SPECIFICATIONS

NICK SCHUMANN

Specification consulting since 1986Davis Langdon Managing Partner – 2000 to 2012Schumann brand – 30 years working with designersPreviously DLSSFormed SCL January 2013 with son Mark

INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE SPECIFICATION

• The most important design document • Manages and mitigates risk • Defines scope purchased for lump sum• Quality control weapon• Defence against post contract claims• Contract specification is the only one that

counts• There is more than one type

WALLS – CEILINGS - PARTITIONS

• Appear in every building• Limitless design options• Numerous procurement options• Use all three specification types

TYPES OF SPECIFICATION

• Three types:– Prescriptive: – Descriptive:– Performance:

TYPES OF SPECIFICATION

• Three types of specification:– Prescriptive: Select and Name– Descriptive:– Performance

TYPES OF SPECIFICATION

• Three types of specification:– Prescriptive: Select and Name– Descriptive: Describe and contractor finalises– Performance:

TYPES OF SPECIFICATION

• Three types of specification:– Prescriptive: Select and Name– Descriptive: Describe and contractor finalises– Performance: Set criteria and contractor selects

PRESCRIPTIVE EXAMPLE

• Full design by architect• State name of manufacturer• State product reference or code• Select colour and finish• Provide installation details• Provide interface details• Provide full installation specification

DESCRIPTIVE EXAMPLE

• Contractor completes detailed design • Indicative manufacturer only• Indicative product reference at best• Determine all visual criteria and quality • Installation details by contractor• Interface details by contractor• Installation specification by contractor

PERFORMANCE EXAMPLE

• Contractor selects products• Performance criteria only, installation details

by contractor• Interface details by contractor• Final specification by contractor

PERFORMANCE EXAMPLE

• Contractor selects products• Performance criteria only Installation details

by contractor• Interface details by contractor• Installation specification by contractor• NO VISUAL OR DESIGN CRITERIA

PROCUREMENT

• Understand your appointment• Reflect procurement route selected• Deliver appropriate specification• Do not be deflected by different formats• Don’t worry about BIM – it is easy

REMEMBER THE “WHY”

• Defines the “buy”• Protects the quality• Protects the design• Manages risk

CONTRACT SPECIFICATIONS

• The only specification that counts• “For Construction” specifications do not exist• Defines the scope and final quality agreed• Reflects the lump sum• Allocates risk• Provides solutions in disputes• Understood by the supply chain