{"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 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