Submittal means a document submitted by contractors to the design team for review and approval before construction begins. These documents outline the equipment, products, and materials planned to be used in a project, ensuring they meet all the contract requirements.
Construction submittals typically include product samples, shop drawings, design specifications, quality assurance data, and more. If you’re still wondering why submittals are so important in construction, keep reading this article.
Why are Submittals Important in Construction?
Submittals facilitate project coordination by ensuring that contractors follow set guidelines, use proper materials, and meet project deadlines. These documents, from material samples to product data, are all important to translate design ideas into reality and minimize delays, costly setbacks, and unnecessary material waste.
Common Types of Submittals
Shop drawings
Shop drawings are highly technical drawings that illustrate how specific elements of the project will be fabricated and installed. Shop drawings typically include information such as dimensions, materials, thicknesses, and any other custom features.
Product Samples
Samples are primarily used by interior designers to verify that all materials match the intended quality, color, texture, or structural requirements. Having access to product samples allows owners and architects to evaluate quality and ensure it aligns with the overall project design.
Product Data
This document outlines the specifications of materials and products required for the project, including drywall, steel, paint, flooring materials, sealants, roofing, etc. The data sheet covers details about products like sizes, performance data, preparation and installation instructions.
Construction Submittal Process
The submittal process usually begins during pre-construction, when the project team outlines expectations and timelines for submitting documents. Subcontractors then gather the required information and send it to the general contractor, who reviews it before forwarding it to the design team.
If a submittal is approved, the subcontractor moves forward with procurement or fabrication. If it’s rejected, it must be revised and resubmitted. This review cycle ensures everything being built is up to standard, aligns with the design, and supports a successful construction outcome.
Conclusion
Construction submittals are critical in ensuring that a construction project meets its design goals, stays on schedule, and avoids costly mistakes. By allowing architects and engineers to review materials, products, and plans before installation, submittals ensure a construction project is delivered as it was designed and contracted.