In construction, the earlier you identify risks and plan around them, the smoother your project will run. Yet many general contractors still wait until the build phase to extract and organize submittals from the spec book—missing key opportunities to add clarity, accuracy, and professionalism during preconstruction.
Tools like Anyset Specs are built to automate submittal extraction across the lifecycle of a project—but teams that start using them earlier, especially during estimating and precon, are seeing a range of advantages. Based on how top-performing GCs are leveraging this technology, here are three reasons to bring spec analysis into the early stages of planning:
1. Expose Cost Drivers Before They Hit the Budget
Delegated design scopes, basis-of-design items, sole-source materials, long lead products—these aren’t just technical details. They’re major cost centers. By running the spec book through Anyset Specs during estimating, contractors can generate a preliminary submittal log that highlights high-risk items before they escalate. This lets estimators build more accurate, thoughtful bids and helps the owner see your team’s attention to detail. In some cases, firms are even including draft submittal registers with their proposals—demonstrating a clear handle on the project scope before the shovel hits the ground.
2. Catch Mockups and QA Requirements Early
Every contractor has a story about a mockup that was missed in the spec book—usually followed by panic, added cost, and last-minute coordination. With Anyset Specs, mockups, tests, and QA/QC requirements are automatically flagged from the beginning. Teams can sort, filter, and prioritize these items while building their work plans, rather than scrambling to respond once construction is underway. Getting ahead of quality requirements ensures contract compliance and gives field teams the context they need to deliver without delays.
3. Track Design Changes as the Specs Evolve
By the time most contractors receive a Notice to Proceed, the spec book is often still evolving. Instead of re-reviewing each version manually, teams using Anyset Specs can compare spec versions automatically—identifying any added, removed, or updated submittals in seconds. This reduces rework, improves planning accuracy, and helps teams stay aligned as the design changes. Whether a manufacturer gets swapped, a new long-lead item appears, or a costly detail is added, you’ll catch it—before it catches you.
Final Takeaway
Starting spec analysis earlier in the project lifecycle gives contractors more control, fewer surprises, and stronger alignment with owners and design teams. With tools like Anyset Specs, you’re not just creating a submittal log—you’re setting the tone for a proactive, well-managed build.
Ready to explore how Anyset Specs fits into your precon workflow? Reach out for a walkthrough.