Submittals during construction are vital in making sure that a construction is carried out as planned. Submittals, whether it is materials and equipment, shop drawings and product data, serve to create a communication link between contractors, designers and project owners.
When submittals are done properly, projects would remain on time, on budget, and on specifications. When handled incompetently, they may cause delays, re-working, and expensive disagreements. This guide is about the construction submittals, types of submittals, how it is done, and best practice.
What Do Construction Submittals entail?
Construction submittals refer to papers, models or information about products that are given to architects, engineers or consultants by contractors to be reviewed and approved prior to being put into place.
They are mainly aimed at ensuring that the materials, systems and workmanship to be used in the project meet the drawings, specifications and other requirements of the contract.
To put it simply, submittals provide one of the question:
Is this what we may build or put up?
The importance of construction Submittals
Construction submittals do not consist of paperwork only but save all the people involved in the project.
Important Advantages of Construction Submittals.
- respond to design intent.
- Reduce errors and rework
- Enhance inter-team communication.
- Maintain quality standards
- Avert expensive project delays.
- Present records of approval documentation.
Properly controlled submittals will help towards an easier running of the project.
Construction Submittals: there are 3 types of submittals
There are various construction stages as well as various submittals. The most common categories are illustrated below.
Product Data Submittals
These are manufacturer brochures, specifications and technical data sheets.
Examples:
- Steel panels
- Doors and windows
- HVAC equipment
- Electrical fixtures
Product data submissions ensure that the products chosen are of performance and quality standards.
Shop Drawings
Shop drawings illustrate the way that particular elements will be made or installed.
Examples of common shop drawings are:
- Structural steel layouts
- Reinforcement detailing
- Prefabricated components
- Mechanical and electrical schematics.
They give a greater amount of detail than design drawings and they are vital in coordination.
Samples
Samples enable designers and owners to physically examine the materials prior to approvals
Examples:
- Flooring samples
- Paint colors
- Steel finishes
- Roofing materials
Samples will prevent aesthetic differences and issues over quality.
Test Report and Certifications
These submissions ensure that materials are of required codes and standards.
Examples:
- Fire resistance reports
- Structural load tests
- Certificates of material compliance.
- Sustainability reporting.
They take particular criticism during controlled projects.
Mock-Ups
Full or partial installations made of approval are called mock-ups.
They show workmanship, appearance and installation techniques prior to the entire construction.
Explanation of Submittal Process in Construction.
The submittal workflow has been learned to avoid delays and confusion.
Step 1: Submittal Preparation
The contractor collects all the necessary documents, drawings, sample and data as indicated in the contract documents.
At this point, precision is paramount.
Step 2: Contractor Review
Contractors read through submittals before submitting them to the contractor to make sure that they are accurate and complete.
This move prevents rejection of unnecessary things.
Step 3: Submission to Design Team
The submittals are submitted to the architects, engineers, or consultants to be reviewed, typically on a digital project management platform.
Step 4: Review and Approval
The design team accepts submittals and notes them as:
- Approved
- Approved as noted
- Revise and resubmit
- Rejected
Comments explain what corrections or changes are required.
Step 5: Resubmission (Where Necessary)
In case revisions are demanded, new resubmissions are made to be resubmitted to get approval.
Step 6: Implementation
Upon approval, the contractor goes ahead to do procurement, fabrication and installation.
Who do the construction submittals belong to?
In most contracts, responsibility differs, although:
- Submittals are prepared and submitted by contractors.
- Subcontractors give technical information and shop drawings.
- Design checking by Architects and Engineers.
- proprietors can peruse aesthetic or cost-related objects.
The role definition must be clear so as to prevent confusion.
Top 10 Construction Submittal Errors
Even mature teams may commit mistakes in submittal. Avoid these common issues:
- Filing incomplete documentations.
- Lack of referencing specifications to specifications.
- Ignoring review comments
- Lateness leading to time overruns.
- Filing unapproved alternatives.
These issues are avoided by an active submittal plan.
Best Practices to Manage Construction Submittals
Time and money are saved in efficient submittal management.
Proven Best Practices
- Develop a submittal log at the beginning of the project.
Assign a special submittal coordinator. - Adopt electronic construction management systems.
- Observe specification requirements strictly.
- Monitor track schedules.
- Have a clear way of communicating changes.
Good organization is the secret of successful submittals.
Construction Project Schedule and Submittals
Submittals have immediate effects on project schedules.
Delayed approvals can:
- Halt procurement
- Delay fabrication
- Push installation dates
- Increase labor costs
This is why, submittals must be part of the project schedule since the very beginning.
Construction Submittals vs Shop Drawings
Many people confuse submittals with shop drawings.
| Scope | Broad category | Specific type |
| Content | Data, samples, reports | Detailed drawings |
| Purpose | Approval & compliance | Fabrication & installation |
Shop drawings are part of the overall submittal package.
Digital Construction Submittals
Modern construction projects increasingly use digital platforms for submittals.
Benefits of Digital Submittals
- Faster review cycles
- Centralized documentation
- Improved version control
- Real-time collaboration
- Reduced paperwork
Digital workflows are now considered best practice in large-scale projects.
Final Thoughts on Construction Submittals
Construction submittals are one of the fundamental components of project delivery. They guarantee quality, compliance and coordination of all project stakeholders.
Submittals minimize risk when managed effectively, eliminate expensive mistakes, and have construction proceeding at an efficient rate. A systematic submittal process is needed in residential, commercial, or industrial projects to ensure that project success will be attained in the long run. Whether for residential, commercial, or industrial projects, a structured submittal process is essential for achieving long-term project success, as followed in Houseura-led construction workflows.
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