{"id":7491,"date":"2023-10-24T10:45:05","date_gmt":"2023-10-24T14:45:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aspe.org\/pipeline\/?p=7491"},"modified":"2023-10-24T10:45:05","modified_gmt":"2023-10-24T14:45:05","slug":"nibco-specification-review-service-ensures-fire-protection-mechanical-and-plumbing-specs-contain-current-industry-standards","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/aspe.org\/pipeline\/nibco-specification-review-service-ensures-fire-protection-mechanical-and-plumbing-specs-contain-current-industry-standards\/","title":{"rendered":"NIBCO Specification Review Service Ensures Fire Protection, Mechanical, and Plumbing Specs Contain Current Industry Standards"},"content":{"rendered":"

\"\"Specifications, aka \u201cspecs,\u201d comprise a section of a construction contract that describes the materials, labor, and skills needed for a project. Construction specifications serve as a guide to the management team for which materials to choose and which people to hire for the job, so they are important to have in place from the beginning.<\/p>\n

Specifications provide clear instructions on a project\u2019s intent, performance, and construction. Specifications serve to reference the quality and standards that should be applied, and they clearly define the materials and sometimes dictate specific manufacturers’ products that should be used. They also identify installation, testing, and handover requirements.<\/p>\n

Over and above outlining the quality standards and materials, specifications can support project cost estimations by identifying materials, products, performance, and workmanship. The specifications combined with drawings together form part of the contractual documents, which minimize project risk and give support if any legal issues arise.<\/p>\n

The specification for a project is a living document and should be used throughout the construction phase. A detailed specification provides many answers to onsite construction questions, which in turn saves all parties involved money.<\/p>\n

The specifications ultimately agreed upon by the owner (architect and engineer) become the legal documents for the project\u2014and the more precise they are, the greater the chance that the project will be executed correctly. Having accurate and tight specifications provides the guidelines for the contractor to provide the very best solution for the building and its owner, ensuring everyone is pleased with the outcome.<\/p>\n

Identifying information is easier on specifications because it eliminates the need for reliance on a drawing or model. Within the specifications, classifications can be used to support handover and asset management. When the project is finished, construction specifications become part of each project\u2019s audit trail and can form the basis for future management or policies, incorporating best practices to optimize future endeavors.<\/p>\n

Specifications Continually Change<\/h3>\n

Specifications provide the client assurance that they\u2019re getting what they asked for. They are essential for the construction phase and an important part of the follow-up processes.<\/p>\n

There is no argument that specifications are a very valuable aspect of the construction process. The problem? Standards and requirements affecting specifications are continually evolving and changing. As a specifying engineer, building contractor, or building owner, if you have not reviewed and modified your specifications in the last two years, there is likely a chance that your specification information is outdated.<\/p>\n

Having the opportunity to make beneficial alterations in a building\u2019s specifications prior to the design approval stage is always advantageous.<\/p>\n

Tap Into NIBCO\u2019s Free Specification Review Service<\/h3>\n

NIBCO offers its free Specification Review Service<\/a>, a one-on-one individualized resource that offers customers the opportunity to have their specifications reviewed by industry professionals to ensure that they meet the most current industry standards.<\/p>\n

\u201cIf you aren\u2019t taking advantage of this service, you are missing out on a great opportunity for free professional advice that could impact your building\u2019s performance,\u201d explained Dave Lazear, Director, Commercial Sales, NIBCO. \u201cOur specification review service is a great resource that we encourage our customers to use. If you have not reviewed and modified your specifications in the last two years, chances are your information is outdated.\u201d<\/p>\n

Who Can Use NIBCO\u2019s Specification Review Service?<\/h4>\n

NIBCO\u2019s Specification Review Service is designed for consulting specifying engineers, design-build contractors, and building owners such as hospitals, universities, institutions, and more.<\/p>\n

What Specifications Can Be Reviewed by NIBCO\u2019s Specification Review Service?<\/h4>\n

NIBCO\u2019s industry professionals can review plumbing, fire protection, and any mechanical specifications to ensure that they are not outdated.<\/p>\n

What Is the Process for Using NIBCO\u2019s Specification Review Service?<\/h4>\n

To use the free specification review service, users start the process by completing a form on the NIBCO website. The form requests basic contact information, organization information, type of specification, explanation of the specification, timeframe of the project that the specifications are for, and the format that the specifications are in (i.e., MasterSpec or CSI). Upon completing the form, the user will be contacted by a NIBCO industry professional.<\/p>\n

What Is the Timeframe for Having Specifications Reviewed by NIBCO?<\/h4>\n

Although it varies, the turnaround time for a specification review is typically within two days; however, at times, the review can be done in several hours.<\/p>\n

What Are the Types of Specifications?<\/h3>\n

There are three main types of specifications: performance, prescriptive, and proprietary.<\/p>\n

Performance Specifications<\/h4>\n

A performance specification lays out the operational requirements of a component or installation. This means that it tells a contractor what the final installed product must be able to do, with the focus of this type of construction specification on the outcome and function of the project.<\/p>\n

Performance specifications don\u2019t give the contractors information on how to accomplish the task\u2014only on what must be done. It\u2019s up to them to figure out the best way to accomplish this. A performance specification describes what an architect or engineer needs, and the contractor determines the best way to get there. This allows a contractor to be more flexible and creative when deciding how to follow through with a project. It also leads to having less control.<\/p>\n

Prescriptive Specifications<\/h4>\n

Prescriptive specifications list the exact materials the contractor must use and the process of installing them. These specifications are typically formatted in the following ways:<\/p>\n