
Specifications in the fields of architecture and engineering provide construction teams with a comprehensive overview of the project’s task, performance, expectations and product choices.
What is a Construction Specification?
A construction specification is a meticulously organized and detailed account outlining the expected quality, standards, craftmanship, materials and the progression of work to be completed, which may evolve throughout the duration of a project.
These construction specifications are typically drafted by professionals like architects, engineers, and designers, commonly known as ‘specifiers’. They may be included in the contractual paperwork for contractors to review alongside models and drawings, as well as in the handover documentation.
How to Write a Construction Specification?
Efficient specification writing is essential for every design project, thought it can be a very time-consuming task. Many specifiers utilize online specifications platforms such as MasterSpec to streamline the process, mitigate risks, and access updated content. These platforms offer pre-populated templates and information, making easier to create and modify specifications throughout the project’s lifecycle.
To be effective, construction specifications must be technically accurate, up-to-date, user-friendly, easily coordinated with project drawings, and logically related to other relevant documents such as schedules of quantities, standard conditions of contract, and tender documents.
Achieving this level of precision can be challenging, especially for smaller design practices that may not have access to the extensive range of information sources and support networks available to larger organizations. While drawings convey visual information about “where” and “how”, written specifications are crucial for conveying qualitative information about “what”.
A well-crafted project specification should consolidate design decisions and allocate them according to the necessary construction sequence. It should also be user-friendly, with information that is easy to locate and coordinate with project drawings and related documents.
What is included in a Specification?
Specification information articulates elements that are not easily conveyed or visualized through drawings or models. This encompasses details such as site prerequisites, contractual parties, client preferences, prescribed performance benchmarks, requisite product quality, citations of pertinent standards governing chosen materials and systems, guidelines for execution and testing, and protocols for ongoing building maintenance.
When is best to write Construction Specifications?
Best practice dictates that construction specification should be developed concurrently with drawings or models. Completing the documentation set simultaneously ensures consistency in the construction process and enables the constructor to follow instructions without confusion or complication.
Why are specifications important?
Crafting a precise, current specification instills confidence in your design information and serves as a safeguard against risks and potential disputes between clients and contractors.
Conclusion
In conclusion, specifications play a pivotal role in the success of any construction project in the fields of architecture and engineering. They provide a clear and comprehensive overview of tasks, performance expectations, and product choices. A well-crafted construction specification, developed in tandem with drawings or models, ensures consistency in the construction process and minimizes the potential for confusion or complications.
Efficient specification writing is crucial, and plaftorms like Masterspecs can greatly streamline the process, offering pre-populated templates and updated content. These specifications, meticulously organized by professionals also knowns as specifiers, are essential for conveying qualitative information about the project. They detail everything from site prerequisites to maintenance protocols, providing a vital framework for construction teams.
Ultimately, a precise and up-to-date specification instils confidence in design decisions, protect against risks, and acts as a vital reference point for both clients and contractors. By understanding the importance and best practices of specifications, we can all ensure smoother, safer and more successful constructions projects.