Direct Answer
Detailing time depends on structure complexity, drawing count, and submittal requirements, but most mid-size commercial projects (5,000–20,000 sq ft, 100–300 tons) take 4–8 weeks from design receipt to first submittal. Complex structures, tight bolt patterns, or heavy connection design can extend that to 10–12 weeks.
Full Explanation
A detailer must first build the 3D model (typically in Tekla Structures), then extract piece mark drawings, erection plans, and BOM. Modeling time scales with member count and connection complexity. After the first submittal, engineer review takes 2–4 weeks. One or two revision rounds are typical before IFC. Total elapsed time from kickoff to IFC is commonly 8–14 weeks. Projects with heavy seismic requirements, moment frames, or significant miscellaneous steel take longer.
What This Means for Your Shop
Schedule detailing lead time into your project timeline before signing a fabrication contract. Fabricators who assume they can start cutting in week two of a project regularly end up waiting 8–10 weeks. A properly scheduled project allows detailing and material procurement to run in parallel.
Common Mistakes
Underestimating detailing time and promising a fabrication start date before detailing has even begun. Also: sending incomplete or still-evolving design documents to the detailer, which restarts the clock whenever major design changes arrive.
Recommended Process
Before signing a fabrication contract, confirm design documents are 90%+ complete. Get a detailing schedule from your detailer that includes modeling, first submittal, review period, and revision time. Build that schedule into your overall project timeline.