Projects -

FAQs

How do I get an estimate for the detailing of my project?
What software do you use?
Are drawings checked before being sent for approval?
Do you provide CNC files?
What preliminary bill info can you supply?
What drawing format size do you use?
What are my options in receiving the detail drawing documents?
Can you estimate per ton?
How quickly can a project be scheduled?
How do you handle design drawing changes and/or omissions?

How do I get an estimate for the detailing of my project?

Send your design drawings to us via email, or ship hard copies to our office. (Click here to email us.) We are also happy to make a trip to the local building center or job site if plans are available. We will then estimate the project and call or send you a formal estimate of the costs and schedule.

What software do you use?

Our detailers are proficient in two of the leading detailing software packages in use today: Tekla Structures and ProSteel 3D. Please see the following links for more information:

Tekla
ProSteel

Are drawings checked before being sent for approval?

Every drawing is checked before leaving our office unless you specify, for scheduling purposes, to put the drawings into the approval process unchecked. If this is the case, checking will occur during the approval process and final changes will be made when drawings return from approval, along with any approval changes due to markups.

Do you provide CNC files?

Yes, whenever requested we can provide CNC files at no extra charge.

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What preliminary bill info can you supply?

When the structural model is complete (not including connections), a preliminary bill can be generated with center-to-center lengths of all main structural members.

What drawing format size do you use?

We can detail drawings in the size you prefer. Our drawings start as .dwg files, which we print electronically and send to you as .pdf's.

What are my options in receiving the detail drawing documents?

We can email drawings to you, upload to your website, make available to you for download from our ftp site, or email directly to your printer.

Can you estimate per ton?

Yes, we can give you a "ballpark" figure based on a tonnage, and adjust as needed when plan documents are received. Because there is so much variability in an estimate based on tonnage, the more information you can supply us, i.e. type of structure, materials, etc., the more accurate we can be. Of course, the most accurate estimates can be arrived at by reviewing the actual "For Construction" documents.

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How quickly can a project be scheduled?

Small projects for established customers can often be put into the schedule right away. Typically, a larger project will require a lead time of a month. Our project managers do a great job of juggling schedules, detailers, and using overtime to deliver projects on schedule and within reasonable timelines from the beginning to end of a project.

How do you handle design drawing changes and/or omissions?

We are experienced RFI (Request for Information) writers, and will review a project at the outset for any areas where we foresee problems (lack of information, conflicts, etc.). Larger projects often require extensive communication and RFI documentation; we can handle the record-keeping necessary to ensure the project is handled as smoothly and efficiently as possible. In the event that necessary information cannot be received in a timely manner, we will work with you, the fabricator, to arrive at a plan of action, whether it be to detail around the areas in question, adjust the schedule, etc. When projects are extensively delayed with ongoing construction bulletins or architect's supplemental information, there can be an additional cost for extra detailing, but you will know that cost up-front and give approval before any detailing occurs.