Building specifications are documents that guide contractors on a construction site, including materials, time frame, and scope of work. The Building Specifications Institute aims to create uniform standards and certifications for those who write and maintain specifications.
Building specifications, or building specifications for short, are documents that instruct contractors on what must be done on a construction site. They are available for review before a contractor bids on a project and are often used by the contractor to provide an accurate quote. While the spec may not address every issue that will arise, the goal is to cover as much as possible. If unforeseen problems arise, they can outline how to address them, either via change orders or by consulting the owner or architect.
Building specifications also usually provide a number of lists, including what materials to use, where they should be used, and how much they should be used. Contractors who disagree with the specifications should consult the architect before bidding. If the contractor doesn’t believe the job can be done with the specified materials, the best option is to avoid the bids. The other option is to ask that the building specifications be changed to allow for the use of alternative materials.
The construction specifications also usually provide a time frame by which the project should be completed. It will also be on time, or at least it will finish by the deadline. This will likely be the primary factor in determining whether an interested contractor bids on a project. Those without the staff to handle time constraints, or who have other conflicting projects, may decide they can’t get the job done.
The scope of the work will also be defined in the specifications. If there’s some demolition or excavation, for example, that can be handled in the main spec, or perhaps by a completely different set of construction documents. Any electrical or plumbing work required will also be included in the specification. In some cases, this may be offered separately, depending on the type of project underway. In other cases, it may be the general contractor’s responsibility to hire subcontractors for this work.
To help formulate uniform building standards, the Building Specifications Institute was created. This group works to develop a single standard for style and format, depending on the type of specification needed. It also offers certifications for those who write and maintain those specifications. The main objective of the Institutes is to improve the quality of the building life cycle, hopefully leading to higher quality projects.
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