Submittals -- Standard of Excellence

A few simple steps can help you get your submittals approved more quickly so you can get on with the job.

Whether you are a trade contractor, material supplier or general contractor, you often must furnish information about your materials, which someone must review and approve before you can begin work. When submittal approval takes too long or your submittals are returned for lack of information, work is delayed and everyone gets frustrated. A few simple steps can help you get your submittals approved more quickly so you can get on with the job.

Organized, professional looking submittals are the key to quick approval. I have reviewed thousands of submittals over the years and believe me, there is a direct relationship between professional looking submittals and the perceived professionalism of the company that furnished them. Here’s how to get organized.

These five simple steps can mean the difference between quick and slow approval of your products.

#1 – Use a cover sheet
If you have multiple items you are submitting, list each item on a cover page in order. Give a description, specific model or product information,

#2 – Arrange your information
Make it easy for the guy reviewing your submittal. Arrange the information in the same order that each item is listed in the material standards section of the specifications.

#3 – Be absolutely clear
There should be no doubt which product on catalogue cut is being furnished. Mark the specific item or product number and make sure the same information appears on your cover sheet.

#4 – Make sure your work looks professional
Always use clean originals or crisp photo copies for each page of information. Faxed pages are hard to read and make you look unprofessional.

#5 – Meet the specs
Closely read the specifications and make sure each item meets or exceeds the requirements. For example, if it says the curing compound is supposed to meet ASTM C 309, Type 2B, make sure it says that specifically and highlight the words that say it does. Don’t just print on a paper, “This product meets or exceeds the specification requirements,” but furnish manufacturer literature or similar from their website.

Furnish well-organized, professional looking submittal information that you know meets the specification and you will receive quick approval and win your client/contractor’s confidence in the process.

Additional cost to furnish the right information: 0
Additional cost for furnishing the wrong information: 1-5 day delay