Submittals in construction are written documents or physical samples provided by contractors or subcontractors to the general contractor and design team (architects and engineers) for review and approval before materials or equipment are fabricated and installed on a project
. They serve as a critical quality control step to verify that the products, materials, and methods comply with the project specifications and design intent outlined in the contract documents
Key aspects of construction submittals:
- Types of submittals: These include shop drawings, product data sheets, material samples, mock-ups, manuals, and other relevant documentation
- Purpose: To ensure that the correct products and quantities are used, confirm compliance with design documents, and facilitate coordination among architects, engineers, contractors, and suppliers
- Process: Contractors prepare submittals based on project specifications and send them to the general contractor, who forwards them to the design team for review and approval. Approved submittals authorize fabrication and installation
- Impact: The submittal process affects project cost, quality, schedule, and overall success by preventing costly mistakes and delays
In summary, submittals are formal documents or samples that provide detailed information about construction materials and methods, enabling the design team to approve them before work proceeds, thus ensuring the project meets design and quality standards
