Project Management Chapter 5 - Start on Submittals

Your estimator originally received price quotes from your suppliers/manufacturers during the early bidding stage of the project. But now that you've got the project, those initial price estimates might not be 100% accurate and or valid anymore because most quotes from manufacturers are only valid for 30 days from date of quote.

You should now ask for new quotes for all the materials needed for the project from your manufacturers. If your project contract includes installation of all signage (like a subcontract often does), you will want to get price quotes from installers close as possible to where the project is located.

Pro Tip: When you're asking for quotations, make sure to provide all necessary details in your email, including visual representations like drawings to clearly communicate your needs.

It's beneficial to build a rapport with a specific sales representative at each company you deal with. By understanding their requirements/modes of operation, you can facilitate the request for precise and prompt quotations.

Always verify the accuracy of quotations. You'll have another opportunity to ensure accuracy when the supplier or manufacturer produces the drawings/submittals. This stage will confirm whether all the project's materials from that manufacturer that were in the initial quote are included in the manufacturers supplied drawings.

Lastly, having a good relationship with your manufacturers/suppliers' salespeople makes the role of an Estimator/Project Manager/Owner much easier.

Pro Tip:  Now is a great time to contact your Project Manager and Jobsite superintendent to arrange a meeting and review schedules/expectations as you will need to coordinate with other trades, especially if you have any signage that is internally illuminated. This can be at the jobsite or online. Most projects have a meeting every week, either in person or virtually.

Also, make sure to check if you need any signs or electrical permits. Usually, these permits are included in the General Contract, so you might not have to get them yourself. Asking early helps avoid rushing to get permits at the last minute, which can delay the project and cause frustration.

Below is an example of a quote from a Manufacture

for a Cast Bronze Dedication Plaque:

Below is an example of an email requesting a quote

for installation of signage materials: