Working drawing & Specification

Working drawings and specifications are the primary working documents used by a
contractor to bid and execute a project. Specifications are the written documents that
go with the construction documents and describe the materials as well as the
installation methods.
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 Working drawing & technical drawings or documents used by the contractor or

site supervisor which explains all dimensions all basic materials.
 On the other hand specification explains each and every material that are
used and also the finishing & method of execution of given component or
element.
 The working drawing & specification both goes hand in hand to form a valid
document in the process of construction and are also dependant on each
other during execution.
 For ex – During the process of plastering a working drawing will provide
location in drawing with certain hatch for indication
 A specification wil specify exact proportions .the quality needed as well as any
aesthetic elements that needs to be done.

Bill of Quantities –
A bill of quantities is a document prepared by the cost consultant (often a quantity
surveyor) that provides project specific measured quantities of the items
of work identified by the drawings and specifications in the tender documentation. It
is issued to tenderers to help them prepare a price for carrying out the works.
Typically a bill of quantities will be appropriate where a project has been designed
in detail, and so the precise quantities required are known.

It is very important that bills of quantities are prepared according to a standard,

widely recognised methodology. This helps avoid any ambiguities or
misunderstandings and so helps avoid disputes arising through different
interpretations of what has been priced.
 The bill of quantities will also:

 Assist with the agreement of the contract sum with the successful tenderer.
 Provide a schedule of rates assisting with the valuation of variations.
 Provide a basis for the valuation of interim payments.
 Provide a basis for the preparation of the final account.

Schedule of rates –
The decision about whether to use a bill of quantities (BoQ) or a schedule of rates
depends on the nature of the project as well as the chosen procurement route. Both
can be used to obtain prices from contractors and for valuing variations

A schedule of rates is a list in a contract setting out the

staff, labour and plant hire rates etc that a contractor will use for pricing cost
reimbursable work. It does not contain any quantities for the specific work items and
is typically used when the nature of work required is known but it cannot be
quantified, or if continuity of programme cannot be determined.

The advantages of schedule of rates term contracts include:

 Variations are easier to estimate and normally cheaper than on fixed

price traditional contracts.
 The client can stop and start work at a pace that might be determined by cash
flow or funding.
 A larger pool of contractors can be asked to tender as the process is inexpensive
and quick.

The disadvantages include:

 Additional resources are required to measure work and certify payments.

 The client does not have a final price when committing to starting work.
Contract document –
 The construction contract includes role of two parties along with
responsibilities & detailed description of work or service such as drawings,
specifications etc.
 The unit costs of material as well as tender rates are worked out as per
specifications.
 It serves as guide as well as legal agreement for the contractor.
 Specification is necessary to specify the equipment tools & plants to be
engaged for work thus enables procurement beforehand.
 In case of any discrepancy between drawings & specification, the
specification shall govern & serves as legal strength in contract document.
 The specification in legal contract document is useful in case of any disputes
between the two parties.
 Hence the specification forms an integral part of contract document.