FAQ & resources
FAQ & GUIDES: BIM, SHOP DRAWINGS & EVERY TRADE
Plain answers for contractors scoping a job.
Common questions
Questions we get from contractors
What trades do you draw?
All of MEP plus fire protection: mechanical and HVAC ductwork, process and mechanical piping, plumbing, electrical, and fire protection including hydraulic calculations. Every discipline gets the same model, the same coordination and the same drawing templates.
Do you do fire protection hydraulic calculations, or just the drawings?
Both. We model the sprinkler and standpipe system, coordinate it against every other trade, and run the NFPA-based hydraulic calculations that back the design at submittal. Confirm stamping and sealing scope with us for your state.
What is clash detection in construction?
Clash detection is running every trade’s model against the others to find where two things want to occupy the same space: duct through a beam, conduit through a sprinkler main, pipe through a light fixture. We resolve those conflicts on screen and reissue the model before anything is fabricated. Every clash caught in the model is an RFI, a change order and a rework day nobody pays for later.
What’s the difference between shop drawings and coordination drawings?
Shop drawings tell a fabricator what to build: dimensions, cut lengths, gauges, welds, piece marks. Coordination drawings show every trade in place together so the GC can sign off that it all fits. We produce both, from the same coordinated model, so they never disagree.
Do you work from our drawings, our model, or a 3D scan?
Any of them, or a mix. Send us design drawings, a Revit model, or a markup and we’ll tell you what we need. If existing conditions are uncertain, we can scan the site first and model against what is actually there.
Do you 3D scan just for models, or to verify the site too?
Both, and verification is the point. When a project allows it we scan to confirm existing conditions before we draw, so tie-ins and new work fit systems we measured rather than guessed at.
What LOD do you model to, and can we keep the model?
We model to the level of development the job actually needs, typically LOD 350 for coordination and LOD 400 where fabrication drawings come off the model. Yes, you keep the model.
Where are you located, and can you come to our site?
We’re based in New Jersey and draw for contractors nationwide. 3D scanning and site visits are available in NJ and NYC, usually on short notice.
What file types do you accept?
Design drawings (PDF or CAD), a Revit model, or a markup — shared by link (Dropbox, Drive, Box, Procore, WeTransfer) or through a secure upload link.
What does “field-ready” mean?
An LOD 400 model section with a clash check, dimensions, elevations and hanger points, built to your trade’s standards — delivered as PDF + native file.
How fast is the first area?
10 business days. The rest is scheduled in install order.
Is there a contract or a card required?
No.
HVAC / Ductwork
Ductwork questions
What connections do you use on ductwork?
Typically TDC or S&D, and we can accommodate any connection: welded, flange in or flange out.
Can pieces be numbered for ordering?
Yes. Pieces are numbered and organized to your standards.
Do you use your title block or ours?
We work to your standards and your title blocks.
What gauge and reinforcement standard do you use?
SMACNA tables, applied per pressure class.
Do you break drawings into fabrication sections by size and length?
Yes.
Do you coordinate duct against the other trades before fabrication?
Yes. Duct is coordinated against the other trades in the model before anything is fabricated.
Process & mechanical piping
Piping questions
What materials and connections do you handle?
All materials and connection types.
What software do you use for piping?
Trimble SysQue, Revit and other Autodesk products.
Do you produce spool sheets and isometrics?
Yes.
Which piping standards do you draw to?
ASME B31, plus ANSI and AWWA as applicable.
Do you include weld maps, weld counts and bills of material?
Yes.
Do you lay out pipe supports and hangers?
Yes, to MSS SP-58 and SP-69.
Fire protection
Fire protection questions
Are your hydraulic calculations easy to get approved?
The reports come out in the formats inspectors know, so approvals go smoothly.
What software do you use for fire protection?
HydraCAD, with HydraCALC for the hydraulic calculations.
Which fire protection standards do you work to?
NFPA 13 and NFPA 14.
Do you produce both sprinkler and standpipe shop drawings?
Yes.
Do you handle hazard classification and density-area?
Yes.
Plumbing
Plumbing questions
Do you do underground plumbing?
Yes. We do all plumbing drawings, including underground and below-slab.
Do you draw riser diagrams for waste, vent and domestic water?
Yes.
Do you size by fixture units to IPC or UPC?
Yes.
Do you coordinate below-slab work with structural and the other trades?
Yes.
Do you produce plumbing isometrics and fixture connection schedules?
Yes.
Electrical
Electrical questions
What software do you use for electrical?
Revit and other Autodesk products.
Do you do conduit routing, cable tray and panel schedules?
Yes.
Do you provide point layout for the field?
Yes.
Do you coordinate raceways with the other trades in the model?
Yes.
Guides
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