Designing Buildings - User contributions [en]

Specification guidance for construction

2013-05-13T07:45:40Z

SuButcher:

When writing architectural specifications getting the basics in place from the start will help you build a document suitable to your needs. Listed below are some basic rules to follow when writing your next specification:
#Always edit your specification to reflect your appointment and the selected procurement route. 
#Always start from a solid baseline document. Do not take the last project you prepared a specification for and change the headers and footers. No matter how vigilant you are, mistakes such as naming the wrong project, specifying incorrect materials and other basic errors will creep into your documents. 
#Avoid using the term “or similar approved” in a specification. If you approve it you are assuming liability for it. Instead use the term ‘or acceptable equivalent’. By accepting an alternative the responsibility for Fitness for Purpose moves to the contractor and the architect's acceptance is for design intent only. If the architect approves, they take back that responsibility. Normally alternatives are offered for program or cost reasons and the contractor is responsible for the fact that they are providing a different product that must be at least as good quality-wise as the one specified by the architect. If the architect is specifying by description only, the contractor is obliged to provide the technical solution which again they have to be responsible for in terms of quality, performance, appearance and fitness for purpose. 
#The proper use of defined terms is important in a specification. Check your contract. 
#Document / section identification should appear on every page in the footer for document control purposes. 
#Avoid putting specification clause numbers on your drawings. The use of product reference codes is recommended which should all be included on a technical reference sheet (T-Sheet) that links the drawings and the specification. This makes life much easier when changes are required. 
#Avoid mixing prescriptive and performance specifications, that is, don’t name a very specific product and then provide performance characteristics for that product – this is not necessary and creates the potential for conflict resulting in claims. 
#Avoid specifying temporary works – this is the contractor’s responsibility. Just specify the need to protect adequately, not how to do it. 
#Remove names of individuals when specifying products and just provide the company’s details. 
#Remove unfinished clauses and terms such as “if required”. If you are specifying a specific technical solution then you have to specify everything. 
#Do not highlight particular clauses by using bold or underlining, as this indicates that the clause is of special importance and there is no such thing in a specification, as by default it indicates that everything else is not so important. 
#Always allow time to have your specifications proof read. 

= Find out more =

=== Related articles on Designing Buildings Wiki ===
*Building information modelling.
*Bill of quantities.
*Common Arrangement of Work Sections (CAWS).
*Contract.
*New Rules of Measurement (NRM)
*Output-based specification.
*Outline specification.
*Performance specification.
*Procurement.
*Specification.
*Standard Method of Measurement (SMM7). 
*Tender documentation.
*Temporary works.

[[Category:CIOB_competition]]
[[Category:Products_/_components]]
[[Category:Design]]
[[Category:Theory]]
[[Category:Procurement]]

User:SuButcher

2013-05-13T07:38:08Z

SuButcher:

[[File:SuButcher-by-ClaudiaGannon1.jpg|RTENOTITLE]] 

It is about time that Social Media was put to work for Construction. Stop tinkering around on the edges and get a structure in place.

 After training in architecture, I spent five years teaching design and lecturing at the University of Liverpool School of Architecture and in the USA, and then 15 years managing architects practices. In 2011 I launched a consultancy, Just Practising, which brings my expertise in the construction industry together with my success using social media in marketing these practices. I now spend my time:
*Advising construction product companies, contractors and consultants how to integrate social media into their marketing and business development, customer service and recruitment.
*Teaching construction companies how to sell to architects effectively and get their reps, support staff, directors and websites more effective online.
*Training in Linkedin, Twitter and Blogging, both in house and at public workshops and online through your browser.
*Making social objects including documents, video, live blogs, and adapting client’s materials to a more effective purpose.
*Writing, Speaking and running workshops.
*Showing you how to make money out of social media, instead of just being there ‘because everyone else is’

 Visit my website, JustPractising.com for more information. I love networking! Maybe I can help you? 
<div id="profile-specialties">
Specialties

Managing Architects Practices, Business Consultancy to Professional Services, Marketing advice to architects and construction product companies, social media, social networking, construction industry knowledge, development issues, health procurement, listed buildings. Design skills, inclusive teaching of design ideas, Architectural politics. Use of Web 2.0/Social media for marketing and networking. Graphic visualisation of ideas. Operations and Facilities Management, Health & Safety and QM.
</div>

User:SuButcher

2013-05-13T07:37:51Z

SuButcher:

[[File:SuButcher-by-ClaudiaGannon1.jpg|RTENOTITLE]]It is about time that Social Media was put to work for Construction. Stop tinkering around on the edges and get a structure in place.

