Specifications describe what should arrive. The ones that work are specific enough to enforce.
A specification is the document you rely on when what arrives is not what you expected. Specifications written in general terms provide nothing to rely on, which is why the wording matters more than its length.
Before stage one
Before writing, know what performance each material must deliver and what would constitute an acceptable alternative, since both belong in the specification.
- Performance requirements for each material established by the design.
- Acceptable alternatives identified where a single product is named.
- Approval and sample requirements decided.
- Verification method for each significant material.
Stage 1: Specify by performance and by product
State the performance required and name an acceptable product, so the requirement is both objective and concrete.
- Deliverable: A specification stating performance and reference products.
- Owner: Designer.
- Approval gate: No material described only as first class or equivalent, since neither term is enforceable.
Stage 2: Define acceptable alternatives
State how alternatives may be proposed and what evidence is required to demonstrate equivalence.
- Deliverable: An alternatives clause with an approval procedure.
- Owner: Designer.
- Approval gate: Substitution controlled rather than occurring by default.
Stage 3: Require samples
Specify which materials require physical sample approval before ordering.
- Deliverable: A sample schedule.
- Owner: Designer.
- Approval gate: Samples approved and retained on site for comparison.
Stage 4: State verification requirements
Define what documentation or testing is required for each significant material.
- Deliverable: A verification schedule.
- Owner: Designer with the engineer.
- Approval gate: Verification requirements clear before materials are ordered.
Stage 5: Define storage and handling
State how materials must be stored and protected, since this affects what is installed.
- Deliverable: Storage requirements in the specification.
- Owner: Designer.
- Approval gate: Requirements stated rather than assumed.
Stage 6: Enforce during construction
Check deliveries against the specification and reject non-conforming material.
- Deliverable: Delivery verification records.
- Owner: Supervision.
- Approval gate: The specification is applied, since one that is not enforced is not a specification.
Handovers between stages
The gap that matters is between the specification and delivery acceptance. A precise specification that nobody checks against deliveries produces the same outcome as a vague one.
How you know it is finished
The specification works when every significant material is described objectively, alternatives require approval, samples are approved before ordering, and deliveries are checked against what was specified.
If you are procuring materials for a project, Domira can specify, source and verify them against the standards your drawings actually require.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is naming a specific product too restrictive?
Naming a product with an equivalence clause gives both clarity and flexibility. What produces problems is describing materials only in general terms, which leaves the choice to whoever is buying and creates no basis for rejection.
How do I assess a proposed alternative?
Compare it against the performance requirements stated in the specification, and require evidence from the proposer rather than assessing it yourself. The alternatives clause should place the burden of demonstrating equivalence on the party proposing the change.
What if the specified material becomes unavailable?
The alternatives procedure exists for this. Assess the proposed substitute against the stated performance, approve it in writing, and record the change so the as-built documentation reflects what was actually installed.
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