- If you're a contractor
who bids on architecturally specified projects,
you need to understand how product substitutions work,
for those times when specified products
either aren't available, not from your preferred supplier,
or they're the wrong product altogether.
One helpful tool to get a product substituted
is a side-by-side comparison.
By the end of this video,
you'll understand what a side-by-side is,
how to use one, and how to create one for your project.
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What's up guys,
welcome to The Metal Roofing Channel, I'm Fad Barnett,
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we release metal roofing and metal construction content
every Monday and Wednesday.
Let's start by talking about what a side-by-side comparison
is, and why it matters when you're bidding
on an architecturally specified project?
I'll be using examples from Sheffield Metals who can help
you create a side-by-side
if you wanna substitute one of their products.
Stay to the end of the video
to learn more about their process.
When you're putting together your bid,
the project specifications created by the architect
defines the basis of design,
which is used to set the performance and quality
requirements of the project.
So if you wanna win the contract,
your bid needs to include products that meet the minimum
basis of design.
If we're talking a standing seam metal roof,
the spec might call out for a product that has a specific
profile, seam height, testing requirements, and more.
Sometimes specified products aren't available,
not from your preferred supplier, or there's a different
product that might work better for the application.
In this case,
you would wanna submit a product substitution
along with your bid.
Before doing this,
make sure the specification allows for product substitutions
because some specs don't allow them at all.
You can verify that product substitutions are permitted
by reading the specifications section division 1
and substitution procedures in the project manual.
This is where a side-by-side comes into play.
The goal of a side-by-side is to give a visual comparison
between the originally specified product
and your proposed substituted product.
And remember, your substitution still must meet the minimum
basis of design and be an equivalent or better product
than the original.
We'll break down a real example of a side-by-side comparison
chart, but first let's discuss the two main types.
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Type number one, product versus product.
The first type of a side-by-side for a product substitution
is utilized when a manufacturer's product or brand
is named in the specification.
When you're proposing to substitute a different product
than the specified product,
but it still has similar or better characteristics
and performance standards,
the side-by-side will help to show how the substitute
product compares in terms of warranties, paint type,
color, testing standards, and other requirements.
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Type number two, product versus project requirements.
The second type of a side-by-side is used when the architect
puts out a specification that doesn't specifically
name a manufacturer,
and instead specifies what requirements products must meet.
Let's look at an example
of a product versus project requirements side-by-side,
provided by the Sheffield Metals Architectural Department.
On the left, you can see the product data,
technical information, and warranty information categories.
The middle column shows the proposed product substitution
and its data, and on the right,
is the requirements originally specified by the architect.
Notice that a two and a half inch mechanical seam panel
was originally specified.
The proposed substitution product was a Sheffield Metals
inch and three quarter SnapLock panel.
The side-by-side indicates that the substitution product
meets or exceeds all specified requirements,
such as material type, air infiltration,
and weather tight warranty.
This comparison chart would then be submitted by the bidding
contractor along with their bid.
As I mentioned earlier,
if you wanna substitute a Sheffield Metal standing seam
metal roofing or wall product in place of a different
specified product or set of requirements,
the Sheffield Metals Architectural Department
can assist by creating a side-by-side comparison chart
for you based on the project's information.
Sheffield Metals will need the following items
from the project manual to put together a side-by-side.
Typical division 1 general requirements,
which should define the substitution process,
division 7, specs for the roofing system,
and the roof plans, elevations, and all structural notes.
The Sheffield Metals Architectural Department will determine
if Sheffield can meet the project requirements specified.
And if so, they'll work with you to draw up
the side-by-side comparison chart.
Once finished the chart, special notes,
and any supporting documents will be sent back
to you so they can be added to your bid.
A side-by-side comparison is a powerful visual tool
that could make your bid and product substitution requests
clear and easily understandable.
Remember, while some manufacturers like Sheffield Metals
can help you by putting together the side-by-side
comparison, it must be submitted
in the bid by the contractor.
If you're a contractor who needs a side-by-side comparison
to bid on a project or have other requests about
architectural metal roofing and walls,
contact the Sheffield Metals Architectural Department,
the link is in the description down below.
Comment if you have any questions,
subscribe here to the Metal Roofing Channel.
And as always I'm Fab Barnett, I'll catch you next time.
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