Many subcontractors get their submittals from the supply house: the distributor offers to “put the submittals together” and sends a stack of cut sheets. It feels like the job is done. Then the package comes back “Revise and Resubmit.” Here is why that happens and how to fix it.
What a supplier package is built to do
A distributor’s submittal package is designed to get its products approved. That is useful: the supplier knows its catalog, the model numbers and the lead times. But the supplier is not responsible for your contract, and usually does not read the project’s specification book. The package reflects what they sell, not what the architect specified.
What the reviewer is checking
The architect or engineer reviews each submittal against the specification section it belongs to. They are looking for the exact products, options, ratings, certifications and documents that section requires, and for anything that deviates from it.
| Supplier package | Spec-compliant submittal |
|---|---|
| Organized by product line or order | Organized by spec section, numbered the way Division 01 requires |
| Catalog pages with every option shown | Exact model, size, options and accessories highlighted |
| Brands the supplier stocks | Basis-of-design or listed manufacturers, or a documented substitution |
| Product data only | Everything Part 1 requires: product data, shop drawings, certificates, warranties, samples |
| No deviations listed | Every deviation from the spec stated up front, with the reason |
| No contractor review | Your review and certification that it was checked against the documents |
The most common gaps
- A fixture submitted without its carrier, trim, valve or drain, so the assembly can’t be approved.
- Flow rates, pressure ratings or efficiency values that differ from the spec.
- A different manufacturer than specified, with no substitution request or comparison.
- Missing certifications the spec calls for, such as lead-free, listing or Buy America documents.
- Warranty terms shorter than specified.
- No transmittal or contractor review stamp.
How to use a supplier package the right way
- Ask the supplier for its product list and data sheets early.
- Pull the spec section for each product and read Part 1 (submittals) and Part 2 (products).
- Check each product against Part 2: model, options, ratings, finishes.
- Mark up the data sheets so the reviewer sees the exact selections.
- Add what the supplier didn’t include: certificates, warranties, shop drawings, samples.
- List deviations on the transmittal, then review and stamp it before it goes to the general contractor.
Who is responsible?
Under most construction contracts, the contractor submitting the package is responsible for reviewing it and confirming it meets the contract documents. A supplier can help, but the responsibility stays with you.
Short on time? We do exactly this: take your supplier’s selections, check every item against the spec and deliver packages ready to submit. See submittal services for small subcontractors, or make your own contractor review stamp with our free review stamp maker.