Insights

Plain-English guides to steel detailing and estimating.

What shop drawings actually contain, how takeoffs work, what to send with an RFQ — written for fabricators, GCs, and the people who work with them.

Steel Detailing

What Are Steel Shop Drawings and Why Do Fabricators Need Them?

A practical explanation of shop drawings, erection drawings, member marks, material lists, and why clean detailing matters before steel reaches the shop.

3 min read

Miscellaneous Steel

Structural Steel vs Miscellaneous Steel Detailing: What Is the Difference?

A clear comparison between primary building frame detailing and stairs, rails, ladders, embeds, platforms, and custom metal scopes.

3 min read

RFQ Guide

How to Prepare a Steel Detailing RFQ Package for Fast Review

What to send when requesting a steel detailing quote so the review can move quickly and assumptions are clear.

2 min read

Estimating

Construction Takeoffs by Trade: Steel, Rebar, Drywall, Stucco, EIFS, Roofing, and Concrete

How organized takeoffs help contractors and specialty trades price work with clearer quantities and assumptions.

3 min read

IFC Review

What Is IFC Model Review in Steel Construction?

A plain-English explanation of IFC files, browser model review, and how model context supports better steel coordination.

2 min read

Standards

CWB, AISC, AWS, and CSA Standards in Steel Detailing

How standards-aware detailing works across North American projects without making false certification claims.

3 min read

RFQ Guide

How 24-Hour RFQ Review Helps Fabricators Price Faster

Why quick scope review matters when estimators are under bid pressure and drawings are incomplete.

2 min read

Miscellaneous Steel

What Should Be Included in a Miscellaneous Steel Shop Drawing Package?

A practical checklist for stairs, handrails, ladders, platforms, embeds, lintels, and custom steel fabrication.

3 min read