The single biggest cause of delay and rework in curtain wall shop drawings isn't drafting speed — it's starting with an incomplete information set. Here's what a fabrication-ready project actually requires before Drawing Revision 0 can begin.
Architectural & structural
- Sealed, latest-issue architectural drawings with details (CAD or PDF), or written confirmation that a set is final
- Structural drawings, so the structure-to-envelope interface can be reviewed before detailing begins
- Exact benchmark and datum, and the final architectural code in use
- Gutter, rainwater riser and mechanical penetration locations
Materials & finishes
- Flat stock material size, thickness and color code
- Flashing color scheme
- Whether aluminum flats are post- or pre-painted
- Insulation type, back pans and consumable materials
Site & glazing
- Site photos of the façade under construction, where available
- Substrate confirmation for execution detail design
- Shadow box and back section requirements
- Glass type and glass bite, and whether dimensions are metric or imperial
What happens once we have it
With this information in hand, we run a take-off and estimate with a variance report, issue RFIs for anything that still needs clarifying, and move into Drawing Revision 0 — the first fully detailed set issued for your review and approval.
