Shop Drawing Submittals: The Approval Process and Common Revisions

When it comes to construction and manufacturing projects, there’s a crucial step that ensures all details are accounted for before work begins: shop drawing submittals. These drawings are essential documents that provide the precise details of how certain parts of a project will be built, fabricated, or installed. 

The approval of these drawings is a vital step in making sure the project runs smoothly and meets all design requirements. However, the approval process can be complex, and revisions are often needed before final approval.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the shop drawing submittal process, the role these drawings play in the construction or manufacturing industry, and the common revisions that might occur along the way.

What Are Shop Drawings?

Shop drawings are detailed plans that show how specific components of a project will be constructed, assembled, or installed. They are typically created by contractors, fabricators, or manufacturers and are submitted to the project’s designers or engineers for approval before the actual work begins. 

Unlike architectural drawings, which focus on the general layout and design of a project, shop drawings zoom in on specific elements, like HVAC systems, millwork details, or structural components. These drawings provide a detailed view of the work that will be done and help clarify any questions that may arise during the construction phase.

The Shop Drawing Submittal Process

The shop drawing submittal process involves several stages. Here’s an overview of how it works:

1. Preparation of Shop Drawings: Once the contractor or fabricator receives the project’s design documents, they begin creating the shop drawings. These drawings must follow the original design but also reflect any specific requirements or changes based on the actual construction or fabrication process. The contractor must ensure that the shop drawings are detailed enough to show how each component will fit into the overall design.
   
   

2. Submission to the Architect or Engineer: After the shop drawings are prepared, they are submitted to the architect, engineer, or designer for review. The purpose of this submission is to verify that the components are built according to the design’s specifications and will function as expected within the larger project. Submitting the drawings also helps identify any potential issues that might not have been considered during the design phase.
   
   

3. Review and Approval: The architect or engineer reviews the shop drawings to ensure they align with the project’s specifications. During this stage, they will check if the details match the approved design, assess whether the materials are correct, and ensure that the proposed installation methods are viable. They may also compare the shop drawings with other project documents to check for consistency and accuracy.
   
   

4. Feedback and Revisions: After the review, the architect or engineer may request changes or revisions to the shop drawings. This is a common part of the process. They might point out discrepancies, suggest improvements, or require clarification on certain details. The contractor or fabricator will then make the necessary changes and resubmit the updated drawings.
   
   

5. Final Approval: Once all requested revisions have been made and the architect or engineer is satisfied with the drawings, final approval is given. The shop drawings are then used as the basis for the construction or fabrication work.

Common Revisions in Shop Drawings

Although the goal is to submit accurate and complete shop drawings, revisions are a regular part of the approval process. Some common revisions include:

1. Dimensions and Measurements: One of the most common revisions involves incorrect or unclear dimensions. If the measurements on the shop drawings don’t align with the actual space or the design intent, revisions will be necessary. For example, a piece of equipment might not fit within the allocated space due to incorrect measurements on the shop drawing. The contractor or fabricator will need to correct these errors before resubmitting the drawings.
   

2. Material Specifications: Sometimes, the materials specified in the shop drawings may not match the original design or may not be available. This could be due to changes in supply chains, material availability, or a desire to use a more cost-effective option. If the material doesn’t meet the project’s requirements or is incompatible with other components, revisions will be necessary to update the material specifications.
   

3. Structural or Design Changes: Occasionally, changes in the design or structural layout of the project will affect the shop drawings. For example, the architect or engineer might revise the overall design, which will require updates to the shop drawings to reflect the new layout. These changes could affect the dimensions, material specifications, or installation methods.
   

4. Code Compliance: Shop drawings must comply with local building codes, safety regulations, and other standards. If any part of the drawing does not comply with these codes, revisions will be needed. For example, if the drawings show an electrical system that doesn’t meet safety codes, the contractor or fabricator will need to make adjustments before the drawings are approved.
   

5. Clarity and Detail: Sometimes, shop drawings may lack sufficient detail or clarity to provide a full understanding of how a component will be built or installed. If certain details are missing or unclear, the architect or engineer will request revisions. For instance, if the drawing doesn’t show how two components will connect or if the installation method is unclear, the drawings will need to be updated.
   

6. Integration with Other Systems: Shop drawings often need to show how different components will work together. For example, an HVAC system might need to be coordinated with the electrical system or plumbing. If the shop drawings don’t show how these systems will integrate properly, revisions will be necessary to make sure all components fit together seamlessly.

Importance of the Shop Drawing Approval Process

The shop drawing approval process is essential for the smooth execution of a project. It helps to:

• Identify potential problems early: By reviewing the shop drawings before construction begins, potential issues can be identified and addressed before they become costly problems on-site.

• Improve communication: The approval process helps maintain clear communication between the contractor, architect, and engineer. It ensures that everyone is on the same page and understands how the project components will be constructed and installed.

• Maintain quality and accuracy: Shop drawings are a critical tool for ensuring the quality and accuracy of the work. The review process helps make sure that the final product matches the original design and meets all required specifications.

The Final Part

Shop drawing submittals are an essential part of the construction and manufacturing process. They help clarify how specific components will be built, assembled, or installed and provide a chance to catch potential issues before they become bigger problems. 

The approval process, although involving revisions, helps to guarantee that the project will proceed smoothly, efficiently, and to the highest quality standards.

Through this process, project teams can avoid costly mistakes, maintain proper communication, and make sure that the final result meets the expectations of everyone involved. As complex as the approval process can seem, it plays a vital role in ensuring the success of the project.