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Construction administration requires impartial evaluation of proposed substitutions in accordance with Division 01 and the technical sections. The reviewer should assess durability (compressive strength, freeze-thaw resistance), dimensional tolerances, surface texture, color range, slip resistance, and compatibility with bedding/sand joints. Installation method, pattern, and jointing must meet the design intent and performance criteria, including permeable vs. impermeable systems. Maintenance requirements, warranty terms, and lifecycle costs are also relevant. A field mockup allows verification of color blend and craftsmanship, serving as the quality benchmark. Automatically rejecting substitutions (Option A) may be impractical and can conflict with contract provisions. Approving solely on price (Option B) neglects performance and aesthetics. Deferring to contractor preference (Option D) abdicates the designer’s responsibility to protect the owner’s interests and maintain design intent. A structured equivalency review ensures that any change preserves quality and project objectives.