’ work intersects (e.g., structure, cladding, MEP), coordination drawings or composite models help resolve conflicts before they hit the field. Early coordination reduces RFIs and change orders and keeps the submittal process from becoming a bottleneck.
Best Practices
- Submit in the order required by the spec and project schedule.
- Highlight deviations from the contract documents; don’t bury them.
- Track status (submitted, under review, approved, revised) in a register so the team knows where each submittal stands.
Zeconic supports shop drawing review and coordination so your submittals stay on track and compliant with the contract.