# Division 32 Exterior Improvements pre-submittal checklist

> Source: https://deviationcheck.com/checklists/32-exterior-improvements/
> Printable PDF: https://deviationcheck.com/checklists/pdf/division-32-submittal-checklist.pdf

Run this before you send a Division 32 submittal package.

## 1. Before you start

- [ ] Pull the exact spec section this package answers to, including addenda that changed it.
- [ ] Read the submittal articles in Part 1 and list every item they ask for.
- [ ] Confirm the transmittal names the right section number, and that each product is tagged to the paragraph it answers.
- [ ] Mark any deviation from the spec yourself on the transmittal. A declared deviation gets reviewed; a hidden one gets the package rejected.
- [ ] Keep a copy of exactly what you sent, with the date, for your submittal log.

## 2. Named manufacturers and products match the spec (default grade: Blocker)

Compare every product in the package to the manufacturer and model the spec names. If anything differs, attach the approved substitution or or-equal letter, or swap back before you send. Tick each item once you have checked it and nothing below applies without written approval.

- [ ] Asphalt mix design source plant substitution (mix design is plant-specific; different plant requires new mix design approval)
- [ ] Concrete mix design batch plant substitution (requires re-submitted batch plant certification)
- [ ] Irrigation controller manufacturer swaps (Rain Bird, Hunter, Toro, Weathermatic) where integration with existing controls is specified
- [ ] Irrigation head brand changes (Rain Bird vs Hunter vs Toro) affecting precipitation rate matching and part-circle patterns
- [ ] Site furnishing manufacturer substitutions (benches, bike racks, trash receptacles, bollards) where specified product sets aesthetic and dimensional standard
- [ ] Fencing system manufacturer swaps (Ameristar, Merchants Metals, Master Halco) especially for ornamental iron or security fencing
- [ ] Plant nursery source substitution where local provenance or specific grower is specified
- [ ] Synthetic turf manufacturer swaps (FieldTurf, Shaw, Hellas, AstroTurf) where specified product has proprietary shock pad system
- [ ] Rubberized track surface manufacturer substitution (Beynon, Mondo, Rekortan)

## 3. Performance values meet the spec numbers (default grade: Blocker)

Put the data sheet next to the spec and compare the actual values, not just the test method. A sheet that says "tested per ASTM" without the number is not proof. Tick each value once it meets or beats the spec.

- [ ] **HMA binder grade** (PG XX-XX) - must match climate zone and traffic loading; submitting PG 58-28 where PG 64-22 is specified is a blocker in cold climates
- [ ] **Asphalt compaction target** - % of maximum theoretical density (Marshall method: 96%, Superpave: 92-96% of Gmm); look for design vs field target
- [ ] **Asphalt mix design parameters** - % passing each sieve, voids in mineral aggregate (VMA), air voids (target 3-5% in field), voids filled with asphalt (VFA)
- [ ] **Concrete paving compressive strength** (f'c) - typically 4000 psi at 28 days for parking lots, 4500 psi for driveways, 5000 psi for heavy truck; verify submitted mix meets spec
- [ ] **Concrete air content** - 5-7% for freeze-thaw exposure (ACI 301 Table 4.4.1); lower air content in freeze climates is a blocker
- [ ] **Concrete fiber type and dosage** - polypropylene, steel, or synthetic macro fiber at specified lb/cy; fiber type affects crack control differently
- [ ] **Aggregate base gradation** and compaction (% Proctor) - must match geotechnical recommendation
- [ ] **Irrigation precipitation rate** (in/hr) per zone - must not exceed soil infiltration rate; mixed head types in same zone cause uneven coverage
- [ ] **Irrigation uniformity coefficient (DU, distribution uniformity)** - minimum 0.70 for turf, 0.75 for potable water districts
- [ ] **Plant caliper size** - must meet ANSI Z60.1 nursery stock grades; caliper measured 6" above grade for trees up to 4" caliper
- [ ] **Plant height and spread** at time of delivery per ANSI Z60.1 grade requirements
- [ ] **B&B vs container** specification - not interchangeable; B&B trees have established root balls, container stock has different acclimation requirements
- [ ] **Athletic surface Gmax** impact attenuation - maximum 200g per ASTM F355; exceeding this is a safety blocker
- [ ] **Synthetic turf pile height and fiber weight** (oz/sq yd) - affects playability, durability, and heat retention

## 4. Certifications and test reports are attached (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

Reviewers want the report itself, not a line on the data sheet saying one exists. Tick each document that the spec requires and the package actually contains. Skip lines that do not apply to your section.

