Product substitution: equivalent does not mean identical

Compare intended use, performance, certification/evaluation, compatibility, warranty and approval before replacing the specified product.

VERT / GREEN

Same product/reference as approved documents.

JAUNE / YELLOW

An alternative can be valid, but its use limitations must match the project.

ROUGE / RED

Structural, fire, envelope, plumbing or innovative product: no silent substitution; obtain required evidence and acceptance.

Checkpoint before proceeding

Different brand/model proposed
Compare data, standard, use, dimensions, interfaces and warranty. Innovative/alternative-solution product
Verify compliance evidence and AHJ/designer acceptance. Substitution changes an interface
Review affected flashing, fastening, load, fire, waterproofing or connection. Written acceptance archived
Keep final version and conditions/limitations.

What the professional checks

The designer/AHJ verifies whether the product meets project requirements; supplier/contractor remains responsible for submitted data and disclosed deviations.

Sources and references

CNRC — approbation des produits de construction

Vérifié / checked: 2026-08-23

Related path

Continue with the right tools

These links connect this page to the next useful checks and decisions without repeating the full content.

Plan a complete construction projectConnect feasibility, design, permits, concealed work, commissioning and closeout.Open →Check permit triggersPrepare the questions and documents to confirm with the local authority.Open →Check a contractorDocument licence, insurance, scope, payments, changes and warranties.Open →Update a construction costEscalate a historical cost using comparable index values.Open →Prepare pre-delivery reviewRecord documents, enclosure, systems, finishes and deficiencies before closeout.Open →

V26

Often-overlooked service interfaces

V26 connects systems that cross utility, plumbing, HVAC, envelope and metering boundaries.

HVAC zoning and motorized dampers