What is the purpose of a submittal in construction documentation?

The purpose of a submittal in construction documentation is to provide data for the approval of materials or methods. Submittals are critical communication tools used by contractors to present specific materials, products, or systems they intend to use in the project. This allows project owners, architects, and engineers to review and ensure that the proposed items meet the requirements set forth in the contract documents.

Through the submittal process, detailed information such as product specifications, shop drawings, samples, and other relevant documents are conveyed. This comprehensive review protects all parties involved by ensuring that the selected materials and methods conform to the design intent and regulations before they are integrated into the actual construction work. The importance of quality and compliance in construction necessitates this validation step, which helps to mitigate potential issues during the build process.