RepOne Consulting
CPM Scheduling | Construction Expert

shop drawings

Part 4/4, Shop Drawings or Sketches – What’s the Real-Deal?

We have defined what shop drawings are traditionally thought of, which begs the question: what shop drawings are not, or may not be. The quality of shop drawings varies considerably among contractors. All must be judged on their own merits and specific application. Shop-drawings are never an end in themselves: they must be coordinated with adjacent program, which includes providing access and clearance for these programs.

Although a designer may approve or stamp drawings “furnish as corrected” or “no exception taken,” etc., this distinction does not speak to the veracity of the drawings; it is merely part of the oversight review process. More importantly, he has no contractual responsibility for the accuracy or viability of the drawings. The level of scrutiny by oversight designers varies widely.

Shop drawings do not exist in a vacuum: they begin with schematics, evolve into dimensioned fabrication drawings, and are used in the MEP coordination effort. They also typically are accompanied by general performance specifications and materials that must be compliant with the project specifications. For example, our hypothetical duct system submittal would include a  SMACNA book. In many cases, a mock-up may also be required for inspection. Finally, are issued “red-lined” as-builts, or corrected to show actual works. This last stage is critical to the end-user for his maintenance plan.

For products that are manufactured according to their own standard designs, suppliers typically have a library of specifications at the ready, on their website. However, for customizations, shop drawings will have to be modified accordingly. Many manufacturers prefer not to deviate from their standard specifications, and are loath to do so, without a costly upcharge. Think of a custom suit, as opposed to one off-the-rack: factories are tuned to manufacture standard issues; customizations invariably gum up the assembly line.

Shop drawings are an integral part of the build-out process. They are meant to facilitate the work by the contractors who prepare them, and to convey their intentions to other team members whose program it is related to, integrated with, or may be affected by. Too many general contractors act as a pass-through during their sub-contractors’ shop drawing submittal and approval process, when they should be closely vetting them. That level of scrutiny is reserved for general contractors who aspire to a higher level of integrity.

 

 

Archives: 2014 - 2024

Generating Effective Construction Schedule Oversight Reports

Construction Schedule Oversight Success is Predicated on Having the Right Skill Sets There are both art and science at play in the business of preparing effective and productive CPM construction...

Delay and Disruption Cases: a Tale of Two Claims

I recently had the pleasure of serving as an expert on two concurrent delay and disruption cases that proved to provide some interesting insights into the nuances of delay and disruptions experienced...

Construction Schedule Acceleration: Optimizing for Success

Schedule Acceleration: The Big Squeeze Construction schedule acceleration is a strategy designed and intended to either mitigate and stanch off float erosion (delay,) or to recover lost time –...

Successful Shop Drawing and Submittal Strategies

There has always been a lot of confusion about what constitutes a ‘shop drawing,’ submittal,  and finally – coordination drawings. In order to optimize project management outcomes, it is...

Mastering Retrofit Construction Layout: Optimizing Axes Lines and Benchmarks

Retrofit construction layout is distinct from new construction in that new elements are dictated by existing program to remain or ‘ETR’ – such as structure supporting walls, floors, and...

Punch List Techniques and Strategies for General Contractors 

Confusion and lack of consensus over what a construction project punch list or punch-out list is and what it isn’t, contribute mightily to project conflict in the close out stage of most any...

Managing Construction Contract Extension of Time Claims

Very few construction projects seem to progress without at least one general disruption or delay time impact that affects schedule milestones, and requires trades to accelerate in order to keep to...

Architectural Alignments in Construction

In most interior fit-out, builders only need to align major or basic elements – like walls, floors, and ceilings. As the sophistication of their commissions ratchet up, these architectural...

Resource Loaded CPM Scheduling Strategies

Resource loaded CPM scheduling pertains to developing schedules based on activity durations predicated on production rates and constraints of available personnel or resources. Many project...