Material substitutions

Use of substitute materials

Where clients are considering material substitutions during the build process, and they wish to avoid delays with the Warranty provider in relation to acceptance and continue to maintain compliance with our Technical Standards, the following key requirements should be acknowledged as critical in any decisions being made:

Early engagement is essential

Developers must identify potential material risks early and notify the Warranty provider as soon as substitutions are anticipated.

Client due diligence is required

Before any substitution request is submitted, proposers must ensure that the alternative product/material meets the original technical intent and performance requirements.

Equivalence must be demonstrated

In all relevant areas, (e.g. structural capability, durability, service life, moisture resistance, etc.) any material substitution must have proof and demonstration of an equivalent performance.

Appropriate statements and evidence should be provided to support any alternative material/product selection including accreditation, certifications, test evidence, installation requirements, and compatibility with adjoining systems and materials.

Where system related change is proposed, written confirmation must be provided by the manufacturer of the system

Where a material substitution affects a part or parts of a larger system, the manufacturer of the system must confirm in writing that they agree with the substitution and that it will not adversely affect the performance of the system in its function and that any third party product conformity certificate of the system as a whole is still valid.

Submission Expectations

For clarity, the following relates to the presentation of a product/material substitution proposal to the Warranty Surveyor for review and no substituted material is to be installed until formal Warranty acceptance is confirmed.

When presenting a substitution proposal to the Warranty Surveyor for review, Developers must provide:

• The clear design reason for the substitution.

• A technical comparison report completed by a relevant specialist or the manufacturer.

• All supporting and supplementary evidence regarding performance – this should include any written statements provided by the manufacturer and appropriate third-party product conformity certificate.

• Confirmation that all relevant parties have completed their internal due diligence and agree with the substitution e.g. Designers, Engineers.

Warranty determination and reserved rights

We fully recognise and appreciate the significant challenges currently being experienced across the construction sector and we will continue to work constructively with our clients and Developers during this period.

Nevertheless, we must also emphasise that the Warranty provider reserves the right to refuse acceptance of any alternative product or material where, in our professional judgement, the substitution introduces increased risk or has the potential to adversely affect critical elements of Warranty coverage, compliance with our Technical Standards, or the long term performance and durability of the building.