Clearly, writing and sharing the right specifications is the first step in creating building systems that exceed expectations. But where should specifications writers start? Read on for insight into how to write top-notch specifications and examples of gold-standard specifications that will help you ensure high performance in your next building project.
What Are Building Specifications?
Specifications are the instructions written by architects and engineers that construction firms follow to build efficient, high-quality systems. They detail the scope of work required, along with the necessary materials and level of quality that is contractually required.
These specifications are important because they ensure all personnel and contractors have clarity on their requirements. When projects don’t have specifications that outline stringent requirements, a building project will likely experience more issues and delays during execution. Resources may be misallocated; testing may be suboptimal or poorly timed; and construction is unlikely to be completed within the planned timeframe.
How to Write a Building Specification
The first step toward creating a building specification is to create a clear project overview: this will outline the project’s aims, along with the scope, location, and key features that must be included.
Once this is in place, you can begin to create the full specifications, which should include:
- Materials and Standards: Specify the materials to be used, including their quality, size, and any required standards or certifications (e.g., ASTM, ISO).
- Workmanship Requirements: Outline the standards for installation, including tolerances, methods of application, and specific workmanship requirements.
- Performance Criteria: Define the expected performance outcomes, such as structural integrity, energy efficiency, or weather resistance.
- Compliance and Testing: Include any necessary tests or inspections to ensure the work meets regulatory standards and specifications.
- References and Documentation: Provide references to relevant codes, regulations, and standards, as well as any technical drawings or other documents needed.
However, this process can be overwhelming and require expertise you simply do not have access to. As a result, many project leaders opt for the following steps:
- Work with a Knowledgeable Firm
The best way to write quality specifications for building projects is by working with a knowledgeable firm certified with the highest credentials and reputation. Your firm should be continuously educated, maintain quality assurance in all project phases, and possess multi-disciplinary certification. This will be reflected in their specifications, which should be up-to-date and widely recognized in the industry.
But how can you truly confirm the value of a firm? When researching firms, you will want to find proof that they meet stringent requirements and have the extensive experience to become certified in their field. By working with a firm who meets these criteria, you can ensure that the specs they share include all imperative details and meet the requirements to make each building safe, comfortable, and high performing.
- Rely on Trusted Industry Specifications
In addition to working with a certified firm with trusted specifications, relying on industry specifications accepted as the gold standard is a reliable way to guarantee top-notch building project execution.
There are recognized organizations with standard specs that can be copied and pasted by architects and engineers for projects in various disciplines. Spec writers can and should depend on these internationally accepted requirements. NEBB, for example, provides specs and requirements for numerous disciplines that can be simply copied and pasted and ready to use.
What Are Three Types of Building Specifications?
Here are three samples of NEBB specs, which should give writers an idea of what to look for to include in their project plans:
a. Testing, Adjusting and Balancing (TAB)
Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing (TAB) is used in the HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) industry to ensure that HVAC systems work correctly and efficiently. TAB firms measure and adjust various parameters such as airflow, temperature, pressure, and humidity to optimize the performance of the HVAC heating or cooling system.
TAB specifications must be especially strong to help reduce energy costs, improve occupant comfort, and extend the lifespan of HVAC equipment. Specifications should demonstrate how to maintain quality assurance at every stage of the TAB process and procedures for both conducting and adequately reporting on TAB-related tasks
b. Building Systems Commissioning & Processes
By using a methodical approach to verify all systems are operating per contract requirements, building systems commissioning ensures a fully functional building with smooth processes. Specifications for commissioning should include parameters for testing the performance of all building systems and tracking and mitigating all issues to go above and beyond average techniques.
Specifications should lay out work that should be done before and during commissioning, how to verify test equipment, ways to resolve deficiencies, system documentation methodology, and more.
c. Cleanroom Performance Testing
Many industries use clean and controlled environments, including the semiconductor industry, the military, medical fields, biotechnology companies, and more. Cleanroom performance testing verifies that certain environmental pollutants are absent through applied HVAC theory, filtration collection mechanisms, instrumentation, and reporting.
Cleanroom testing specifications must be precise to guarantee the air is as clean as possible. They should specify, among other things, quality assurance processes, instrumentation and equipment, and airflow and leakage tests.
Conclusion
Including gold standard requirements in your specifications is the first step toward guaranteeing that your building systems achieve their highest performance. Working with a certified firm and seeking the right specifications is critical for architects, engineers, and contractors looking for smooth project execution.
Using NEBB specifications is a surefire way to work with a certified firm to ensure your projects have the proper framework for safe and successful execution.
Download the free, ready-to-use NEBB specifications packet today and simply copy and paste it into your specifications to give you peace of mind in your next project.