SHOP DRAWINGS V. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS - Takeaways

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa

This article addresses a common misconception in construction contracting: that shop drawings are part of the contract documents. It explains how CCDC 2 (2020) defines shop drawings and contrasts them with contract documents, which embody binding party obligations and rights. Using General Condition 3.8, it details submission, review, and deviation communication between contractor and consultant, emphasizing that review does not remove contractor responsibility for errors or omissions.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages3

Reading Time8 min

AccessFree to download

Takeaways

Key points on shop drawings vs. contract documents

Process for deviation communication

A regular publication for legal news and reviews SHOP DRAWINGS V. CONTRACT DOCUMENTS There is a common misconception among owners and contractors that shop drawings are part of the contract documents under a typical CCDC construction contract. This misconception can affect the parties’ understanding of their contractual responsibilities and result in unintended legal consequences. It is important for owners and contractors to understand the nature and function of the shop drawings compared to design drawings that do form part of the contract documents and other contract documents. The CCDC 2 (2020) Stipulated Price Contract defines the term “shop drawings” as “drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules, performance charts, brochures, Product data, and other data which the Contractor provides to illustrate details of portions of the Work”. Generally speaking, shop drawings are documents that are prepared for the purpose of showing how the contractor proposes to complete the work contemplated by the construction contract. Shop drawings are often viewed as a means of communication between the consultant and the contractor to ensure that the contractor’s proposed method and means of construction comply with the contract requirements. In contrast, contract documents are written documents that embody the parties’ agreement and define the obligations and the rights of the parties regarding the work to be performed under the construction contract. The contract documents are legally binding on the owner and the contractor and may be amended only as provided in the contract. The contract documents typically include the agreement, the general conditions, the design drawings, the specifications and any amendments issued after the execution of the contract. The contract documents, and in particular the design drawings and the specifications, show what the contractor is required to build. The CCDC 2 (2020) Stipulated Price Contract, at General Condition 3.8, sets out the process for submission and review of the shop drawings. This General Condition imposes the obligation on the contractor to provide shop drawings to the consultant for review. It further expressly sets out that the contractor, by its submission, represents that it has reviewed the shop drawings against the requirements of the contract documents. This provision implies that the shop drawings are not part of the contract documents. Shop drawings are subject to review and may be rejected or further modified. This is why they should not be part of the contract documents, otherwise any deviation from the original design of the work embodied in the shop drawings could be considered binding on the parties regardless of whether the shop drawings comply with other contractual requirements. According to this GC 3.8, if the shop drawings contain any deviations from the requirements of the contract documents, the contractor will advise the consultant in writing of such deviations. The consultant must indicate its acceptance or rejection of the deviation in writing to the contractor. These provisions ensure that there is clear communication between the contractor and consultant as to any non-conformity of the contractor’s proposed way to complete the work with the contract requirements and any acceptance or rejection of such non-conformity. Presumably, if the contractor proceeds with completing the work in accordance with shop drawings which contain deviations from the original design without first obtaining an express approval from the consultant, the consultant’s review of the shop drawings would not absolve the contractor from complying with the contract requirements or from responsibility from any resulting damages. General Condition 3.8 strengthens this conclusion by providing that the consultant’s review is for conformity to the design concept and general arrangement only, and the consultant’s review will not relieve the contractor of responsibility for errors or

FAQs

Why are shop drawings often misunderstood as contract documents?

Owners and contractors may assume shop drawings automatically form part of the contract documents under typical CCDC contracting. The article explains this misconception can affect understanding of contractual responsibilities and lead to unintended legal outcomes.

How does CCDC 2 (2020) distinguish shop drawings from contract documents?

CCDC 2 (2020) defines shop drawings as contractor-provided drawings and related data to illustrate how work will be completed. In contrast, contract documents embody the parties’ agreement and define binding rights and obligations.

What does General Condition 3.8 require for submission and review of shop drawings?

The contractor must submit shop drawings to the consultant for review and represents that it reviewed them against contract requirements. If deviations exist, the contractor must advise in writing, and the consultant must accept or reject the deviation in writing.

Does a consultant’s review of shop drawings relieve the contractor of responsibility?

No. The article states that the consultant’s review is limited to conformity to the design concept and general arrangement and will not relieve the contractor of responsibility for errors, omissions, or meeting requirements in the contract documents.

Oct 23, 2026

Uploaded by Elsa