Shop Drawings in Construction Explained: Definition, Types, Importance & Costs

Dubai’s Burj Khalifa stands as a symbol of modern engineering and architectural brilliance. Construction Shop drawings played a pivotal role in translating its visionary design into reality.  From the steel frames supporting its iconic spire to the intricate glass panels of its curtain wall, every component was first meticulously detailed as the shop drawing.

These detailed technical drawings guide fabricators and contractors through every step of manufacturing and installation, ensuring flawless execution despite the project’s complexity.

Every construction project, from record-breaking skyscrapers to smaller developments, relies on precision to ensure all components integrate seamlessly. Shop drawings bring this precision to a structural design by providing actionable, detailed instructions for fabricating and installing specific systems and components. These drawings bridge the gap between conceptual designs and real-world construction.

Table of content

What are Shop Drawings?
Why do we need Shop Drawings?
Types of Shop Drawing
Who prepares shop drawings?
What Information Do Shop Drawings Include?

What are Shop Drawings?

Construction shop drawings are technical drawings, also known as fabrication drawings, used to guide the fabricators in installing the prefabricated elements of a construction project. The drawing includes structural steel elements, precast concrete elements, windows, elevators, etc.

Rather than being made at construction sites, the fabricated elements are manufactured in a fabrication shop or factory. These are provided by either the subcontractor, manufacturer, distributor, or supplier before the construction process begins.

Why do we need Shop Drawings?

Shop drawings are essential for turning design concepts into flawless execution in construction projects. They ensure precision, streamline communication, maintain compliance, and adapt to changes, saving time, costs, and resources.

Here are five reasons why shop drawings are an essential part of the construction process –

1. Brings Precision and Accuracy  – For a project to succeed, every prefabricated element must align well within the structure. Using shop drawings ensures that the correct dimensions, material, and methodology are selected for fabrication.
2. Smooth Communication & Coordination – The shop drawings bring together the on-site and design teams, leading to a collaborative approach. Standardized instructions keep everyone informed on how to proceed with the project, minimizing the chances of conflicts and discrepancies.
   This ensures that the final output after the construction matches the design the team envisioned in the initial stage.
3. Compliance and Quality Control – Following the building codes and standards is one of the prerequisites in the construction industry. Hiring a shop drawing service provides specifications up to the mark (both structurally and legally) and gives you peace of mind. All their specifications will match the regulatory requirements, giving you full control over the project.
4. Monitored resource usage – A clear design intent keeps your operations running smoothly. The construction of a structure requires a team of professionals, such as architects, engineers, fabricators, and contractors, to come together.A shop drawing ensures that everyone is working on the exact design specifics. Plus, the in-depth information it offers on materials helps to avoid wastage. This leads to efficient functioning and saves unnecessary expenditure. An adept design will allow the teams to execute the project on time, ensuring everything follows the planned schedule.
5. Customization & Change Management – Sometimes, the original action plan might not be followed due to a new factor added to the construction process. Shop drawing helps you tackle such challenges by keeping tabs on changes made at a micro level. This ensures your team stays aligned and can pinpoint how it affects the final product.

Types of Shop Drawing

Below are the three common types of shop drawings –

Types of Shop Drawing

1. Structural Shop Drawings – These shop drawings provide detailed instructions on how the different structural elements, such as the steel frames, beams, columns, etc., will function and their specifications.

Examples:

• Steel fabrication drawings (beams, columns, trusses).
• Reinforced concrete detailing (rebar schedules, formwork layouts).
• Precast concrete components (wall panels, slabs, or stairs).

2. Architectural Shop Drawings – These drawings offer details of the architectural elements that form the structure’s aesthetics.

Examples:

• Interior fit-outs (ceiling, wall, and flooring details).
• Facade systems (curtain walls, cladding, glazing).
• Doors, windows, and millwork details (e.g. cabinets, paneling).

3. Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) Shop Drawings – These drawings illustrate the technical details of the building’s writing, mechanical and plumbing components.

Examples:

• Mechanical: HVAC ductwork layouts, equipment placements, and piping details.
• Electrical: Power distribution, lighting layouts, and panel schedules.
• Plumbing: Drainage systems, water supply piping, and fixture connections.

Who prepares shop drawings?

Generally, shop drawings are created by design professionals such as architects and engineers or by design and drafting firms; however, the manufacturer, subcontractor, fabricator, or consultant might also create them. The drawing captures the design intent of the project’s design team, elaborating on how the component will be manufactured, installed, and assembled.

These might contain illustrations, specifications, diagrams, and a detailed plan. The construction team proceeds with the development only after reviewing the document.

What Information Do Shop Drawings Include?

