Construction Submittal Turnaround: How Submittal Speed Affects Project Schedule and Quality

Submittal turnaround time substantially affects project schedule and quality. Submittals include shop drawings (fabricator detail drawings), product data (specifications and cut sheets), samples (physical samples for selection), mock-ups (full-size assemblies), and similar. Quality submittals plus timely review enable construction to proceed; delayed submittals delay procurement and installation. Specific best practices reduce turnaround. Understanding submittal management helps construction firms maintain schedule.

This post covers construction submittal turnaround.

Submittal Types

Multiple submittal types:

Multiple submittal types per specifications. Shop drawings showing fabricator's interpretation — substantial for steel, custom millwork, glazing. Product data including specifications and cut sheets confirming product compliance. Samples physical examples for selection (paint chips, fabric swatches, finishes). Mock-ups full-size assemblies for substantial complex elements (wall types, façade systems). Manufacturer's instructions for installation. Test reports for materials and assemblies. Specific to specifications.

Submittal Review Time

Review time per contract:

Submittal review time per contract terms. Contract specifies typically 14-21 days for review. Specific to designer team capacity and complexity. Substantial submittals longer typically (multi-discipline coordination). Resubmittals additional time when revisions needed. Specific to AIA contracts which provide framework. Schedule impact when delayed — procurement and installation delayed.

Best Practices

Best practices reduce turnaround:

Best practices reduce submittal turnaround. Quality submittals first time vs multiple rounds substantially affects schedule. Submittal schedule on substantial projects coordinating timing across all submittals. Pre-submittal coordination between subcontractors and GC catching issues. Specific to specs without extra information confusing review. Tracking systems through Procore, Newforma, others showing status. Substantial vs minor classification supporting prioritization.

Substitutions

Substitutions complicate:

Substitutions complicate submittal process. Proposed substitution from specified product (cost, schedule, availability reasons). Substantial documentation required showing equivalence to specified. Designer review for equivalence — takes time evaluating. Schedule impact when not pre-approved through preconstruction. Specific procedures per contract for substitution review. Specific to specifications and contract.

Long-Lead Items

Long-lead items priority:

Long-lead items priority for submittal review. Custom items long fabrication times (custom curtain wall, specialty millwork, custom equipment). Specialty equipment with substantial fabrication. Imported materials with shipping time. Priority submittals for these items. Specific to schedule — long-lead items often critical path. Substantial schedule impact when delayed.

Bottom Line

Submittal turnaround substantially affects project schedule. Multiple submittal types per specifications. Review time per contract typically 14-21 days. Best practices include quality first submittals, submittal schedule, pre-coordination. Substitutions complicate process. Long-lead items priority. For construction firms, quality submittal management supports schedule and quality. Quality preconstruction and proactive coordination produce best outcomes. Worth substantial attention as project execution foundation.