A systematic approach to catching mistakes before they turn into expensive field problems
If you've ever seen a $50,000 change order that started as a simple coordination miss, you know why drawing review matters. Finding errors before they reach the field is one of the best investments you can make on any project. The cost of fixing mistakes jumps by 10x once construction starts. This guide walks you through a review process that actually catches the issues that turn into RFIs and change orders.
Step 1: Figure Out What You're Looking For
Before you dive into the drawings, get clear on what type of review you're doing. Each one has a different focus:
Constructability Review
Can this actually be built? Are there access problems, sequencing issues, or details that just won't work in the real world?
Coordination Review
Do all the disciplines line up? Are structural, architectural, and MEP drawings showing the same thing?
Code Compliance Review
Does the design meet code for egress, accessibility, fire safety, and structural requirements?
Completeness Review
Is everything here that's needed to build this? Any missing dimensions, specs, or details?
Step 2: Start with the Big Picture
Don't jump straight into the details. Start at the project level first:
1
Check the drawing index. Are all the sheets you'd expect actually there?2
Look at revision dates. Make sure you're reviewing the latest set.3
Read the general notes on the first sheet of each discipline4
Verify project info (address, owner, scope) is consistent across all sheets5
Confirm the scale is noted and stays consistent throughoutStep 3: Compare Across Disciplines
The really expensive errors show up where disciplines don't match. Overlay these drawings and look for conflicts:
Architectural Floor Plan vs. Structural Framing
Look for: Column locations, beam paths, opening locations
Architectural Ceiling vs. MEP Plans
Look for: Diffuser locations, light fixtures, sprinkler heads
Structural Sections vs. MEP Risers
Look for: Vertical penetrations, chase locations
Site Plan vs. Foundation Plan
Look for: Building footprint, utility connections
Step 4: Focus on the High-Risk Areas
Some areas cause way more problems than others. Give these extra attention:
Restrooms
Plumbing, accessibility, fixture counts, and ventilation all come together here
Mechanical Rooms
Equipment sizes, access clearances, and structural loads are often underestimated
Stairwells and Elevators
Code requirements, structural openings, and fire ratings make these complex
Ceiling Plenums
HVAC, electrical, fire protection, and structure all fighting for the same space
Exterior Walls
Waterproofing, structural connections, and MEP penetrations require lots of coordination
Step 5: Make Sure Schedules Match Plans
Schedules and plans get created separately and tend to drift apart over time. Check that:
Door tags on the floor plan exist in the door schedule (and the other way around) Window types match between elevations and schedules Room names and numbers are consistent across all drawings Finish schedules reference finishes that are actually specified Equipment schedules match what's shown on the plans Step 6: Check Dimensions and References
Dimension errors cause immediate problems in the field. Make sure to verify:
Dimension strings add up to the total shown Overall building dimensions match the site plan Detail callouts reference details that actually exist Section cuts are taken where they're shown on plan Specification section references are valid Step 7: Document What You Find
Good documentation turns your review into action. For each issue you find:
1
Note the exact sheet number and location2
Describe the issue clearly (focus on what's wrong, not how to fix it)3
Categorize by severity: critical, major, or minor4
Assign it to the responsible discipline5
Track resolution status through subsequent revisionsSpeed Up Your Drawing Reviews
Manual drawing review is thorough but takes forever. Articulate's AI can scan your PDFs for coordination conflicts, dimension errors, and missing information automatically. It finds issues in minutes that would take hours to catch by hand.
Try Automated Drawing Review Free