Specifications – Definition and Explanation
Specifications are statements which describe the nature and class of work, materials to be used, labour
to be employed, method of work, precautions to be taken, quality of workmanship etc. The cost
of the work depends much upon the specifications. The nature of work can be easily understood from
the study of specifications. The drawings of a building or structure show the arrangement of rooms
and dimensions (length, breadth and height) and include a brief description of the different parts.
Drawings do not furnish the details of different items of work, the quantity of materials,
workmanship etc., which are all description in the specifications.
Specifications serve the following purposes:
i. Guide the bidder at the time of tendering for arriving at a fair price for the work involved.
ii. Provide guidance for execution and supervision of work and purchase of materials.
iii. State the acceptance criteria for different items of work.
Specifications are of the following Types
Contract Specifications
Guide Specifications
Standard Specifications
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(a) Contract Specification: The specifications prepared for a particular job to accompany the
working drawings are contract specifications. These are further claussed at:
(b) General Specifications
Detailed Specification
General Specifications are also called brief specifications. These give a general ideas of the class and
type of work giving brief descriptions of materials, quality and workmanship.
Detailed specifications provide a detailed description of each item as per schedule of quantities,
specifying the materials to be used including their proportions, method of work quality of
workmanship required etc. The specifications are written, as far as possible, in the same sequence or
order in which the work is carried out.
(b) Guide Specifications: These specifications provide a guideline for preparing contract specifications
and give a broad idea about class and type of construction for a particular purpose.
(c) Standard Specifications: These specifications are prepared for various materials or group of materials
for the guidance of all concerned with construction or construction industry. These specifications
include methods of manufacture methods of tests, code of practice etc., Indian Standards Institution
and other such institutions have prepared a wide range of standard specifications.
(d) Manufacturer’s Specifications: Manufacturers prepare specifications of their products for the
guidance of users. These specifications also include installation instructions and other guidelines for use
and maintenance of products. These specifications are generally provided in the form of manuals. Clear
understanding of specifications plays a vital role in the successful completion of a construction project.