 After training in architecture, I spent five years teaching design and lecturing at the University of Liverpool School of Architecture and in the USA, and then 15 years managing architects practices. In 2011 I launched a consultancy, Just Practising, which brings my expertise in the construction industry together with my success using social media in marketing these practices. I now spend my time:
*Advising construction product companies, contractors and consultants how to integrate social media into their marketing and business development, customer service and recruitment.
*Teaching construction companies how to sell to architects effectively and get their reps, support staff, directors and websites more effective online.
*Training in Linkedin, Twitter and Blogging, both in house and at public workshops and online through your browser.
*Making social objects including documents, video, live blogs, and adapting client’s materials to a more effective purpose.
*Writing, Speaking and running workshops.
*Showing you how to make money out of social media, instead of just being there ‘because everyone else is’

 Visit my website, JustPractising.com for more information. I love networking! Maybe I can help you? 
<div id="profile-specialties">
Specialties

Managing Architects Practices, Business Consultancy to Professional Services, Marketing advice to architects and construction product companies, social media, social networking, construction industry knowledge, development issues, health procurement, listed buildings. Design skills, inclusive teaching of design ideas, Architectural politics. Use of Web 2.0/Social media for marketing and networking. Graphic visualisation of ideas. Operations and Facilities Management, Health & Safety and QM.
</div>

File:SuButcher-by-ClaudiaGannon1.jpg

2013-05-13T07:36:27Z

SuButcher:

User:SuButcher

2013-05-13T07:34:54Z

SuButcher:

It is about time that Social Media was put to work for Construction. Stop tinkering around on the edges and get a structure in place.

 After training in architecture, I spent five years teaching design and lecturing at the University of Liverpool School of Architecture and in the USA, and then 15 years managing architects practices. In 2011 I launched a consultancy, Just Practising, which brings my expertise in the construction industry together with my success using social media in marketing these practices. I now spend my time:
*Advising construction product companies, contractors and consultants how to integrate social media into their marketing and business development, customer service and recruitment.
*Teaching construction companies how to sell to architects effectively and get their reps, support staff, directors and websites more effective online.
*Training in Linkedin, Twitter and Blogging, both in house and at public workshops and online through your browser.
*Making social objects including documents, video, live blogs, and adapting client’s materials to a more effective purpose.
*Writing, Speaking and running workshops.
*Showing you how to make money out of social media, instead of just being there ‘because everyone else is’

 Visit my website, JustPractising.com for more information. I love networking! Maybe I can help you? 
<div id="profile-specialties">
Specialties

Managing Architects Practices, Business Consultancy to Professional Services, Marketing advice to architects and construction product companies, social media, social networking, construction industry knowledge, development issues, health procurement, listed buildings. Design skills, inclusive teaching of design ideas, Architectural politics. Use of Web 2.0/Social media for marketing and networking. Graphic visualisation of ideas. Operations and Facilities Management, Health & Safety and QM.
</div>

User:SuButcher

2013-05-13T07:34:08Z

SuButcher: Created page with " It is about time that Social Media was put to work for Construction. Stop tinkering around on the edges and get a structure in place. After training in architecture, I spe..."

It is about time that Social Media was put to work for Construction. Stop tinkering around on the edges and get a structure in place.
 After training in architecture, I spent five years teaching design and lecturing at the University of Liverpool School of Architecture and in the USA, and then 15 years managing architects practices. In 2011 I launched a consultancy, Just Practising, which brings my expertise in the construction industry together with my success using social media in marketing these practices. I now spend my time: • Advising construction product companies, contractors and consultants how to integrate social media into their marketing and business development, customer service and recruitment. • Teaching construction companies how to sell to architects effectively and get their reps, support staff, directors and websites more effective online. • Training in Linkedin, Twitter and Blogging, both in house and at public workshops and online through your browser. • Making social objects including documents, video, live blogs, and adapting client’s materials to a more effective purpose. • Writing, Speaking and running workshops. • Showing you how to make money out of social media, instead of just being there ‘because everyone else is’ Visit my website, JustPractising.com for more information. I love networking! Maybe I can help you? 
<div id="profile-specialties">
==== Specialties ====

Managing Architects Practices, Business Consultancy to Professional Services, Marketing advice to architects and construction product companies, social media, social networking, construction industry knowledge, development issues, health procurement, listed buildings. Design skills, inclusive teaching of design ideas, Architectural politics. Use of Web 2.0/Social media for marketing and networking. Graphic visualisation of ideas. Operations and Facilities Management, Health & Safety and QM.
</div>