# Division 09: Finishes submittal deviations

> Source: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/
> Deviation Check - AI submittal review for General Contractors (Aliso LLC).

## The six deviation categories in Division 09 Finishes

### Manufacturer or Product Substitution (default grade: Blocker)

The submittal proposes a different manufacturer or product than the spec names, without an approved or-equal or substitution request.

**Definition.** Submittal proposes a product or manufacturer different from what spec named, with no "or equal" approval letter cited.

**Detection signals.** Spec names a specific product (model number, brand) or short list of "approved manufacturers"; submittal cover sheet or data sheet shows a different one; no reference to a prior "or equal" approval on file.

**Default severity.** Blocker. Drops to Note-only if the submittal cites or attaches an "or equal" approval letter from the architect of record.

**Example.** Spec section 09 51 23 paragraph 2.1A: "Acoustical Panels: Armstrong Ultima 1912 or approved equal." Submittal: USG Mars Acoustical Panels, Model 86185, no "or equal" letter referenced.

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/manufacturer-substitution/

### Performance Specification Gap (default grade: Blocker)

A measurable performance property in the submittal (rating, capacity, tolerance, efficiency) does not meet what the spec requires.

**Definition.** A measured property of the submitted product fails to meet a spec-required threshold.

**Detection signals.** Spec states a numeric threshold or rated class (Noise Reduction Coefficient at or above X, fire rating Class A, slip resistance at or above Y, abrasion class Z, recycled-content percentage); submittal data sheet shows a value that does not meet the threshold.

**Default severity.** Blocker.

**Example.** Spec: "Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) at or above 0.70." Submittal data sheet: NRC = 0.65.

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/performance-specification-gap/

### Missing Certification or Compliance Documentation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required listing, test report, certification, or compliance document is absent from the submittal package.

**Definition.** A required third-party certification, test report, or compliance document is not provided in the submittal package.

**Detection signals.** Spec lists required certifications (Underwriters Laboratories (UL) listing, American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) test reports, FloorScore, Greenguard Gold, Buy America); submittal package omits one or more.

**Default severity.** Fix-and-Resubmit.

**Example.** Spec: "Provide ASTM E84 Class A flame spread test report." Submittal: data sheet states "tested per ASTM E84" but no actual test report is attached.

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/missing-certification/

### Aesthetic Deviation (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A visible attribute (color, finish, texture, profile) differs from the spec or the architect-approved sample.

**Definition.** Submitted product's color, finish, pattern, sheen, or texture differs from spec or from the approved physical sample.

**Detection signals.** Spec or approved sample specifies a named color, sheen, pattern direction, or texture; submittal shows a different one. AI flags textual mismatches; physical-sample verification still needs the PM's eye.

**Default severity.** Fix-and-Resubmit (owner-sensitive).

**Example.** Spec: "Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200, eggshell, color SW 7008." Submittal: Sherwin-Williams ProMar 200, satin, color SW 7008.

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/aesthetic-deviation/

### Detail or Installation Mismatch (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

The submitted detail, dimension, anchorage, or installation method differs from what the spec or drawings require.

**Definition.** Edge profile, thickness, joint pattern, fastening method, or installation detail differs from spec.

**Detection signals.** Spec states dimensional or method requirements (panel thickness, edge type, joint width, expansion-joint locations, fastener type, adhesive vs. mechanical); submittal drawings or data show a different value or method.

**Default severity.** Blocker if the difference touches life-safety or structural performance (fire-rated assembly, seismic restraint, slip resistance), otherwise Fix-and-Resubmit.

**Example.** Spec: "5/8 inch Type X gypsum panels, taped and finished Level 4." Submittal: 1/2 inch Type X gypsum panels, Level 4 finish.

Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/detail-installation-mismatch/

### Submittal Package Incompleteness (default grade: Fix and Resubmit)

A required submittal element (cut sheet, schedule, calculation, sample) is missing, leaving the package unreviewable as submitted.

**Definition.** A submittal item explicitly required by spec is missing from the package.

**Detection signals.** Spec section "Submittals" article lists required contents (manufacturer technical data sheets, physical color samples, maintenance and cleaning instructions, warranty, Safety Data Sheet (SDS), shop drawings, mock-up); one or more is absent from the package.

**Default severity.** Fix-and-Resubmit.

**Example.** Spec: "Submit: (a) data sheets, (b) two physical 12x12 inch samples per color, (c) maintenance instructions, (d) 5-year warranty." Submittal contains (a) and (d) only.

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Full guide: https://deviationcheck.com/divisions/09-finishes/submittal-package-incompleteness/

## How Division 09 deviations are graded

The AI assigns a default per category but can escalate or de-escalate based on context. It always shows its reasoning.

| Severity | Meaning | PM action |
|---|---|---|
| **Blocker** | Cannot be approved as submitted; building defect, code violation, or compliance risk if accepted. | Reject or Revise-and-Resubmit; notify subcontractor in writing. |
| **Fix-and-Resubmit** | Approval not blocked, but sub must update and re-send before fabrication or install. | Stamp "Revise and Resubmit" with redlines. |
| **Note-Only** | Acceptable as submitted; flag for the project record (e.g., manufacturer change pre-approved). | Note in approval stamp; no sub action required. |

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