Submittal

Specifications say what’s required; submittals show what you plan to install. Common submittals include manufacturer data sheets, shop drawings for fabricated items such as cabinets, trusses and railings, color and finish samples, and test reports.

The reviewer marks each submittal approved, approved as noted, revise and resubmit, or rejected. Don’t order or fabricate until it’s approved; installing an unapproved product can mean tearing it out at your own cost.

Long-lead items make timing important. Send submittals as early as possible, track them in a log with dates, and follow up on late reviews in writing, since review delays can support a request for more time.

If you want to use a different product, submit it as a substitution request with a comparison to the specified product, rather than slipping it into an ordinary submittal.

On residential jobs, the same idea applies to client selections: get the chosen tile, fixture or paint color confirmed in writing before you order.