Explain why samples may be required, how they are used, and the sample submittal process.

Question

What will be an ideal response?

Answer 1

Samples usually are required for finish selection or approval. Color and textures in the actual product can vary considerably from the color and textures shown in printed material. The printed brochure gives an indication of available colors, but the colors are rendered in printer's ink rather than in the actual material. A quality level may be specified, requiring a selection of color and/or texture from sample pieces of the material. Several acceptable manufacturers may be listed in the specification, and a level of quality also may be specified. The contractor, subcontractor, or supplier may have a preference for one of these products, based on price, availability, quality, workability, or service. The contractor would then submit the color samples for the preferred product for the color selection the designer chooses. Samples, especially color samples, for example, may have a two-submittal process. The first submittal, usually a color chart of all available colors in the specified line of product, is for "initial selection," and the second submittal, which could be a larger and actual sample, is for final selection.