Guide · By Alex McCann, Managing Director
Local vs offshore steel detailing – what Australian fabricators should weigh
Both models can produce good drawings. The difference shows up in coordination, response time, conventions and who is accountable when something doesn’t fit. Here’s a fair comparison, then where a local detailer like RDM fits.
01 / Short answer
The short answer
- Both models can produce good drawings. Quality depends on process and checking, not location.
- Offshore detailing can suit repetitive, well-defined, high-volume work, especially with strong in-house checking.
- A local detailer suits jobs with incomplete information, frequent RFIs, site interfaces, retrofit work or tight approval cycles.
02 / Comparison
Comparison table
An even-handed look at how the two models usually differ. Every arrangement is different, so treat this as a list of things to ask about.
| Factor | Offshore detailing | Local detailing |
|---|---|---|
| Time zone & response | Work can progress overnight. Questions may wait for overlapping working hours. | Same or similar working hours, so questions can usually be discussed the same day. |
| Drawing conventions & Australian Standards | Many teams work to Australian Standards when trained and checked. Confirm conventions such as weld symbols up front. | Australian Standards and local drawing conventions are day-to-day practice. |
| RFIs & coordination | Works well when someone local manages RFIs with the builder and engineer. | RFIs can be raised and followed up directly with the builder and engineer. |
| Site knowledge & scanning | Relies on the drawings and information supplied. Site measurement is arranged separately. | Site visits and 3D laser scanning can be part of the job. |
| Revisions & approval | Suits well-defined scopes where the design is stable. | Suits jobs where the design is changing or approval cycles are tight. |
| Accountability & communication | Depends on the arrangement: a direct team, an agency or an intermediary. | Usually one point of contact for the whole package. |
| Data & IP | Confirm how files are stored, shared and accessed. | The same questions apply – ask any detailer how your files are handled. |
| How the cost is structured | The drawing fee is often lower. Total cost depends on checking, rework, RFIs and delays. | The fee includes coordination and checking. Compare the whole process, not just the rate. |
03 / Offshore
Where offshore detailing works well
- Scalable capacity when you have a lot of work on
- Production can continue overnight
- Repetitive, well-defined packages with a stable design
- A good fit when you have a strong local checker or in-house team managing RFIs
04 / Local
Where a local detailer adds value
- Coordination and RFIs raised early, directly with the builder and engineer
- Same time zone, so questions are easier to resolve quickly
- Australian Standards and local conventions
- Site visits and 3D laser scanning for existing structures
- One point of contact
See how we handle RFI management and design coordination.
06 / Checklist
Questions to ask any detailer
- What software do you use? (Tekla Structures?)
- Which standards and drawing conventions do you work to?
- What is your checking process?
- Do you keep an RFI register, and how are RFIs tracked?
- How do you control revisions?
- Do you supply NC and DXF files?
- Is turnaround stated at quote?
- Who will I actually talk to?
07 / Together
Working alongside your existing team
It doesn’t have to be either/or. We can work alongside, or check the work of, your in-house or offshore detailers – for example, as local checking and RFI coordination on a package that’s detailed elsewhere.
08 / RDM
How RDM works
- 01
Brief & drawings in
Architectural and structural packages received, reviewed and scoped for detailing.
- 02
Modelling in Tekla
Structure modelled in Tekla Structures for accurate members, connections and quantities.
- 03
Checking & RFIs
Dimension and coordination checks against arch vs structural; RFIs registered and issued to the client.
- 04
Issue for approval
Drawings issued for review so stakeholders can approve before fabrication proceeds.
- 05
IFC & fab drawings
Approved packages issued for construction and fabrication, including IFC where required.
Turnaround times are provided with our quotes. Drawings are prepared to Australian Standards, with NC and DXF files for laser cutting and fabrication. More on our structural steel shop drawings and precast panel detailing.
09 / FAQ
Frequently asked questions
Q01Is offshore steel detailing cheaper?
The drawing fee is often lower. The total cost depends on checking, rework, RFIs and delays, so compare the whole process, not just the rate.
Q02Can offshore detailers work to Australian Standards?
Many can, provided they’re trained and checked. It’s worth confirming conventions such as weld symbols up front.
Q03When is a local detailer the better choice?
When information is incomplete, the design is changing, RFIs are likely, there are interfaces with existing structures or precast, or approvals are tight.
Q04Does RDM work to Australian Standards?
Yes. Our drawings are prepared to Australian Standards.
Q05How fast is RDM’s turnaround?
Turnaround times are always provided with our quotes.
Q06Does RDM supply NC and DXF files?
Yes, for laser cutting and fabrication.
Q07Can RDM work alongside my existing detailing team?
Yes. We can work alongside, or check the work of, your in-house or offshore detailers.
10 / Quote
Request a quote
Send your drawings and scope to info@rdmdrafting.com.au. Turnaround times are provided with every quote.