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Construction Submittals: MIR, SUB, NCR, COR Explained

A practical guide to the most common document types on a construction project — what each is, when it is used, and how Mutamad routes it through the approval chain.

By Mutamad TeamPublished 9 July 2026

On every construction project, there is a fixed set of documents that flow between the contractor, consultant, and owner. Understanding the differences between them — and why each matters — is half the battle in project document management.

MIR — Material Inspection Request

Used when the contractor wants to prove that a supplier has delivered materials conforming to spec, or that a piece of work is complete and ready for the consultant's inspection before the next phase. Without an approved MIR, the contractor typically cannot claim payment for that material or work.

SUB — Technical Submittal

A comprehensive document usually covering finish materials, systems, or specific equipment. It includes vendor catalogues, conformity certificates, detail drawings, and sometimes samples. The SUB defines what will actually be built, and with its attachments can run to dozens of pages.

NCR — Non-Conformance Report

Raised by the consultant when work or materials do not match the specification or the approved submittal. An open NCR means work is paused pending resolution, and may convert into a Corrective Action (ACT) with a signed remediation plan.

COR — Construction Correspondence

Formal correspondence between the parties. Not all of it is approvals: some are delay notices, some technical queries, some change orders. Keeping COR under strict sequential numbering is essential for tracking contractual accountability.

How Mutamad manages this workflow

  1. Every new document is numbered automatically per project rules (e.g., MIR-ADF1-STRUCT-0042).
  2. The document reaches the consultant with all attachments, and appears in their inbox.
  3. The consultant signs with an A/B/C/D code, with comments if needed. The signature is timestamped and recorded in the audit trail.
  4. On C or D, the document is returned to the contractor with a timed revision task.
  5. On A, the next procedure is opened automatically (a follow-up inspection, a payment claim, a construction phase).

This workflow is built into the system natively, not configured per project. Read more about the full approval chain or browse all posts.