Commercial Construction Submittals in Virginia

Commercial construction should be a partnership–and you want a contractor who believes that as well. If a contractor values collaboration, they will ask for feedback as they build the future of your physical commercial location. Often, this includes commercial construction submittals. Here’s what you need to know about submittals before finding a commercial contractor in Virginia. 

What is a Submittal?

Before we dive into submittals in Virginia, what is a commercial construction submittal in general? There’s two types of submittals. The first is a submittal to the government, when required. According to the state of Virginia, the official definition is: 

“All shop, fabrication, setting and installation drawings, diagrams, illustrations, schedules, samples, and other data required by the Contract Documents which are specifically prepared by or for the Contractor to illustrate some portion of the Work and all illustrations, brochures, standard schedules, performance charts, instructions, diagrams and other information prepared by a Supplier and submitted by the Contractor to illustrate material or equipment conformance of some portion of the Work with the requirements of the Contract Documents.”

In layman’s terms, this type of submittal includes documents a contractor or another party must submit to the government to get required permits for work. Often, this goes through a city government instead of the state government. That’s why it’s important to work with a contractor in your city, such as Virginia Beach, Chespeake, Norfolk, or Hampton Roads.

commercial construction submittals

The second type, which we are focusing on today, is similar, except instead of submitting plans to the government, a contractor submits them to the architect and/or client. Submittals to the government aren’t always required, but submittals to the client always should be. 

Commercial Construction Submittals in Virginia

When you’re working with a contractor on a project, ask them how often you can expect submittals. Typically, submittals are given to you or the architect for any detail you may want to provide feedback on. 

Submittals typically cover everything from small details, like paint colors or flooring, to larger structural components, like HVAC, electrical, and plumbing systems. Contractors provide these submittals to make sure the owner is getting exactly what they want. 

When submitted to an architect, the project also gets an expert opinion from a related field, boosting the quality of the work. 

Submittals in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake

When working with a commercial contractor, the local choice is often the best one. Not only do local contractors know the laws and regulations in your area, they’re a member of your community too. As a community partner, they’re as invested in building the future of your area as you are. 

This commitment often leads to more frequent submittals on your project. As a local contractor, we provide clients with submittals throughout the process so the final product best represents their brand. For example, with recent client Pursuit, we provided submittals on the architectural changes and design modifications, as well as adding floating shelves to their store. 

Carlton Building Services in Hampton Roads Virginia

Carlton Building Services specializes in repairs, maintenance, renovations, remodelings and build-outs for a variety of clients in Hampton Roads, Virginia Beach, and Chesapeake areas. We have years of experience handling projects in the retail, office, and healthcare space and would love to work with you on your next project!

To learn more about our services, check out past project highlights or contact Carlton Building Services to see how we can help with your next project. 

JP Carlton

J.P. Carlton

J.P. Carlton is the founder of Carlton Building Services, a Hampton Roads-based construction company.