Clear and consistent steel detailing standards are essential for smooth project execution. Yet, many fabricators—especially smaller or growing shops—struggle with standards that are either missing, overly complicated, or not shared in time.

In this article, we highlight the most common mistakes we’ve seen across dozens of projects and share practical advice to help you improve collaboration with your detailing team.

1. Not Having Standards at All

It may seem obvious, but many smaller shops or first-time clients don’t have documented standards. This becomes a serious issue when multiple detailing teams are involved. Without a clear system in place, you’re likely to see:

  • Inconsistent numbering

  • Different drawing titles

  • Mismatched title blocks

  • Conflicting revision protocols

Even something as basic as using different project names in the file structure can cause confusion and cost you time.

2. Overcomplicating the Standards

A 70-page PDF may look impressive—but it’s not practical.

Overly complex standards create friction. Detailers working with multiple clients can’t realistically memorize every page. Plus, these “mega-documents” often include outdated or project-specific instructions that don’t apply universally.

Instead, aim to:

  • Keep standards brief and essential

  • Focus on common scenarios

  • Use real examples to illustrate key points

3. Sending Standards Too Late

Detailers should receive your standards before quoting the job—not after kickoff.

If you introduce standards late, it may trigger:

  • Additional work

  • Change orders

  • Missed expectations

Some standards require time-consuming formatting, naming conventions, or modeling procedures that may not be compatible with the detailer’s software or workflows.

4. Not Involving Shop Personnel

The shop team will be using these drawings—so their voice matters.

We often ask fabricators: Do your shop crew even look at these dimensions? If not, they might be clutter. Involving shop personnel helps you:

  • Eliminate unnecessary details

  • Prioritize what’s actually useful

  • Improve drawing clarity for the field

5. Resistance to Feedback from Detailers

Good detailers work across hundreds of projects and see what works—and what doesn’t.

For example, we often recommend using unique single-part numbers even for identical pieces when released in different phases. This helps track “on-hold” or phased items and avoid accidental omissions or duplications.

Stay open to this kind of feedback. Your standards will evolve and improve.

6. No Protocol for Asking Questions

Detailers often struggle with this silent gap:
“How should I ask when something’s missing?”

Some fabricators expect a formal RFI. Others are fine with redlines or quick emails. And a few don’t expect questions at all—which usually leads to bad assumptions.

By defining a “How We Ask” protocol, you reduce delays, RFIs, and miscommunication. Make it clear:

  • What format questions should follow

  • Where to log them (email, tracking system, drawings, etc.)

  • Who reviews and responds

Final Thoughts

Avoiding these common missteps can dramatically improve the quality, consistency, and speed of your detailing workflow. Clear, realistic, and shop-tested steel detailing standards don’t just help detailers—they reduce change orders, rework, and shop-floor frustration.

At ESD Solutions, we work with fabricators every day to refine and apply practical, buildable detailing standards. If you’re tired of miscommunication or detailing delays, let’s talk. We’ll help align your team with the right documentation, clear protocols, and detailer-ready expectations.

Ready to make your standards work for your team, not against them?
Reach out to us—we’ll show you how.