Written specifications are an essential part of every construction project. They are typically assembled in a project manual by AEC (Architecture, Engineering, and Construction) firms and organized according to the formats outlined by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC).
Building product manufacturers can simplify the work of AEC professionals by providing well-written and properly formatted specifications for their products. High-quality specs also boost the chances of your products being specified, as clear, detailed, and customizable specifications are easy to incorporate into project plans and give AEC professionals confidence that your products meet all the necessary technical, performance, and regulatory standards.
In this short guide, we've gathered 6 things manufacturers need to know about specifications, so you can enhance the credibility and appeal of your products, and ultimately secure more inclusions in construction projects.
- The Importance of Industry Expertise
- Incorporating Multiple Specification Types in Your Specs
- Ensure Your Specs Are Downloadable as Word Documents
- Make Your Specs Easily Accessible Online
- Regularly Update & Maintain Your Specs
- Include Product Variations in Your Specs
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1. The Importance of Industry Expertise
Writing specifications involves crafting a specialized document with a structured format that must be carefully adhered to:
Part 1 - General
Part 2 -Products
Part 3 - Execution
Without the necessary knowledge and experience, there's a risk of errors, omissions, or misinterpretations, which could lead to costly project delays or even legal issues down the line, since specs can acquire a legal status if incorporated as contract documents with design firms. Producing clear, precise, and well-structured specifications is therefore an essential skill for manufacturers.
2. Incorporate Multiple Specification Types in Your Specs
Your specs should include performance, prescriptive, and reference standard specifications. Make sure to use all three specification types rather than relying on just one. It's generally best to avoid proprietary specifications, as they are typically not permitted in most projects.
Performance: Specifies the desired outcomes or results a product must achieve, allowing
Prescriptive: Details the product's key characteristics, such as material, dimensions, finish, and more.
Reference Standard: Outlines established industry standards or codes that products must meet.
Check out this blog to learn more about specification types.
3. Ensure Your Specs Are Downloadable as Word Documents
Specs are most useful when provided as a Word document, as they allow design professionals to easily interact with and modify the content to suit their project's specific needs. While offering your specs as a PDF can help maintain branding and enhance visual appeal, it restricts the specifier’s ability to edit or adapt the content, which is not ideal.
4. Make Your Specs Easily Accessible Online
You need to make it easy for specifiers to access and download your specs. Why? Because the simpler it is for them to find your product information, the more likely they are to choose your products for their projects.
A Venveo survey revealed that one of the first places architects turn to when researching new building materials is the manufacturer's website, so it's a good idea to publish your specs on a dedicated section of your site. You can also expand your reach by publishing your specs on specialized product listing platforms like CADdetails.com, which connects you with a community of over 750,000 North American AEC professionals.
Your goal should always be to make it as effortless as possible for specifiers to find your technical product content, which includes specs on top of your CAD drawings, BIM models, and 3D models.
5. Regularly Update & Maintain Your Specs
Regularly updating your specifications keeps them accurate, relevant, and aligned with industry standards. As products evolve with new features, improvements, or innovations, it’s important to incorporate these updates into your specifications. Additionally, changes in CSI/CSC guidelines, regulatory requirements, building codes, or environmental standards must be reflected to keep your documents compliant.
By proactively reviewing and updating your specifications, you ensure that specifiers are working with the most current information, which can increase trust in your product and improve its chances of being specified. Regular updates also demonstrate a commitment to quality and responsiveness, positioning your product as a reliable choice in a fast-evolving market.
6. Include Product Variations in Your Specs
You may not need separate specifications for every product you manufacture if they are variations of the same core product (for example, a wall cladding product with different materials and finishes). A single spec can provide AEC professionals with multiple product variations, giving them the flexibility to choose the best option based on their project’s specific requirements and remove unselected options from the document. This approach not only reduces the number of specs you need to maintain but also simplifies the entire specification process.
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Level Up Your Specs with CADdetails
Need help writing or updating your specifications? At CADdetails, we provide expert technical services to help you create, manage, and optimize your design content. With over 25 years of industry experience, our team is ready to help you get specified more often.