Construction submittal types: shop drawings, product data, samples, and mockups

What types of construction submittals are there?

CSI/CMAA divides submittals into Action Submittals (designer reviews and responds) and Informational Submittals (designer files for reference). Action Submittals are shop drawings, product data, and samples. Informational Submittals are test reports, certifications, manufacturer instructions, and maintenance data. Both belong in Section 01 33 00 of the specifications.

What is a shop-drawing submittal?

Shop drawings are prepared by the contractor, fabricator, supplier, or subcontractor to show specific information about a product or system. They include dimensions, fabrication details, field measurements, and coordination with adjacent work.

Typical examples: structural steel shop drawings, curtainwall shops, casework shops, millwork, reinforcing placement drawings, pre-cast panel shops, mechanical equipment installation drawings.

Shop drawings are NOT a substitute for the contract drawings, if the shop drawing conflicts with the contract drawings, the contract drawings govern unless the designer explicitly approves the deviation.

What is a product-data submittal?

Product data consists of manufacturer-supplied technical information on a product, cut sheets, performance data, installation instructions, and certifications. Typical format: standard manufacturer catalog pages with options highlighted to show the specific product being furnished.

Review focus: does the product meet the specification? Are optional features correctly selected? Are warranty terms included?

What is a sample submittal?

Samples are physical specimens of a product, typically submitted for appearance, color, and texture approval. Common for masonry, tile, stone, carpet, paint, and specialty finishes. Full-size samples are often required for brick ranges, stone, and specialty metal panels.

Designer stamps the approved sample, the approved sample is retained on site, and installation must match the approved sample.

What is a mockup submittal?

Mockups are full-size assemblies of multiple components, typically exterior wall assemblies, bathroom mockups, or typical room fit-outs. Used to verify quality, coordination, and appearance before production work begins. Covered in detail in our construction mockup guide.

What are informational submittals?

Informational submittals are filed for record only; the designer does not issue a formal approve or reject action.

• Test and evaluation reports (concrete cylinder tests, soil compaction, fireproofing thickness)
• Manufacturer certifications (that a product was installed per their instructions)
• Field measurements
• Project record documents (as-builts, per our as-built drawings guide)
• Maintenance data, operation manuals, warranty documentation (delivered at closeout)
• Field QC test results

What do submittal review-response stamps mean?

Review-response stamps tell the contractor whether to proceed, revise, or resubmit, and whether fabrication may start.

• No Exceptions Taken: Work may proceed as submitted
• Make Corrections Noted: Work may proceed with corrections; no resubmission required
• Revise and Resubmit: Work must not proceed; resubmission required
• Rejected: Not conforming; new submittal required
• Submit Specified Item: Item submitted is not what was specified

For the broader document flow, see our submittal log guide.

What common errors delay submittal review?

Submittal review is delayed by incomplete packages, missing spec references, and shop drawings that do not match the contract documents.

• Missing specified submittal items (e.g., no warranty in product data when spec requires it)
• Shop drawings that don't show field dimensions or coordination with adjacent work
• Samples without color/option selections identified
• Informational submittals mixed with Action submittals, causing unnecessary review cycles
• Submittals sent without a coversheet or schedule reference