Detailing rework is one of the most frustrating, time-consuming, and costly issues in steel fabrication. For steel detailers, even small mistakes can cascade into shop delays, field issues, or missed deadlines. But the good news is: most of this rework is avoidable.
With the right checks in place and a proactive approach to quality control, you can dramatically reduce errors and ensure your drawings are fabrication-ready from the start. Here’s a practical checklist that shows how to avoid detailing rework and keep your projects on track.
1. Conduct 2-Step Reviews
Every drawing should be reviewed by two people:
- The steel detailer who created it
- A checker who was not involved in the modeling or drawing process
This two-person approach ensures a second set of eyes can catch errors before they go to fabrication. It improves accuracy and reduces the likelihood of oversight.
2. Set Up Clear Checking Protocols
Establish a standardized checking procedure that applies to both drawings and models. Make this protocol mandatory for every project, regardless of size or complexity. In fact, simple projects often suffer from avoidable errors when thorough checks are skipped.
Include checkpoints for connection logic, dimension verification, material lists, and drawing package consistency.
3. Use Built-In Error-Checking Tools
Modern detailing software provides robust quality assurance tools. Use features like:
- Clash detection
- Dimension override alerts
- Grade and length validations
- Automated drawing package reviews
These tools should be fully integrated into your checking workflow to prevent human errors and improve output reliability.
4. Schedule Checks at Project Milestones
Don’t leave checking until the end. Run spot checks and clash detection at key stages of the modeling process. Identifying and resolving errors early reduces their impact and avoids compounding problems as detailing progresses.
Make it standard to act immediately on any issues found at these milestones.
5. Document All Changes and Communications
Maintain detailed records of:
- Client instructions and revisions
- RFI responses
- Markups, sketches, and submittal approvals
This documentation ensures your team always references the latest project information and provides a clear audit trail for decisions and changes.
6. Hold a Project Retrospective
After completing a project, schedule a short internal review. Discuss what went well, what created bottlenecks, and what should change for future work. Document the most impactful errors and strongest practices to build a foundation for improvement.
7. Turn Mistakes Into Standards
Convert what you’ve learned into training material and internal resources. This can include:
- Detailing standards
- Custom checklists
- Error prevention guides
This proactive step not only improves accuracy but helps scale knowledge across your entire team.
Final Thoughts
If you’re wondering how to avoid detailing rework, the answer is in process, discipline, and continuous learning. With clear checks, communication, and post-project analysis, your team can consistently deliver error-free, fabrication-ready drawings.
At ESD Solutions, we’ve built our workflows to prevent rework before it starts. From automated checks to post-delivery reviews, we ensure the quality holds — even on fast-paced schedules.
Need to reduce rework in your own detailing process? Let’s connect. We’ll show you how the right systems lead to better results with less frustration.
