DAT103AS3

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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification
Welcome to Module 6 5m
Tēnā tātou, nau mai ki Te Kōwae Tuaono. Hello and Welcome to Module 6
© Getty Image
After all the planning, report writing, drawing, and presenting, you’ll have a detailed
understanding of the design and how it responds to the needs of the client.
All of this information will be used in the detailed design phase for building consent and
construction tenders. There is one last activity to consider in this design phase, writing
the specification.
In this module, you will be introduced to what specifications are, why they are needed
and how they are a fundamental part of the developed design process. The specification
is a written description of the design, set out in an industry accepted format.
Skip to main content
The specification will:
 describe the performance standards

 detail contract requirements
 include details of the materials, fittings
 specify the quality of workmanship.
However, specifications are used for much more than this and we’ll consider how they
can be a design record, a cost planning tool, a project management aid and a contract
document. You’ll also look at the various sections making up a specification, such as
the preliminary and general sections.
Finally, the module will cover:
 specifying methods
 classification and coding
 specification systems
 issues affecting specifying.
All of this equips you to assemble the information needed to produce a specification
and deliver a successful design project.
Kia nui ngā hua kei mua i a koe! Good luck with the journey ahead of you.
Thoughts on this page?
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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification
Topics in this Module 5m
These are the topics we discuss in this module.
© Getty Images
Each fact sheet contains all the information needed to enable you to gradually build your
skills and achieve the required knowledge that will also assist you in correctly resolving
the Job sheet of this module. The content is broken down into bite-sized chunks of
information that can include text, images, sketches, and links to external web pages.
At the end of the fact sheet, you will be able to test your learning.
Fact sheet 6.1: Purpose of specifications

This fact sheet is an introduction to what specifying is and why we write specifications.
It also introduces you to the various types of specifications, such as performance,
prescriptive and brand-focused.
Fact sheet 6.2: Structure, classification, coding

Here we explore how specifications in New Zealand are structured. We also look at the
internationally accepted methods of classification and commonly-used specification
writing tools.
Fact sheet 6.3: Organisation and content

Here we look at the types of information contained in a specification and how it is
organised within the basic structure.
Fact sheet 6.4: Examples – systems in practice

This fact sheet introduces you to the ways of writing a specification, the language to
use, and the pitfalls of poor descriptions. Some examples of trade sections are also
covered.
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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification / Fact sheet 6.1: The purpose of writing a
specification
The purpose of writing a specification 7.5m
The specification is an important part of the contract documentation for a building

project.
© Getty Image
What is a specification and why write one?

The specification is a set of written instructions, in precise language, that clearly state
how a project is to be built. It includes information that cannot easily be described
visually.
Specifications provide information about:
 materials
 quality
 standards of workmanship
 finishes.
The writer of the specification must maintain a close liaison with the rest of the drawing
production team, including the specialist consultants who will be required to prepare a
specification for their area of expertise. The writer must also be conversant with the
detailing of materials, junctions and products, as well as with New Zealand Building
Codes and New Zealand Standards performance requirements.
The purpose of a specification

The Masterspec guide to writing specifications suggests they can be used as:
 a briefing document and a record of decisions made

 a design record
 a demonstration of statutory compliance
 a cost planning tool
 a tendering document
 a contract document
 a project management aid
 an on-site manual
 evidence in disputes
 a resource for facilities management and building maintenance.
Reading
Writing a good specification. Read this PDF document from Build magazine to
gain an insight into what makes a good specification. You can download this
for reading offline.
Download the section of Masterspec that relates to your assessment to

your computer. Go to the talk channel ‘Announcement’ and you will find a
log-in and password for Masterspec. Please ensure that you read the
instructions very carefully.
You don’t need to read this 14-page document right now, but it will be a
useful reference source for your writing style, methods and classification
codes.

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specification
Types of specifications 10m
There are two fundamental types of specification, each with a different purpose in the
project life cycle. We call them:
 outline specifications
 construction specifications.
© The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Ltd
Outline specification
An outline specification is used for client presentations, estimating and design/build
proposals. It is a brief description of the main components to be used in construction,
written in sufficient detail to allow a Quantity Surveyor to prepare some approximate
quantities
Skip to main content and to allow the client to understand the scope of the project.
Components described in an outline specification generally include:
 structure
 roofing and cladding
 windows and doors
 internal partitions
 ceilings
 floors and finishes
 spaces and sizes
 fitting and fixtures
 building services
 exterior works including landscaping.
Once the outline specification is accepted and the team moves on to the developed
design, the next stage will be the full construction specification. This will be written in
conjunction with the working drawings like the one shown above and will be
progressively developed along with the design.
© Getty Image
What
Skip to main is a construction
content specification?
A construction specification defines the requirements for materials, products,
installation procedures, and quality aspects involved with the execution of the work to
complete a construction contract.
Construction specifications become a part of the legal documents of the agreement,

which include:
 the tender documents (these may include a Schedule of Quantities)

 the conditions of contract – NZS3910:2013, NZIA, Master Builders, Certified
Builders
 the drawings
 the acceptance of the tender.
What will the specifications describe?

