Specifications provide clear instructions on a project’s intent, performance, and construction; a detailed specification can anticipate and answer construction questions onsite, saving the contractor time and money. Combined with drawings, they are contractual documents that can minimize project risk and give support if any legal issues arise. When the project is finished, construction specifications become part of the audit trail and can form the basis for future management or policies, such as best practices to optimize future endeavors.
Standards and requirements that affect specifications are continually evolving to reflect new technologies and changing circumstances. Dave Lazear, director of commercial sales for NIBCO INC. (an MCAA24 major sponsor), pointed out, “If you have not reviewed and modified your specifications in the last two years, chances are your information is outdated.”
Types of Specifications
Performance specifications lay out the operational requirements, with the focus on the outcome and function of the project. Performance specifications allow a contractor to exercise flexibility and creativity when deciding how to follow through with a project.
Prescriptive specifications, which list the exact materials to be used and the processes for installing them, are typically formatted in the following ways:
- General: Refers to national or international design standards, product handling, required submittals, design requirements, and quality control
- Products: Details the products required for each task and the performance and structural requirements for each
- Execution: Explains how to prepare the materials, manage the installation, and test the quality after installation
Proprietary specifications require the use of a single, approved product type for an installation, often because of owner preferences, existing equipment already on site, or the need for a specific piece of equipment to accomplish a certain task.
Keeping Up With Changes
Industry organizations are continually updating their standards and codes. For example, the National Plumbing Code is updated every three years and follows a rigorous set of guidelines, including a review process involving thousands of experts from around the country. A building’s occupancy and corresponding plumbing fixture requirements are determined by code requirements, as well as project-specific requirements that may exceed code. Assessing these parameters can highlight the need for changes to a system design.
When supply chain issues and product shortages occur, you might have to adjust your specifications to reflect product availability. Also, if you tend to rely on what has always been specified before, your specifications might overlook new, innovative designs and products that can increase productivity and cut costs.
Tap Into NIBCO’s Free Review Service
NIBCO offers customers the opportunity to have their specifications reviewed by industry professionals to ensure that they meet the most current industry standards. “If you aren’t taking advantage of this service, you are missing out on a great opportunity for free professional advice that could impact your building’s performance,” said Lazear.
NIBCO can review plumbing, fire protection, and any mechanical specifications to ensure that they are not outdated. Users get one-on-one, individualized attention and interaction from experts who are up to date on the latest standards. The turnaround time for review varies but is typically complete within two days.
Learn more about NIBCO’s free Specification Review Service for this critical area of your business: https://www.nibco.com/resources/specification-tools/
For more information, visit www.nibco.com. MCAA thanks NIBCO INC. for being a major sponsor of MCAA24, hosting the 47th Annual Round Robin Tennis and 3rd Annual Pickleball Tournament, and providing the Convention app.
