Getting the specification right

The specification is the detailed written description of the materials, components and systems to be used for your project. It also includes details of the expected quality, standards to be followed, required performance, workmanship and the method for how the work should be completed. It is used by your contractor during construction but also before construction as a key part of costing the works. While your architect will prepare the specification and take responsibility for it being accurate, it can be helpful as a client to understand the factors being considered, in order that you can communicate your aspirations, expectations and priorities.

Underlying all specifications is a level of technical competence which ensures that your home will be safe and perform as expected. The guidance to the building regulations covers how materials contribute to complying with the expected performance in aspects such as structure, fire protection, ventilation and energy efficiency. Your specification will ensure that the relevant parts of the regulations are applied to your specific project. There is also national guidance such as British standards or best practice guides from industry bodies which could provide direction on areas such as the design of the drainage system, fitting of roof coverings or construction of brickwork etc. It is also expected that the specification aims to reduce or eliminate any health or safety risks for those involved in the construction and ongoing maintenance of the project.

There are of course parts of the specification which you as the client will want to have a strong influence on. This could include how you expect materials to function, the type and quality of materials to be used according to your preference and aspects such as colour and texture. You may also have other preferences in terms of where materials are sourced from and their environmental impact. There are lots of decisions to be made in the course of getting ready to build, and it can be daunting to try to resolve all of these at once. While the specification is usually prepared in the later stages of the pre-construction phase, it can be helpful to think about it from the outset and record your aspirations for the materials that will be used. As a continuous process, your decisions will slowly build towards forming the overall picture.

Your preferences for the specification will be considered against other which factors which your architect can advise you on. These may not have a direct impact at completion of the works but have a longer-term effect which also has importance and should be considered. The durability and maintenance requirements of a product may lead to one material being considered over another, as too will any warranties or guarantees that are offered. The suitability of a material for the local climate and the availability of local skills for fitting or constructing it may impact on whether it is selected. Other construction-related factors such as lead in time for supply of it or the logistics involved in having it transported and installed should also be considered. Whether or not a component is compatible and can be well integrated with the works as a whole may influence the decision to incorporate it.

The specification document is one of the most significant factors in the cost of your project. It is wise to have an open discussion with your architect on your aspirations for the completed project in conjunction with the budget you have set. This will guide them in preparing the specification appropriately. It is common to consider a project in terms of whether it is to be of a basic quality, a high quality, or somewhere in between. In preparing the specification, your architect will use your direction on this to maintain a consistency in the cost impact of the materials being specified. The specification can be especially helpful to gain an overall picture of the project in terms of cost, allowing changes to be considered if required while seeing the impact elsewhere.

When your architect prepares a specification for your project, there are several qualities it needs to be effective. It should use clear, plain language which avoids ambiguity and is concise. The document should be comprehensive while having an appropriate depth of information for the project. Information which isn’t required or relevant can create frustration. Consistency and avoidance of repetition will build confidence for the contractor that the document encompasses your requirements for the works.

Getting the specification right will bring clarity and ensure your project is delivered for you as expected. If you would like to speak to us about your next project, please contact us to arrange a complimentary initial consultation.