- [ ] **ASTM D3515 compliance** for hot mix asphalt (or state DOT equivalent mix design report from certified lab)
- [ ] **ACI 330** (parking lot concrete) or **ACI 301** (structural concrete) compliance documentation
- [ ] **ANSI Z60.1** nursery stock grade certification from grower or nursery
- [ ] **Local stormwater authority approval** for grading plan and drainage design where impervious area thresholds are crossed
- [ ] **Athletic surface third-party test report** - Gmax and HIC values from independent test lab per ASTM F355; manufacturer self-reported values do not satisfy this requirement
- [ ] **Synthetic turf FIFA Quality Pro or ASTM F1551/F1752** certifications for regulated athletic use
- [ ] **CRSI** (Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute) mill certifications for any reinforcing steel in concrete paving
- [ ] **Irrigation water budget and efficiency audit report** per local water district requirements (increasingly required)
- [ ] **Recycled content documentation** for rubberized surfaces where specified (percentage of post-consumer tire rubber)
- [ ] **NSF/ANSI 61 certification** for irrigation system components that contact potable water where irrigation connects to domestic supply

## 5. Colors, finishes, and profiles match the selection (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

Match each visible attribute to the spec text and the architect's approved sample or color schedule. Tick each one you have confirmed.

- [ ] **Pavement marking color** vs MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) - blue for accessible spaces, yellow for traffic lanes, white for stalls; wrong color is a functional/regulatory deviation
- [ ] **Plant species substitution** - even "similar" species may violate landscape plan intent, HOA restrictions, or native plant requirements; owner approval required
- [ ] **Site furnishing color and finish** - powder coat color, texture, and RAL number mismatches from specified product
- [ ] **Fencing color** and finish (black vs bronze vs galvanized vs custom color)
- [ ] **Concrete paving finish** - broom vs exposed aggregate vs stamped vs salt finish; color for integrally colored concrete
- [ ] **Unit paver pattern, color, and size** vs specified product
- [ ] **Synthetic turf pile color** (field green vs lime green), logo placement

## 6. Details and installation match the spec and drawings (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

These are the mismatches reviewers catch most in this division. Check your shop drawings and installation data against the spec and the contract drawings, and tick each line once you have confirmed it does not apply to your package.

- [ ] **Pavement section thickness** - base + surface course total must match geotechnical pavement design recommendation; shortchanging base is a common substitution
- [ ] **Asphalt surface course thickness** differs from spec (e.g., 2" spec, submittal shows 1.5")
- [ ] **Concrete joint spacing** differs from spec maximum (typically 10-15 ft for 4" slab; exceeding joint spacing increases cracking risk)
- [ ] **Curb reveal height** differs from spec or ADA requirements at transitions
- [ ] **Irrigation head spacing** does not match precipitation rate calculations (head-to-head coverage required for specified DU)
- [ ] **Plant spacing** differs from landscape plan requirements (affects coverage at maturity)
- [ ] **Tree pit size** below spec minimum (typically 3x root ball diameter for B&B)
- [ ] **Fencing post embedment depth** differs from spec minimum (typically 1/3 of total post height plus 6")
- [ ] **Bike rack or bollard anchor bolt pattern** differs from manufacturer's base plate template
- [ ] **Rubberized track thickness** per lane differs from spec (affects Gmax rating)

## 7. Every required item is in the package (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

Open the submittal articles in Part 1 of your spec section (often split into action and informational submittals) and confirm each required item is present. The list below is what this division's specs most often require.

- [ ] Asphalt mix design report (Marshall or Superpave) from certified laboratory with mix design number and plant certification
- [ ] Concrete mix design with batch plant certification, admixture data sheets, and aggregate gradation
- [ ] Plant list with confirmed availability: species, caliper, height, spread, root ball size, and nursery source
- [ ] Irrigation design calculations: precipitation rate per zone, DU calculation, water budget, pipe sizing
- [ ] Site furnishing cut sheets with dimensions, weight, anchor details, and finish specifications
- [ ] Pavement marking product data sheet with reflectivity rating and cure time
- [ ] Athletic surface system drawing showing all layers (base, shock pad, pile carpet) with thicknesses
- [ ] Fencing post and panel structural calculations for wind load where required
- [ ] Aggregate base gradation report from certified lab
- [ ] Synthetic turf field test report (Gmax, HIC, traction, rotational resistance)
- [ ] Irrigation controller programming manual and water budget worksheet