Detailing reworks is something the steel detailer does not want to deal with. It’s time-consuming, costly, and frustrating. However, we can avoid most of it by properly checking the detailing work. That’s why we’ve put together this quick checklist to help you get it right the first time:
✅ Conduct 2-Step Reviews
Ensure that every drawing is checked by the steel detailer who created it and by a checker who wasn’t modeling or making drawings. This extra layer of review helps ensure the accuracy and quality of drawings or models, reducing the number of errors.
✅ Set Up Checking Protocols
Establish a straightforward checking procedure for both drawing and model reviews. Make it mandatory for detailers to follow these protocols regardless of the project size and complexity. Our experience shows that mistakes are more common in simple projects, but where the checking was not thorough enough than in complex projects.
✅ Use Error-Checking Tools
Fully utilize your software’s clash detection, dimension override verification, and automated checks for steel grades, stock length, drawing packages, and more. It’s better to include these computerized steps in your checking protocol.
✅ Schedule Regular Checks
Run spot checks and clash detection at key stages or milestones of the modeling process. These checks will reduce the number of errors overall and prevent them from proliferating or affecting further detailing stages, like erection or piece detail drawings. Address any identified clashes or errors immediately.
✅ Document All Changes
Keep records of all project changes and communications, from submittals to client directions, emails, and sketches. This list will help your team easily navigate within the project history and check their work against the latest project updates.
✅ Conduct a Retrospective with your Team
After you complete the project, conduct a retrospective to see what went well, what challenges your team faced, and what could be improved. Document the most severe errors and best practices to follow.
✅ Learn from your Mistakes
Use data from the retrospective sessions to improve accuracy and avoid repetitive errors in future projects. This data is essential for future success. To improve your work quality, you can convert a list of errors into checklists and set up detailing standards.
