A submittal is a document or physical product sample that a contractor should provide to the owner, engineer, or architect of a construction project. The term covers prototypes, drawings, product specifications, etcetera. 

Submittals reduce the chances of miscommunication and prevent disputes in construction. Once the information in the submittal is verified and approved, the contractor will be at ease to proceed with the particular phase of the project. 

Different Types of Submittals

There are different approval requirements and deliverables for construction submittals. It means you will encounter several types of submittals based on such factors. 

Actual Product Samples

The contractor may submit actual product samples to the project owner, engineer, or architect for assessment. The advantage of having actual product samples for review is that the approver can visualize the result of a proposed material or product once installed. This type of submittal helps determine whether the product samples fulfill aesthetic and functional requirements. 

Here are some examples of actual product submittals: countertop materials, floor tiles, doors, windows, and electrical fixtures. 

Material and Product Information

Project owners, engineers, and architects may be presented with technical data on the products and materials proposed in construction projects. 

The product manufacturer typically provides this type of submittal, and the contractor submits it to the approver. The latter examines the installation guidelines, performance information, dimensions, and other data to determine whether the materials and products meet the requirements of the product design. 

Specifications for steel foundation beams, a catalog of paint ingredients, or guidelines for installing drywall are some examples of material and product data submittals.

Shop Drawings

Another type of submittal in construction is shop drawings. These are detailed illustrations of the supposed final products of a project. They may include exact dimensions, diagrams, and other technical information that accurately depicts what the project will be if completed. 

A contractor will submit shop drawings for review to give the project owner leeway to suggest changes or adjustments before the construction phase begins. As the work develops, they may also give additional illustrations, especially if there is a design flaw or change.

Mockups

In construction, the least common sort of submittal is a mockup. It is a quick representation of the completed section of the project. Mockups allow owners, engineers, or architects to visualize the actual layout and size of the structure. 

Contractors do not often use this type of submittal because of the time and effort it requires. But there are instances where mockups are necessary for the project’s success. 

The Submittal Process in Construction

The construction submittal process may vary by the complexity and size of a project. But here are common steps to consider. 

• Know the Need for a Submittal. It is vital to determine the type of submittal that will fit the project scope. Some contractors allow for some flexibility for a specific project, while others set standardized submittals for all projects. 

• Draft the Submittal. Make a list of the deliverables and designate necessary submittals to the pertinent internal staff members. Contact the material or product manufacturer immediately if you need specifications or samples for review by the owner, engineer, or architect. Make your written submissions simple and direct to the point to avoid confusion or misinterpretation. 

• Submit for Approval. Determine the approver for each submittal. For instance, the engineer or architect should approve shop drawings or product specifications that include exact measurements. Meanwhile, the project owner should approve the aesthetic design elements of product samples. You can reduce delays by limiting the number of approvers to only the project owner, engineer, or architect.

• Fulfill Requested Adjustments or Changes. Find out the reason a submission was rejected, and then fulfill the requested adjustments or changes. Determine whether they need further product information or samples. Provide the new submittal again for review once changes are made. The approver still needs to approve the new submittal to see if their requested adjustments are fulfilled. Once approved, you can proceed to the next step of the project. 

• Keep the Documents Related to the Submittal. Obtaining approvals and recording them is a vital step in the submittal process. Keep copies of all correspondence and documents associated with the submittals. Having the necessary documents in a safe place can help contractors settle conflicts promptly and protect construction companies from lawsuits if major problems arise later.

Endnote

It is vital to learn the different types of submittals in construction to ensure your project goes smoothly. The several types of submittals include actual product samples, material/product information, shop drawings, and mockups. Submittals may vary depending on the scope and complexity of a construction project. 

As a contractor, you should also know what goes on with the process of drafting, distributing, and making requested changes to submittals. Be sure the approver is satisfied with your submittals by providing the correct products suited to the project.