Types of Construction Specifications

Effective communication is crucial for successful project completion in the construction industry. Contractors, clients, architects and other team members must clearly understand the demands of each job and what the expected outcome is. If all parties are not on the same page, the project can suffer delays or additional costs. 

Contractors often use specifications to outline detailed aspects of the construction project and align their objectives and expectations with those of the clients. Understanding the types of construction specifications you can use will help you choose the appropriate tool for your project. 

What Are Specifications in Construction?

Specifications in constriction are also called specs or construction specifications. The specifications provide details that outline the crucial aspects necessary for the completion of a construction project. They are part of the formal process within a construction service contract. 

As the project progresses, contractors may refer to the specifications to get answers to questions that arise. This reference ensures the correct fulfillment of each project requirement. Construction specification sections include the following: 

• Materials for the projects
• Scope of work
• Methods of installation
• National, state and company safety standards
• Testing requirements
• Timelines and key project milestones
• Quality of work

Contractors can use specs to complement architectural plans to explain and document information they may not be able to provide visually. 

Who Uses Construction Specs?

You and your clients can use building specifications to outline project details. The specs also help you create mutual objectives and build consistent expectations. Designers and architects create these specifications and your team or the client will review them. 

Common types of projects that require specifications include:

• Civil infrastructure projects like dams, railways and underground tunnels.
• Residential projects like apartments, condos, townhomes and single-family homes.
• Institutional projects like hospitals, stadiums and schools.
• Industrial projects like manufacturing plants, warehouses, oil refineries and production buildings.

Professional specification writers can also write specific parts of the specs for large and complex projects. Requests for proposals (RFP) can also be used while writing the specifications. 

Benefits of Building Specifications

Specifications are crucial for construction projects. Here are some reasons why you should use them:

Setting Expectations

Specifications establish clear expectations between a contractor and a client. You must ensure all parties involved have a mutual understanding of the project. The specifications ensure the project’s alignment with the objectives and prevent delays from misinterpretations. Specification details also help clients understand the project results accurately. 

Clarify Project Details

Including thorough specifications in a project ensures team members have access to details and data needed to complete their tasks correctly. The more information the specs have, the more accurately the contractor will complete the project. You and your team can reference the construction specifications throughout the project cycle to ensure you remain on schedule and finish the essential milestones. 

Determining Pricing

Specifications often provide details of the labor and materials required to complete a project. The information may help you price your projects accurately. Accurate project estimates ensure you receive the proper compensation for your work.  

Different Types of Construction Specifications

There are three main types of constriction specifications.

1. Performance Specifications

Performance specifications describe the final outcomes expected from the construction project. These specifications are also known as functional requirements or performance criteria. 

Performance specifications are often used when the results can be subjective, such as expected aesthetic or performance values. In such scenarios, the specs may be necessary to provide details of the requirements for finishes and acoustical design values. The architect provides the contracts with general direction and what is needed, and the contractors should determine the best approach to achieving the expected results. 

Performance specifications give contractors flexibility in their construction approaches. However, the specs limit the architect’s authority once the project starts.  

2. Prescriptive Specifications

These specifications provide step-by-step details of the materials required and the preferred installation means. Prescriptive specifications fall into the following three categories:

• Required products: This section of prescriptive specifications describes the materials and resources needed for performance and structural requirements.
• General provisions: These service provisions generally refer to the national and state codes and standards that contractors must comply with. 
• Execution procedures: These procedures describe the desired and optimal installation methods and the effectiveness and quality of completed work.

These specifications put more responsibilities on the architect to ensure proper installation. 

3. Proprietary Specifications

Proprietary specifications provide that only a specific material or product is used for a given installation. Contractors often use these specs when completing or renovating projects on existing structures, such as home renovations. In such cases, the project may require specific performance only achieved by a particular product. The specifications will have details of the existing structure and list the products or materials that are like that structure and should be used to complete the project. 

In addition to the three broad types, construction specifications are also classified as open or closed.

• Open specification: When an architect does not provide the name of a specific product or supplier, this is an open specification. In other words, the architect allows the contractor to make substitutions. They provide a set of standards and will submit any manufacturers that meet these standards for approval. Performance specifications are often considered to be open specifications.
• Closed specification: A closed specification lists specific systems, manufacturers and products with no alternatives or means of applying substitutions. These specifications, such as proprietary specifications, are often observed when matching a specification to an existing building. Closed specifications can be made open by avoiding naming a single brand or providing requirements that only apply to a specific product. This can be achieved by adding “or equal” after the listed brand. 

Tips for Writing Construction Specifications

These tips can help you write good construction specifications:

• Begin early: Start writing the specifications early in the project life cycle. Starting early will give you enough time to review the specs with your crew and clients and ensure all parties agree. 
• Be specific: Pay attention to details while writing the specifications. 
• Avoid repeating requirements: Repetitions may cause confusion or misinterpretations of the requirements. 
• Check language and punctuation: In addition to repetitions, unclear language and poor punctuation can cause ambiguity and misinterpretations. Consider having the specifications reviewed by a legal professional to ensure the language represents the interests of all parties. 

Contact Manhattan Door for Interior Wood Door Slabs 

Construction specifications can help you and your team outline the requirements for making the project successful. It is essential that all materials and products, including doors, are taken into consideration while drafting the specifications. At Manhattan Door Corporation, we have rush capabilities to complete orders quickly and can do projects for 1-10,000 doors. Contact our commercial wood door team for more information.