These comprehensive drawings are crucial for aligning the entire team and ensuring every component is fabricated and installed right. Shop drawings include essential details that ensure a construction project runs smoothly and accurately. Some of the elements are given below –

1. Dimensions – It contains measurements of the width, length, and thickness of different components required for the project.
2. Material – This will allow you to understand which materials will be used, their types, grades, finishing, etc.
3. Techniques – This section will detail the construction mythology to be used. It contains diagrams detailing the assembly instructions/installation.
4. Connections and Joints – This section will also inform you about how the various parts will be internally connected through the different fasteners/welding methods.
5. Field Measurements – Offer details required to fit the component on-site in the assigned space.
6. Coordination Details – We will provide you with information on the impact the fabricated component will have on other spheres, such as the MEP system.
7. Finish Details – These shape the building’s aesthetics, such as the coating on the finished surfaces and other required treatments.
8. Assembly Drawings – Diagrams illustrating how components will be assembled on-site, often including step-by-step instructions.

How Much Shop Drawing Cost?

The cost of shop drawings can vary depending on these factors –

1. The complexity of the project – Depending on how thorough the project requirement is, the pricing of the shop drawing increases. For example, if you are planning on designing a hall, it would be less resource-intensive than creating a skyscraper. A complicated project requires more detailing, translating to more steel connections, custom components, etc. This entails more excellent expertise, resulting in higher costs.
2. Level of Detailing – When the structure to be designed is simple, the detailing involved is less, translating to quick turnaround time and fewer resources. However, for shop drawings, complexity is high, and precision is of the utmost priority, which leads to a higher cost.
3. Project size – The larger the scale of the construction, the more detailing is required. Drafting takes longer because the documentation for the bigger structure is done on a larger scale. Executing the project requires more calculations and steel components.
4. Revisions and Modifications – Costs can increase if frequent changes are required during the project. Depending on the complexity and frequency of updates, additional revisions may cost anywhere from $200 to $2,000 per change.
5. Type of Building – Conventional residential and commercial projects tend to be more affordable. On the other hand, specialized buildings like hospitals, museums, airports, or other facilities requiring unique construction techniques and materials may cost more.
6. Location and Expertise – Construction costs, including steel shop drawings, can vary based on location. Metropolitan areas often have higher costs due to higher labor rates and specialized expertise, while rural regions may offer more affordable options. Working with local professionals can reduce costs without compromising quality.
7. Time Constraints – If the project timeline is typical, costs will follow the usual range, depending on the factors above. While shop drawings must be completed on a rushed timeline, additional charges will apply for overtime or expedited services.

 How can the cost of the shop drawing be reduced?

• Simplify the Design – Simplified designs require less time and effort to detail, which directly reduces the cost of creating shop drawings. Opting for straightforward, standard components can help streamline the drawing process.
• Work with a Reputable Fabricator – Collaborating with a skilled and experienced millwork fabricator can lower shop drawing costs. Their expertise helps simplify designs, select appropriate materials, and ensure that drawings are accurate and efficient, reducing time spent on revisions and adjustments.

Providing clear and precise drawings upfront can significantly reduce the need for clarifications and corrections later. The more accurate and detailed your shop drawings are from the beginning, the fewer revisions will be required, leading to a reduction in overall cost.

• Specify Materials, Finishes, and Hardware – Clearly outlining material specifications, finishes, and hardware requirements prevents misunderstandings and mistakes. When all details are provided early, it minimizes delays and ensures that no additional changes are needed after the initial drawings are completed.
• Include Detailed Assembly Instructions – Providing detailed assembly or setup instructions helps the fabricator and installers understand the design intent, ensuring a smooth installation. This reduces potential errors or rework, ultimately reducing the cost of revisions or errors during the construction process.

FAQS

Are shop drawings essential for every project?

For manufacturing projects, shop drawings are not just crucial, they are indispensable. They provide the detailed guidance necessary for fabricators to produce components accurately. These drawings also assist in identifying potential clashes and coordination issues between different components or systems early in the process, allowing for timely resolution before construction begins. Their role in ensuring the project’s success cannot be overstated.

How much do shop drawings cost?

Who makes shop drawings?

Shop drawings are typically created by contractors, subcontractors, manufacturers, distributors, or fabricators. These professionals utilize the design intent the project’s design team provides to produce detailed drawings. The drawings specify how each component will be manufactured, assembled, or installed, ensuring they meet the design requirements and align with the original specifications.

What is the standard turnaround time for steel shop drawings?

The turnaround time for steel shop drawings can vary depending on the project’s complexity and the drafting team’s workload. Typically, the process may take anywhere from a few days to several weeks. More intricate projects or those with tight deadlines may require additional time.

Conclusion

Shop drawings are not just vital, they are a game-changer in ensuring the success of any construction project. By offering detailed and precise guidance on prefabricated components, they reduce errors, enhance team communication, and streamline workflows.

Their ability to maintain compliance with building codes, optimize resource use, and adapt to project changes underscores their importance in delivering projects on time and within budget.

While the cost of shop drawings may vary depending on the project’s scope and complexity, they are a worthwhile investment for maintaining quality control and achieving superior results. By integrating these drawings into the construction process, teams can ensure that every aspect of the project aligns seamlessly with the initial design vision and deliver exceptional outcomes.