What it means
A submittal package might include product data sheets, colour samples, test reports, certificates and shop drawings. The designer reviews it against the specifications and responds: approved, approved with comments, or revise and resubmit.
The process confirms that what will be installed matches what was specified.
Why it matters
Submittals prevent substitutions that do not meet the design or the code. They also create the record of what was installed, which becomes valuable for maintenance and warranty later.
The review takes time, and slow submittals lead to late orders. For products with long lead times, the submittal process often sits on the critical path of the project.
How HSM handles it
HSM prepares a submittal schedule at the start of a project, ordered by lead time so the items that take longest are reviewed first. We check each package against the specifications before sending it, which cuts down on rejections.
With our own electrical, mechanical, interior systems and carpentry trades, many submittals come from our own teams, who know the products and installation requirements well. We keep a log and follow up on reviews that are slow.
At close-out, we assemble the approved submittals into the documentation you receive, so your building operator has a complete record.
What to plan for
Ask for the submittal log at the start of the project and check it at each meeting. A slow review of one item can hold up an entire trade.