What are shop drawings considered to be?

Shop drawings are considered to be detailed drawings and diagrams that are specific to the individual components of a project. They are produced by contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers to illustrate how specific parts of construction will be fabricated or assembled. Unlike standard construction documents that present overall design intent and scope, shop drawings focus on the particulars of materials, dimensions, and assembly processes, thereby ensuring that the specific elements will fit together as intended within the larger project.

While shop drawings play a crucial role in clarifying details for construction, they are not broad visual representations of the entire project, nor do they consist of standard schedules or lists, which address different aspects of project management and logistics. Additionally, shop drawings do not function as formal contracts; instead, they serve as means of communication and verification of design details, aiding in the interpretation of the construction documents and facilitating construction execution.