Exterior Design Selections Form
What the Exterior Design Selections Form Is
Why a Clear Selection Form Matters
A well‑prepared Exterior Design Selections Form reduces misunderstandings, supports accurate procurement, and documents agreed selections for invoicing and warranty records. It also establishes a dated record that can be referenced during disputes or change‑order negotiations.
Who Typically Completes the Form
Multiple signers may be required; the form also travels to suppliers and permitting teams as needed.
- Homeowners and buyers who must approve colors, finishes, and upgrade options before installation.
- Project managers or general contractors who verify selections, confirm availability, and authorize procurement.
- Designers or architects who specify permitted product models, manufacturer codes, and aesthetic constraints.
Step-by-Step: Completing and Submitting the Form
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01Gather Specs: Collect manufacturer codes and sample swatches.
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02Fill Fields: Enter names, codes, and quantities accurately.
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03Review: Contractor and designer confirm compatibility.
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04Sign and Route: Obtain required signatures and send to supplier.
Common Preparation Mistakes to Avoid
- Using informal or partial color names instead of exact manufacturer codes, which leads to ordering incorrect finishes and installation delays.
- Entering abbreviated or inconsistent owner names that do not match contract records and cause processing or payment holdups.
- Omitting manufacturer product model or SKU, forcing suppliers to guess or substitute items that may not meet specifications.
- Failing to initial or date change lines when selections are altered, which creates disputed scope and possible chargebacks later.
How Digital Submission Works
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Upload Document: Sender uploads the completed form PDF or DOCX.
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Add Fields: Place signature, initial, and date fields as required.
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Authenticate Signers: Choose email, SMS code, or stronger ID checks.
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Complete and Archive: Signed copy and audit trail stored securely.
Configuring an Online Workflow
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Required Fields | Mark name, product codes, and signature required |
| Signer Order | Set sequence: owner → designer → contractor |
| Authentication | Use email or SMS OTP; add KBA for higher assurance |
| Notifications | Enable reminders and completion emails |
Delivery Options and Platform Needs
Configure platform integrations and signer authentication to match internal controls and supplier requirements before sending.
- File Formats: PDF, Word DOCX, or Excel supported
- Integrations: Connect to Salesforce or Google Workspace
- Authentication: Email, SMS, or advanced methods
Typical Timelines and Deadlines
Selection Window:
Usually 7–14 days from contract execution
Supplier Order Cutoff:
Place orders within 3–5 business days after approval
Change Deadline:
Material changes accepted before fabrication starts
Delivery Lead Time:
Varies by product; confirm supplier estimates
Final Sign-Off:
Sign off at installation completion
Key Milestones from Selection to Installation
Selection Submitted
Owner submits choices and signatures for review.
Design Review
Designer and contractor confirm compatibility and timing.
Supplier Order
Materials are ordered once approvals are recorded.
Installation & Sign-Off
Work completed and final acceptance recorded.
eSignature Platform Comparison
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan | Varies by plan |
| Bulk Send | Yes (Business Premium+) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | Varies | Varies |
| Envelope Cap | No cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |
Practical Examples from Real Customers
Martin Properties — Tim Martin
Tim Martin’s team used a standardized selections form to capture buyer finish choices quickly
- Saved procurement time by eliminating manual calls and clarifications
- The result was fewer supplier errors, clearer invoices, and consistent build schedules across multiple properties.
Optica Ventures — Brian Fitzgibbons
Optica centralized exterior selections to a single PDF for each project
- Reduced duplicate orders by validating SKUs before submission
- By aligning designers and contractors on one dated document they avoided costly reorders and maintained accurate warranty records.
Primary Signers and Their Responsibilities
Homeowner / Buyer
The buyer must select and authorize exterior finishes, confirm color codes and product models, and sign to accept associated costs and timing; signatures create buyer authorization for orders and change charges.
Project Manager / Contractor
The contractor verifies availability, confirms compatibility with specifications, initials approved substitutions when necessary, and signs to accept responsibility for ordering and installation oversight.
Best Practices for Accurate and Efficient Completion
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can this form be signed electronically?
Yes. Electronic signatures are generally enforceable under the ESIGN Act (15 U.S.C. ch. 96) and UETA where adopted. Ensure the signer demonstrates intent, consents to an electronic record, attribution is clear, and the record is retained in a reproducible form.
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Is notarization required for the form?
Not typically. Exterior selection forms are generally not notarized. If a contract or local authority specifically requires notarization for a change order or certain approvals, obtain notarization per state rules.
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How do I change a submitted selection?
Record the change on a new amendment or change‑order line, include the date, the reason, and obtain initials or signatures from all required parties before ordering replacements or modified materials.
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What happens if details are incorrect?
Incorrect color codes or SKUs can cause supplier reorders, delay installation, and create additional costs. Correct errors promptly and document the correction and approvals.
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Who should retain the signed form?
Retain the signed original with the contract owner, upload a copy to the project file, and keep supplier acknowledgments. Maintain retention according to tax and warranty rules and organizational policy.
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Are there privacy concerns with these forms?
Limit personal data to what is necessary for ordering and delivery. If records include protected health information or other sensitive data, apply applicable safeguards such as HIPAA controls (45 CFR §164.530(j)).