BLDG 515
SPECIFICATION WRITING
DEPARTMENT OF BUILDING,
FACULTY OF ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN,
AHMADU BELLO UNIVERSITY, ZARIA
2019/2020 ACADEMIC SESSION SESSION
B. Umar
OUTLINE
1.0 INTRODUCTION 2. SPECIFICATION WRITING AND
1. Definitions PRODUCTION TECHNIQUES
2. Functions of specification
a) Technical content
3. Importance of specification
b) Specification language
4. Required specification criteria
5. Relationship (contract document) with drawings.
c) Style and arrangement
6. Roles of professionals in specification writing
7. Principles and features of specification d) Specification sections
8. Types of specification
9. Specification standards
3. Product Selection: 5. Automated specification writing
a) Reference Standards; use of
a) The use of Master specifications
b) manufacturer’s information, systems ( i.e MasterSpec, Specslink)
c) use of emerging materials and
systems
4. Practical specification writing for
all building elements
1.0 INTRODUCTION
In Todays’ Class:
1. General introduction
2. Definitions of terms
3. Functions of specification
4. Importance of specification
Introduction
A written document, explicitly stating the requirements for a material, product, or service for
a proposed project
Specification describes as accurately as possible the supplies, services or works that the client
requires in a clear language
It may be prescriptive or descriptive; But may not necessary prescribe how the outcome shall be
achieved.
It form the basis of all offers.
Measure performance of the project or the contractor.
The Need For a Unique Specification
1. The industry constantly evolves;
2. Effective specification recognizes that every project is unique; and has its own exciting challenges, hence a
well writing specification is unique and tailored to individual project.
3. Requires thorough understanding of materials and methods intended for the construction; and how the
materials and processes should effectively and safely be used.
4. Avoiding going out of specification; when a material, product or service fail to meet one or more of the
applicable specifications.
5. Under or over specification; consequent of Vague description of clients needs or projects requirements.
6. Effective specification is just; not under nor over.
DEFINITIONS
1. Bidding Documents:
A collection of documents issued to prospective bidders in typical Design-Bid- Build projects.
Bidding documents differs (slightly) between organizations: for example, BPP (2011) Bidding contains the
following items:
i. Invitation for Tender (IFT): A repeat of the advert . It is reproduced for reference only.
ii. Instructions to Tenderers (ITT): A standard guide to Tenderers on how to prepare their tenders.
iii. Special Instructions to Tenderers (SIT): Specific guide to institution and project.
iv. General Conditions of Contract (GCC): Define the conditions of contract for Works.
v. Special Conditions of Contract (SCC): Supplement or adapt the relevant clauses of the GCC to the
specific requirements of the contract.
vi. Standard Tender and Contract Forms. This documents provides the standard format for the Tender
Submission Sheet.
vii. Un-Priced Bill of Quantities: Itemizes the estimated quantities and different types
of Works.
viii. General (Standard) Specifications: Describe the Works and Related Services to
be procured.
ix. Particular (Special, Supplemental) Specifications: This Section provides further
details on special requirements for the Works.
x. Drawings: This Section contains any drawings that supplement the specifications.
2. Contract Documents:
Contract Documents is the term used for documents identified in the agreement of
a construction Contract
I. Agreement: This is a written agreement between the Owner and the Contractor
summarizing the work to be performed, the Time in which the Work shall be completed,
and the Contract Sum to be paid.
II. Conditions of the Contract: Typically consist of the General Conditions and the
Supplementary Conditions
III. Drawings: These are Graphic descriptions of the Work to be performed by the
Contractor.
IV. Specifications: Written descriptions of the Work to be performed by the Contractor.
V. Priced Bills of Quantities: These are bills of quantities containing contractors’ figures
from the winning tender.
VI. Bonds/ Guarantees, Certifications etc.
Contracts Documents
S/NO DOCUMENTS DESCRIPTION REMARKS
1 Instructions to tenderers Tender phase
2 Conditions of contract Rules Book Construction phase
3 Production drawings Graphical
4 Specifications, Trade preambles Description of work Written Documents
and Preliminaries
5 Bill of Quantities Numerical
6 Schedules of work List
DIFFERENCES
Bidding Documents
Contract Documents
Bidding Requirements
Contract Requirements
Invitation to Bid
(signed) Agreement
Instructions to Bidders
Related documents: Insurance forms,
Bid Form Bonds, Certifications, priced bills etc.
Unpriced bills
Other prequalification documents
Functions of Specification
Specification is a contract document. Its serves the following
basic functions in a building contract.
1. Type and quality of every product in the work
2. Quality of workmanship
3. Requirements for fabrication/construction
4. Description for allowances of works and rates
5. Specific description of products alternatives
Importance of Specification
1. As A Contract Documents; specification forms part of most organizations
conditions of contract, in fact it carry similar importance to drawings.
2. As A Basis For Fair Competition Among Prospective Bidders:
3. Specification as a Clarification Document; Clarifies what may not be clear on
drawings.
4. As a Source of Information: Provide information relating to the contract
requirements.
5. A Demonstration of Statutory Compliance:
Importance of Specification
6. As A Means Of Communication: Provide an understandable means of
communication to all participant in the project.
7. As A Means Of Evaluating Performance Of A Contractor or a Project:
Performance of contractor is evaluated by measuring his adherence to the
specification.
8. Conveys the level of quality or performance required: It speak in details
the level of quality, or performance expected of the end product.
9. As a briefing document and a record of decisions made:
10. As a Design Record:
15 Importance of Specification
11. A Cost Planning Tool: base on the material and workmanship specified
in the specification, contractor can easily plan cost for the work.
12. A project management aid;
13. An on-site manual
14. Basis for production of other documents
15. 1As evidence in disputes
16. As a resource in managing and maintenance of the facility.
Thank You.
