Construction projects fall behind budget and schedule when the wrong materials arrive on site, installations don’t meet specifications, or rework disrupts tight schedules. These expensive mistakes often stem from poor communication between design teams and contractors about what exactly should be built and how to build it. Construction submittals tackle this problem by requiring formal approval for key materials and methods before any purchasing or installation begins. By understanding what submittals are and what they include, construction businesses can use them to protect project quality and profitability.
What Is a Construction Submittal?
A construction submittal is a formal document that contractors generate before purchasing or fabricating materials, equipment, and systems for an upcoming construction project. Architects, engineers, and project managers then review the submittal’s contents—shop drawings, product data sheets, material samples, and other documentation—to verify that the proposed items and methods comply with the project’s specifications.
Because submittals require approval before procurement or installation, they act as a quality control mechanism that protects project budgets and schedules. This review process helps contractors avoid costly rework, catching potential conflicts between proposed materials and project requirements early—before resources are committed.
Construction Submittals Explained
Construction submittals act as a checkpoint early in the construction management process, connecting design requirements with field execution to avoid expensive errors, project delays, and unsatisfactory outcomes. Approving materials and building methods before installation starts lessens the risk of failed inspections and avoids the schedule delays caused by removing and replacing noncompliant work.
The submittal process also works alongside materials management, establishing traceability for every item entering the project site. This systematic approach allows project managers to track material lead times, coordinate deliveries with construction phases, and verify that crews only install products that match approved specifications. For construction companies managing multiple projects, a well-organized submittal workflow helps procurement teams allocate the right materials to the correct job sites at the appropriate time.
What Is Included in a Construction Submittal?
Construction submittals contain detailed documentation reflecting the needs of the job at hand. While specific submittal requirements and elements vary from project to project, most packages include several standard components that help the design team evaluate how the proposal aligns with regulations and expectations. The general contractor typically specifies what documentation each trade must provide in the submittal schedule, requiring more extensive information for complex components like plumbing systems than for standard inventory, such as nails or screws.
Common submittal components include:
- Shop drawings: diagrams that show fabrication details, dimensions, and installation methods.
- Product data sheets: lists of manufacturer specifications, performance ratings, and technical details for components.
- Material samples: physical items that help stakeholders visualize finishes, colors, textures, and other aesthetic factors.
- Installation instructions: directions that minimize damage or suboptimal builds alongside best practices from the manufacturer.
- Test reports and certifications: documentation that proves compliance with industry standards and regulations.
- Warranty information: terms and conditions for any coverage related to materials and work.
NetSuite Helps Your Construction Company Grow
Manually managing submittals for multiple projects while tracking material lead times, approvals, and delivery schedules can overwhelm construction companies, especially when they rely on disconnected systems. NetSuite building materials integrates procurement, inventory, and project management into one unified system to give construction teams a real-time look at submittal statuses, material availability, and project timelines. The software’s built-in automation tools accelerate approval workflows, send alerts for pending reviews, and maintain complete records of all submittal documentation. With mobile access and customizable dashboards for field teams and project managers, NetSuite’s cloud-based software helps workers access the exact information they need, wherever they’re working. The system’s scalable analytics tools also track material costs against budgets, monitor vendor performance, and align deliveries with approved submittals and up-to-date construction schedules to help companies maintain high quality work throughout every jobsite.
Construction submittals establish a foundation for successful project execution by connecting design intent with realistic job site needs. By setting clear requirements and approval processes before beginning work, construction teams protect their projects—and their bottom line—from costly mistakes that impact work quality and client relationships. As construction projects grow more complex and schedules tighten, companies that prioritize their submittal processes position themselves to deliver projects efficiently, profitably, and with confidence that each component aligns with the project’s requirements.
Construction Submittals FAQs
What are the three types of construction submittals?
Different types of construction submittals are used to show different aspects of a project’s specifications. The three main types are:
- Product data: specifications, item catalogs, and performance data.
- Shop drawings: detailed placement, fabrication, and installation diagrams.
- Physical samples: material samples, mockups, or color choices.
Who is responsible for fulfilling submittals?
Contractors and subcontractors are responsible for preparing submittals for the general contractor, who then reviews and forwards them to the architect or engineer for final approval. The overall submittal schedule is typically created by the general contractor, assigning specific responsibilities to each trade based on the scope of work.
What is the purpose of a submittal?
Submittals allow different stakeholders—general contractors, the project team, and the design team—to confirm that all materials and methods meet project specifications before contractors make purchases and begin work. This proactive quality control process minimizes mistakes and reduces rework to keep construction projects on schedule and within budget.
