MATERIAL SPECIFICATION / FOLLOW-UP
“Bathroom tiles” or “premium board” does not tell you which product your money buys. Flag the missing details, ask about the brand, model, specification and substitution process, then request an updated quote or material schedule.
Start with materials that affect cost, appearance, function or warranty. If the product is undecided, record the allowance and decision deadline.
REQUEST FOR CLARIFICATION
SII / DOCUMENT FIRST
One quoted item. One identifiable written reference.
The quote does not need to contain every detail on its main page. A material schedule, catalogue or sample record can carry the detail, provided it identifies the quote item and document version. Open a question for wording and the record to request.
Which brand, manufacturer or supply source is proposed for this item? If it is undecided, please list the available options.
Ask them to updateThe quote or material schedule: full brand name, manufacturer or an identifiable supply source.
Which range, model or product code is included? Please provide the matching catalogue page or specification sheet.
Ask them to updateThe material schedule: range, model and catalogue version, not just a brand name.
Please list the relevant dimensions, thickness, capacity, cable size or pack specification, and mark any fields that do not apply.
Ask them to updateThe schedule or specification sheet: values, units and the corresponding quote item.
Are any wear, water, fire, formaldehyde, acoustic, load or energy-performance requirements agreed for this material? Please identify the applicable requirements, their basis and supporting documents.
Ask them to updateThe specification or attachments: agreed performance, applicable standards and supporting documents. Ask a relevant professional to confirm suitability for the project.
Which colour code, texture and finish are agreed? Please keep the sample photo, reference number and confirmation date together.
Ask them to updateThe sample record: brand, model, colour, finish, photo and the date both parties confirm it.
Where will this material be used? Please identify the room and surface, and link them to the quote item or drawing.
Ask them to updateThe quote, schedule or drawing: room, wall or floor location and item reference.
What are the quantity, unit and calculation basis? Does the price include waste or full-pack purchases? How will a difference between the estimate and the actual quantity be charged or credited?
Ask them to updateThe quote breakdown: quantity, unit, waste and purchase calculation, plus the adjustment method.
If the product is unavailable or a change is proposed, what minimum specification must the substitute meet? Who proposes it, when is my written confirmation required, and how are price, schedule and warranty effects recorded?
Ask them to updateThe change record: original and proposed models and specifications, reason, price, schedule, warranty and written confirmation.
This request always includes all eight questions, even if you only open a few above. Replace the opening placeholder with the quote item or material name before sending.
An incomplete answer need not be bad faith. Turn the unresolved detail into a question with a written answer.
That works. Please record the allowance, available options, minimum specification and decision deadline. How will a price difference be calculated?
A pending-selection schedule with the allowance, options, responsible person and date.
Please attach the sample’s brand, model, colour code, photo and confirmation date. If the photo and written specification differ, which reference will we use?
Link the sample record to the quote item and agree how conflicting information will be resolved.
Please send the proposed model, specification differences, reason for the change, price adjustment and effects on timing and warranty. Let us confirm these in writing before the substitution.
Original product → proposed replacement → written confirmation. Keep all three records linked.
These are prompts for clarification, not universal construction specifications. Ask a relevant professional to confirm the actual specification and performance requirements for your project.
Ask for the brand, range, model, dimensions, thickness, colour and finish. Separate wall and floor locations, and record the quantity and waste calculation.
Ask for the brand, range, colour and sheen. Identify primer and finish coats, the number of coats and application areas, and whether each is included in the price.
Ask for the brand, substrate, thickness, surface colour and edge treatment. If a formaldehyde class is agreed, request the corresponding documents.
Ask for the brand, model, location, quantity, agreed layers or thickness, and water-test method. A product name alone does not establish the result of the work.
Ask for the brand, model, size and colour. List accessories, installation and warranty coverage so omitted parts do not only become apparent on delivery.
Ask for the brand, model, function, applicable load rating, quantity, colour and warranty. The quoted item should identify the hardware proposed for use.
STANDARD INTEGRITY INSTITUTE
DOCUMENT REVIEW
SII reviews information in quotes and attachments through Transparency, Consistency, Reasonableness and Executability to identify points needing clarification. It does not endorse materials, vendors or workmanship.
That omission alone does not determine whether signing is appropriate. Start with materials that affect cost, appearance, function or warranty. For undecided products, record the options, allowance, decision deadline and price-adjustment method, then consider what remains unresolved.
It usually does not identify the proposed product. One brand can offer several ranges and specifications. Ask for the model or product code and the matching catalogue page or specification sheet.
The key is how both parties define equivalent. Record the minimum specification, performance, dimensions, acceptable brands, written confirmation process and price adjustments. This clarifies the agreement; it is not a judgment on the clause’s legal validity.
Ask for an allowance, available options, minimum specification and decision date, together with the method for charging or crediting any difference. “To be decided” is not a confirmed price or specification.
It can support the discussion, but identify the brand, model, colour, version, confirmation date and quote item. If the photo, catalogue and quote wording conflict, ask both parties to confirm which reference applies.
No. SII reviews the quote and related documents you provide. It does not test product authenticity, perform site acceptance checks or guarantee materials or workmanship. A relevant professional must still assess performance and suitability for the work.
This is a tool for clarifying quotation documents, not legal advice, an engineering assessment or product testing. Complete answers do not make a project risk-free.
