kim819•2mo ago

A project manager in Phoenix told me to stop drawing every single bolt.

We were working on a big warehouse job, and I spent three days detailing every connection. He pulled me aside and said, 'We're paying you to think, not just draw.' It made me realize I was getting lost in details that the shop would figure out anyway. Now I focus on the key dimensions and let the fabricator notes handle the rest. How do you decide what level of detail is really needed for shop drawings?

3 comments

3 Comments

jordanhill2mo ago

Check the contract specs first. Some clients have a "no surprises" rule and want every nut drawn, others just need the big picture. Saves you from doing extra work for free.

riveradams2mo ago

Let the fabricator notes handle the rest" is the key. I ask myself if a detail is a design intent issue or a standard fabrication practice they already know.

wood.avery2mo agoMost Upvoted

Yeah, my buddy learned that "standard fabrication practice" lesson the hard way last month.