A comprehensive set of drawings and written specifications become an essential and sizeable component of a construction contract. The written specifications are typically comprised of multiple divisions dealing with procurement, general requirements, and technical specifications. 

 

Written, general specifications indicate requirements for the contractor having to do with site and project related scheduling, setup, access, specific rules and regulations for the building, site and district, and safety considerations. Technical Specifications provide acceptable construction practices and material for the work including minimum performance characteristics, technical data, application/ installation information, and craftmanship expectations. 

 

• Prescriptive: Provide details on the types of materials and installations needed to complete a project. Describe how to measure installations to ensure they meet project quality and standards. 

• Performance: Describe the operational requirements. Describe to the contractor what is needed for the final product and how it should function once completed. 

• Proprietary: Used if only one specific product can be used for a project. 

 

Illustrative, annotated, and highly detailed drawings supplement the written specifications, graphically showing what, where, and how the work described in the written specifications is to be performed or assembled. The drawings also provide important scale and measurement information that both guide the installation process and provide the necessary take-off data for job pricing and bidding. The drawings of multiple consultants should be coordinated to prevent conflicts, inconsistency, or contradictions. It is important that all specification documents are presented clearly and concisely in a logical sequence, and that consistency is maintained throughout.
 

A quality construction document set will: 

 

• Describe the site and building use and conditions.  

• Clearly state the scope of work. 

• Include all drawings and other documentation regarding where/how the existing construction is to be removed, demolished, or altered and the new construction is to be performed.  

• Document compliance with all relevant building codes, certifications, and product manufacturer's requirements. 

• Clearly specify acceptable materials and methods of construction. 

• State third-party subcontractor, vendor, and subtrade requirements to be carried by the construction contractor or general contractor (if/as required). 

• Define the of level material and workmanship quality required by the client, product manufacturers, and acceptable standards of construction in the industry. 

• State inspection procedures required throughout the construction process.  

• Outline components of specialized systems and any applicable procedures for their maintenance. 

• Provide detail drawings illustrating existing and new construction assemblies.  

• Provide scale and dimensional measurement information to quantify and illustrate the work.  

 

Having a highly detailed specification and drawing set prepared for the project serves the project team of building owners/managers, consultants, and contractors, by minimizing ambiguity, delays, inaccuracies in quoted pricing, unforeseen conditions, and unexpected change orders during construction. Providing a high-level of detail contributes to fair competition between bidding contractors and vendors, and more accurate pricing, reducing risk to the owner and time & cost savings by: 

 

• Allowing the customer to compare “apples to apples” quotes from bidders 

• Reducing project costs by minimizing bidders’ risk 

• Minimizing delays and change orders due to varying expectations and interpretations among the engineer, contractor, and end user 

 

Archived construction specification document files also serve to be invaluable to building owners and managers after a project is complete as they describe useful information about the building’s maintenance, replacement and repair history, materials used, and composition/assembly information for future reference. 

 

Incorporating specifications early in the project greatly reduces project risk. The project specifications affect every aspect of the construction process, clearly define the scope of work, expectations, and facilitate clear communication for all project team members, directly contributing to a positive overall project outcome. Trust the most important aspect of your project to those with a wealth of experience and proven track record.