How Detailers Help Prevent Project Delays ?

gokul raj
Oct 2
2 min read

Project delays in construction and steel fabrication cause costly setbacks. Steel detailers play a vital role in preventing these delays by delivering precise information that keeps fabricators and builders working smoothly. Here’s how detailers help avoid project delays, point by point:

Provide Clear, Accurate, and Fabrication-Ready Drawings

Detailers create detailed drawings that clearly specify dimensions, bolt hole locations, weld types, and material specifications.
These drawings remove ambiguity, so fabricators don’t have to pause work to ask questions or guess.
Clear drawings reduce the number of Requests for Information (RFIs), minimizing interruptions and accelerating fabrication timelines.

Use 3D Modeling for Early Clash Detection

Detailers use advanced 3D software like Tekla Structures and SDS2 to virtually assemble steel components before fabrication.
This process identifies clashes with mechanical systems, ductwork, or architectural elements early in the design phase.
Resolving conflicts beforehand prevents costly rework and erection delays on-site, ensuring smoother installation.

Optimize Designs for Fabrication Efficiency

Experienced detailers understand fabrication shop workflows and equipment capabilities.
They design components to minimize complex welds and standardize connections, reducing labour and fabrication time.
Optimized designs reduce material waste and fit well with CNC and automated fabrication equipment, speeding up production.

Plan Logical Erection Sequencing

Detailers collaborate with builders to produce erection drawings that consider site conditions, crane reach, and safety protocols.
Proper sequencing avoids bottlenecks by ensuring steel members are installed in an efficient and safe order.
This coordination prevents downtime for erection crews and keeps the overall project schedule on track.

Quickly Adapt and Update Drawings for Design Changes

Construction projects often require design revisions due to client requests or coordination with other trades.
Skilled detailers rapidly update drawings and redistribute them to fabricators and erectors without sacrificing accuracy.
This agility ensures fabrication and erection don’t stall, even with last-minute design changes.

Prevent Hidden Costs from Poor Detailing

Inaccurate or incomplete drawings cause misaligned bolt holes and incorrect part sizes that need rework or replacement.
Excessive RFIs from unclear drawings slow fabrication and frustrate shop personnel.
Poor coordination with other trades can lead to on-site clashes, forcing costly rework and erection delays.
Investing in high-quality detailing upfront avoids these hidden costs, saving time and money in the long run.

Foster Strong Fabricator-Detailer Partnerships

Detailers who understand fabrication processes and communicate clearly minimize shop confusion and errors.
Reliable detailers deliver accurate, shop-ready drawings that reduce downtime and improve efficiency.
A strong partnership with detailers enhances fabricators’ reputation for on-time delivery and quality work, providing a competitive edge.

What we do in Sharcon

Detailers play a critical, often unseen role in preventing project delays. Their clear drawings, early clash detection, fabrication optimization, thoughtful erection sequencing, and quick response to design changes keep construction moving efficiently. For fabricators and builders committed to delivering projects on time and on budget, partnering with skilled detailers is essential for success.