Don't Start Without This! The Ultimate 12 Checklist for Metal Fab Projects & Design Teams

Starting a design project without clear information is like trying to build a house without a blueprint. Whether you're a metal fabrication company, a steelworks firm, or involved in custom builds, ensuring your draftsman or design engineer has the right documents and information is key to project success ✅.

To streamline the process, reduce revisions, and save both time and money, here’s a comprehensive checklist 📝 of what your team should prepare and provide before the design phase begins.

📁 1. Project Brief / Scope of Work

Provide a clear overview of the project:

• What is the goal of the project?

• What is being fabricated or assembled?

• Are there specific deliverables (e.g., 2D shop drawings, 3D models, BOMs)?

• What is the timeline or deadline?

➡️ Why it matters: Helps the draftsman understand the purpose of the project and what the final output should be.

🏗️ 2. Architectural or Structural Plans (If Applicable)

These may include:

• Floor plans

• Elevations

• Sections

• Structural framing layouts

➡️ Why it matters: Essential for aligning metal fabrication components with the existing structure or overall construction plan.

📐 3. Concept Sketches or Reference Designs

Even hand-drawn sketches are helpful! Include:

• Rough ideas or preferred designs

• Previous versions or reference products

• Images or links to similar designs

➡️ Why it matters: Gives the design engineer a visual reference and reduces back-and-forth guesswork.

🌍 4. Country-Specific Standards & Starting Points

Before diving into the checklist, remember: different countries have different codes, standards, and best practices when it comes to drafting and design for metal fabrication.

🛑 For example:

• In Australia, projects involving walkways, stairs, and ladders may require compliance with AS 1657:2018.

• In the USA, you may need to follow ANSI, AISC, or OSHA guidelines.

• In the UK, BS standards are common for steelwork and structural fabrication.

• In the Philippines or Southeast Asia, local building codes and engineering laws may apply, sometimes referencing international standards like Eurocode or ASTM.

➡️ Why it matters: Your draftsman or engineer needs to know which standards to follow—or they may unintentionally design something that doesn’t meet legal or safety requirements. Always specify your country and any applicable regulations at the beginning of the project.

🔩 5. Material Specifications

Be specific:

• Type of metal/material (e.g., stainless steel, aluminum, mild steel)

• Thickness/gauge

• Any surface treatment (e.g., powder coating, galvanizing)

➡️ Why it matters: Material properties affect structural design, weight calculations, and cost.

🧰 6. Fabrication Capabilities and Limitations

Let your draftsman know:

• Your shop's cutting, bending, welding, and machining capabilities

• Any equipment restrictions

• Preferred fabrication techniques

➡️ Why it matters: Ensures the design is fabrication-friendly and avoids revisions due to limitations.

📏 7. Required Tolerances

Define:

• Dimensional tolerances

• Weld gaps or fit-up allowances

• Assembly tolerances for bolted or welded connections

➡️ Why it matters: Precision matters, especially in assembly or site installation. Avoids misfits and costly reworks.

🧮 8. Load or Structural Requirements (If Any)

If applicable, specify:

• Weight loads or forces

• Wind or seismic considerations

• Anchoring details

➡️ Why it matters: Critical for parts that support weight, span distances, or must meet safety codes.

📅 9. Timeline / Project Schedule

Clarify:

• Drafting start date

• Milestones (first draft, revisions, final drawings)

• Deadline for fabrication or site delivery

➡️ Why it matters: Helps prioritize work and align expectations for delivery 🚚.

🗂️ 10. File Format Requirements

Tell your draftsman:

• Preferred file formats (DWG, DXF, PDF, STEP, etc.)

• Any naming conventions or layer standards

➡️ Why it matters: Smooths handover between drafting, production, and client-side teams.

🧾 11. Bill of Materials (If Available)

If you already have a BOM:

• Include part names, quantities, specs

• Highlight long lead-time items

➡️ Why it matters: Ensures alignment between design and procurement, reducing delays.

📸 12. Site Photos or Measurements (If Applicable)

Provide:

• Accurate site measurements

• Photos or videos of the installation area

• Notes on access points, clearances, or obstructions

➡️ Why it matters: Vital for custom-fit components and avoiding surprises on site.

📣 Bonus Tip: Appoint a Point of Contact 👤

Ensure the draftsman knows:

• Who to contact for clarifications

• Who makes design decisions

• Who signs off on final outputs

➡️ Why it matters: Reduces communication delays and keeps the project moving smoothly.

✍️ Final Thoughts

The more complete and accurate the information you provide upfront, the more efficient and cost-effective your drafting process becomes. Your design partner can work faster, avoid guesswork, and deliver exactly what your fabrication team needs.

At SolidDraft Design Solutions, we partner with metal and fabrication companies to provide on-demand drafting and 3D design services. Whether it’s a small welding job or a large industrial platform, we can help—just send us the full checklist, and we’ll take it from there 🔧💼.