Steel detailing is key to any construction project’s success. It is the step that makes the leap from design conception to fabricated steel structure, idea to blueprint, and blueprints to reality. But picking the wrong detailer? It is a recipe for delays, rework, stress and frustration.
So, how do you choose the right steel detailer? Here are five questions to help you determine whether your detailer is committed, precise, and ready to work on your project.
1. How Will You Tailor Your Work to My Project?
No two projects are alike, and your detailer needs to understand that. From specific building features to intricate designs, every project comes with its own quirks and challenges.
Why This Matters:
Steel detailing isn’t plug-and-play. A detailer who doesn’t adapt his approach to your needs is one who’s going to cause costly problems down the line.
What You’re Looking For:
- Experience with projects like yours.
- A clear plan for handling unique challenges.
- Confidence that last-minute changes are managed without drama.
You want a detailer who treats your project like it’s one of a kind—because it is.
2. What’s Your Quality Control Process?
Mistakes in detailing aren’t just annoying—they’re expensive. A bolt that’s a fraction off or a missing dimension can spiral into costly delays during fabrication or installation.
Why This Matters:
A rigorous quality control process saves you from costly errors and keeps your project running smoothly.
What to Ask:
- Do you double-check your drawings before they go out?
- Are there any automated tools employed to catch mistakes?
- How do you ensure your connections, dimensions, and member sizes are correct?
A good detailer will have a system that will catch mistakes before they ever reach your shop floor.
3. How Will You Keep Me in the Loop?
Communication either makes or breaks a project. You want a detailer who does not disappear after they start the job but keeps you updated and involved.
Why This Matters:
Lucid communication means fewer surprises, fewer RFIs, and more confidence in the progress of your project.
What to Ask:
- How often will I get updates?
- What is your preferred method of staying in touch?
- How do you handle urgent questions or conflicts?
A good detailer will be more than just somebody who delivers the drawings, but a partner in keeping you informed each step of the way.
4. How Do You Coordinate Your Work with Other Trades?
Steel detailing doesn’t exist in a bubble. It needs to work seamlessly with the shop drawings of other trades like of other trades like concrete, millwork, joist & deck or HVAC.
Why This Matters:
If your steel beams clash with HVAC ducts or piping, it’s going to cost time and money to fix—usually on-site, when it’s already too late.
What to Ask:
- Can you coordinate your work with other trades to ensure compatibility?
- Have you worked with coordination tools like Revizto, Navisworks, or similar platforms for model integration?
- What systems or tools do you use for change management and clash detection? How do these tools help ensure seamless coordination?
Good coordination is sometimes the difference between a smooth installation and a headache-filled project.
5. How Do You Account for On-Site Realities?
Field conditions rarely match the perfect world of theoretical designs. A great detailer knows this and works to bridge the gap.
Why This Matters:
Ignoring on-site realities leads to components that don’t fit, costly rework, and frustrated crews.
What to Ask:
- Do you request field measurements before starting?
- How fast can you make updates to address on-site issues?
- Have you worked with point cloud data to align designs with real-world conditions?
You want a detailer who plans for the unexpected, ensuring that what looks good on paper works in real life too.
Choose the Right Steel Detailer for Your Project
Choosing the right steel detailer is about more than just getting drawings—it’s about finding a partner who’s invested in your project’s success. Asking these critical questions will give you the clarity you need to make a confident choice.
At ESD Solutions, we’re not just about delivering drawings—we’re about building trust through clear answers, thoughtful collaboration, and a deep understanding of your project’s needs. Have questions? Let’s tackle them together and set your project on the path to success.
What questions do you think are most important to ask a steel detailer? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!
