In today’s commercial glazing world, the biggest cost risk might not be your materials — it’s your labor. According to the 2025 Glazier Salary Guide from GlazierIQ Jobs, entry-level installer wages have jumped 8–12% in several regions, driven by competition for trained workers. Mid-level and senior wages are climbing too, and that means every hour your crew spends on-site has become more expensive.

For project managers, that changes the game.

Why Wages Aren’t Just HR’s Problem

You might not handle payroll, but you’re on the hook when labor overruns hit. Rising wages mean:

• Less margin for field errors
• Fewer “free” fixes when specs are unclear
• More pressure to get things right the first time

And here’s the kicker: with newer installers filling gaps, you can’t assume every crew has the same experience level.

Spec Clarity Matters More

When labor was cheaper, a veteran foreman could make field calls on the fly. Now, unclear details in the shop drawings can mean:

• Delayed installs waiting on RFIs
• Costly rework when frames or hardware don’t fit
• Missed deadlines that hurt GC relationships

That’s why things like fastener placement, movement allowances, and anchorage details can’t be left to “interpretation.”

What to Watch For in Specs & Job Files

Here’s what every PM — should check before greenlighting a draft:

• Are movement tolerances like L/360 or deflection gaps called out?
• Are hardware details clear, especially on complex systems like curtain walls or unitized frames?
• Do shop drawings align with the architectural set, or are there conflicts?

The time you spend upfront is nothing compared to time lost on-site.

Vendor Decisions That Impact Your Bottom Line

You might be tempted to cut drafting costs. But incomplete, rushed shop drawings lead to:

• Extra site visits
• Field fixes that disrupt schedule
• Material waste or reordering

Partnering with a drafting team that bundles engineering input or offers responsive clarifications can save far more than it costs.

Tips to Avoid Rework and Delays

• Ask your drafting partner: “What field feedback have you built into this set?”
• Set up a kickoff call: align on specs, anchorage, and hardware before fabrication.
• Use checklists when reviewing drafts — don’t assume details are “obvious.”

Why MP Drafting Is a Smarter Backend Partner

At MP Drafting, we understand that good drawings aren’t just pretty PDFs — they’re the foundation of an efficient, low-stress project.

• We provide field-ready details, not vague generic templates.
• We proactively flag architectural conflicts.
• We help PMs avoid the hidden labor costs that eat into your job profits.

Conclusion

Glaziers aren’t just competing on glass — they’re competing on precision, efficiency, and how well they protect their labor dollars.

MP Drafting helps you stay ahead by delivering shop drawings that reduce confusion, cut down site time, and keep you under budget — even as wages rise.

Want to see how we do it?

Request a sample drawing or set up a kickoff call with our team.