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D+D Specifiers Series. Mysteries of Specifications. WALTER SCARBOROUGH CSI CCS CCCA SCIP AIA wscarborough@hbig.us 214.491.7385. Sponsored by. Webinar Intentions. To dispel some of the mystique that surrounds specifications by providing a “big picture” overview. FUNDAMENTALS.
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D+D Specifiers Series Mysteries of Specifications WALTER SCARBOROUGH CSI CCS CCCA SCIP AIA wscarborough@hbig.us 214.491.7385 Sponsored by
Webinar Intentions To dispel some of the mystique that surrounds specifications by providing a “big picture” overview
Owner Determines Quality EXTENT COST TIME
Dual Nature of Design Convergence of two streams of creative thought
Dual Nature of Design Aesthetic Art Articulation of materials and forms to create attractive enclosures around satisfying and functional spaces
Dual Nature of Design Technical Science Determines how to give qualities and attributes to the materials and forms, then produces the Drawings and Specifications for constructing the design
Business Goals Do good work Key is to pursue excellence Key is knowledge Make some money Key is to provide the proper services while maximizes your profits – learn to distinguish when activities are being covered by your fee, or consuming your profit Have fun If I have to explain this key, you need professional help
Specifier’s Mission • PROJECT SPECIFICATIONS should … • be COMPLEMENTARY of the DRAWINGS • CLEARLY, CORRECTLY, COMPLETELY and CONCISELY communicate the design concept • and construction requirements • SUCCESSis accomplished when … • there is fair competition between • installers and manufacturers • submittals are descriptive and • accurately represents the design intent • So that, construction can proceed … • … with FEW QUESTIONS, REVISIONS, • and CHANGES
Specifier’s Objectives Specify products and materials appropriate for the Project Level the playing field for manufacturers and products Tailor specifications to design concept shown on the drawings Complement the drawings
After more than 30 years … • … I have concluded … • … Drawings and Specifications are not always sufficiently ... • CLEAR • CORRECT • CONCISE • COMPLETE
Subcontractors & Suppliers Specifications are important to subcontractors because their business success is inseparably linked to them If specifications are missing information, only option is to GUESS! ASSUME! FLIP A COIN!
DRAWINGS v. SPECIFICATIONS
Industry Standards PREMIUM CUSTOM ECONOMY rely on S T A N D A R D S D R A Wless S P E C I F Ymore
General Notes on Drawings ARE LIKE THE JUNK DRAWER AT HOME Miscellaneous information is listed that really should be in another location … USUALLY THE SPECIFICATIONS
PRINCIPLES and PRACTICES
Tailoring Specifications Drawings and Specifications should be COMPLEMENTARY and Specifications should be TAILORED to the Drawings
Spending Owner’s Money • Architect assists the Owner to spend money wisely and efficiently • Aesthetic and technical design that fits program and budget • Proactive leadership • Technical knowledge • Clear, correct, concise, and complete Drawings and Specifications
Like Another Language Think of specifications as trying to understand another people and culture Have to be skilled in the use of language Have to understand the prevailing culture, social norms, as well as the manner in which society functions
When Specifying Products Specifying Ceramic Tile Tile: Type: Manufacturer: Style Name and Number: Color Name and Number: Size: Edges: Joint Width: Grout Color: Manufacturer: Color Name and Number:
Specify Completely Trim: Surface Bullnose: Interior Corner Cove: Exterior Corner Bead: Cove Base: Soap Dish: Miscellaneous Shapes: As required to prevent unfinished edges of tile from being exposed to view. … and this does not include metal edge trim required
Words and Grammar • Good understanding of words and grammar is essential: • Understand the meaning of terms • Words can be interpreted in different ways • Some words have more of a legal interpretation than a conventional dictionary definition • Grammar can change meaning of information
Terminology Drawing terms should be generic Specifications identify products by using proprietary names for the generic Drawing terms SYNTHETIC SHEET AIR/WATER BARRIER BUILDING PAPER AIR/WATER BARRIER BARRIER SEAMING TAPE BARRIER FLASHING TAPE JOINT SEALANT SUSPENDED ACOUSTICAL PANEL CEILING SPRAYED FOAM SEALANT BELOW SLAB-ON-GRADE VAPOR RETARDER PENETRATION ACCESSORY MODIFIED BITUMINOUS MEMBRANE ROOFING PVC MEMBRANE ROOFING RUBBERIZED ASPHALT MEMBRANE VAPOR RETARDER POLYETHYLENE VAPOR RETARDER
Not the loneliest number Critical information should only be indicated ONE TIME; The more times critical information is written increases the possibility of ERRORS and INCONSISTENCIES 1 WRITE IT ONCE!
Things to Avoid Avoid specifying anything that could be construed as having to do with any of following: • Project site safety • Construction means and methods • Duties outside of contracted responsibilities • Scheduling and time
Fee or profit? • EACH and EVERY TIMEany of following are specified … • … as directed by Architect. • … according to direction of Architect. • … as approved by Architect. • … then, if a meeting or • conversation is not sufficient, then ... • off to the site visit you go! • [will it be part of your fee or part of your profit?]
Fee or profit? • SO …. which consumes more of your time: • Making the decision during design? • Dealing with the question at a future time that is not only inconvenient to you, but challenges all your intellectual resources trying to remember why the decision was not made during design?
