Shop Drawings (Before Work Commences)

What is a Shop Drawing?

A shop drawing is a detailed execution drawing prepared by the contractor/vendor based on:

Approved GFC / IFC drawings

Specifications

Site conditions

Material finalization

It translates design intent into buildable instructions.

👉 No work should start on site without approved shop drawings.

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Primary Intent of Shop Drawings (Before Work Commences)

The shop drawing must clearly establish HOW, WHAT, WHERE, and WITH WHAT the work will be executed.

1. Design Intent Confirmation

The drawing should:

Match approved GFC / IFC drawings

Respect design dimensions, levels, and finishes

Reflect client + consultant approvals

Highlight any deviation / value engineering clearly

📌 If design intent is unclear → RFI must be raised before submission.

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2. Constructability & Execution Clarity

The drawing must show:

Exact dimensions (no assumptions)

Levels (FFL, AFL, ceiling levels, slab levels)

Fixing methodology

Sectional details at critical junctions

📌 Anyone on site (foreman, carpenter, fabricator) should be able to execute without verbal explanation.

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3. Material & Specification Intent

Shop drawings must clearly mention:

Material type & grade

Thicknesses

Finish codes / laminate numbers / paint shades

Edge details (lipping, grooves, chamfers)

Hardware brand & model

📌 Avoid generic terms like “as per approved sample”—be specific.

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4. Interface & Coordination Intent (MOST CRITICAL)

Before work starts, shop drawings must address:

Civil–Interior coordination

Interior–MEP coordination

Ceiling–Lighting–HVAC coordination

Furniture–Electrical coordination

Examples:

Cut-outs in joinery for sockets

HVAC diffusers alignment with ceiling panels

Skirting thickness vs plaster depth

Door shutter swing vs switch location

📌 Clash-free drawings = smooth execution.

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5. Site Condition Validation

Shop drawings must reflect:

Actual site measurements

Column offsets

Slab drops / beams

As-built wall positions

📌 “Issued for construction” drawings without site verification are a risk.

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Mandatory Information to Commence Work

Every shop drawing should include:

Drawing Header

Project name

Drawing title

Drawing number

Revision number

Date

Scale

Vendor name

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Drawing Content (Execution Ready)

✔ Plan

✔ Elevations

✔ Sections

✔ Details (minimum 1:5 or 1:10)

✔ Fixing details

✔ Tolerances if required

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Notes & Legends

General notes

Material legend

Finish legend

Hardware schedule (if applicable)

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Approval Stamp Section

Must have space for:

Prepared by

Checked by

Contractor

PMC

Client / Consultant

📌 Only “Approved” or “Approved with Comments” drawings can be used for execution.

Approval Status & Work Commencement Rule

Status Can Work Start?

Approved ✅ YES

Approved with comments ✅ YES (after comments complied)

Revise & resubmit ❌ NO

For review only ❌ NO

Not approved ❌ NO

Common Shop Drawing Types (Interior Projects)

Civil & blockwork shop drawings

Ceiling layout & sections

Flooring layout & levels

Door & window details

Joinery & furniture details

Glass & railing details

Metal works & fabrication drawings

Signage drawings

Key Risks If Work Starts Without Proper Shop Drawings

❌ Rework

❌ Client rejection

❌ Cost overrun

❌ Time delay

❌ Safety issues

❌ Warranty problems

Simple Thumb Rule (Use on Site)

> If the drawing does not answer execution questions on site — it is NOT ready for construction.