Specifications describe the materials and workmanship required for a project. They do
not include costs, quantities, or the drawn information, so they need to be read in
conjunction with other information, such as the schedule of quantities and drawings. To
avoid the possibility of ambiguous information, there should be no detailed specification
information contained in the drawings or the schedules of quantities (SoQ).
Good cross-referencing should be used between the drawings, the SoQ and the
appropriate clauses in the specification.
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specification
Specification methods 15m
Specification methods
Apart from describing the characteristics, composition and maybe brand, an important
function of the specification is to describe how the product or service will conform to
the requirements of the design. There are two specification methods:
 performance (or ‘open’) specifications

 prescriptive (or ‘closed’) specifications.
Performance specifications
Also known as an open spec, the performance specification tells the contractor what
the final installed product must be capable of doing, rather than dictating how this is to
be achieved.
Responsibility for the selection of materials and methods as well as a portion of the
design work is transferred from the designer to the contractor. Performance
specifications will identify any further design work needed to be carried out.
Performance (or ‘open’) specifications can be cost-effective, as they allow the

supplier to provide an effective solution for the project by being innovative.
Open specification examples include products such as:
 aluminium windows
 demountable partitions
 suspended ceilings
 some mechanical services
 concrete products.
These descriptions all rely on references to performance requirements and published

technical data. They can also refer to the tested and proven capabilities of the product.

There is little significant benefit to specifying by performance, as the time and
cost involved in setting up the design and performance parameters often
outweighs any savings.
Reading
Performance specs. Read this article from Build magazine, which covers
performance-based specifications for a project.
Reading
Windows for New Zealand conditions. Read the performance-based
specification for uPVC windows from the Window Association of New
Zealand. You can download these PDF documents for future reference.
Prescriptive specifications
Prescriptive or ‘closed’ specifications explain the materials, fixings, and installation
methods that the contractor must use to construct the system, material or product.
Prescriptive specifications are a complete description of the product or service being
provided.
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specification
Choosing between a performance and a 15m

prescriptive specification
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An external cladding and hopper.
© Getty Image
The New Zealand Building Act 1992 illustrated a revised approach to specifications by
allowing the option of a clearly described end result, rather than just stating the means
of achieving it.

Items that are critical in the weathertight shell, such as external cladding and roofing,
are more likely to be described prescriptively; mechanical items such as lifts, air-
conditioning, and fire protection systems are specified by performance.
For an item such as air-conditioning, the performance measures might be round trip
time (RTT) or air changes per hour. For fire protection systems, the performance
measure would be the fire-resistance rating (FRR).
When deciding how to specify a product or system, it is important to consider how good
value can be achieved for the:
 owner
 designer
 contractor.
Value can be affected by supply and demand, leverage, and experience. For example, a
corporate client may have buying power with particular suppliers and therefore will
choose them over others. A designer may have the required knowledge to work with
only a limited range of systems, or a contractor may specialise in precast concrete
rather than steel frame construction. All these factors should influence how a project is
put together.
Proprietary specifications – manufacturer or brand-specific

Proprietary specifications require the use of a single approved product or system for a
particular installation. They are typically used where existing products need to be
matched in a renovation project, or where consistency with equipment already on site is
desired by the owner. Sometimes there is simply a preference for a particular product, or
there is only one brand of equipment that will meet the performance requirements.
There is a case for specification writers to avoid using proprietary specifications except
when absolutely necessary and allow the contractor to select from a list of approved
suppliers instead. Specifying a brand can lead to bias and a perceived endorsement of a
product or system by the designer. This might have the effect of a less competitive price
for the project or potential liability for the designer if things don’t work out well.
Manufacturers of the more commonly used products and systems, such as wall linings,
cladding materials, and roofing, typically prepare their own specifications in line with
one or more of the industry models. These ‘branded’ specifications are then available on
the product website for download.
What is a branded specification?

Masterspec explains that a work section based on the generic format and made to the
requirements of the product can be regarded as a branded specification section.
Dig Deeper
To simplify the specification writing process, paint manufacturer Resene has
introduced a method of writing specifications online. Have a look at the Resene
EzySpec specification manual.
When exploring it try out different options (that is, a bathroom to be painted on GIB
Acqualine and being beside a wet area). What result does it bring in the Resene tool?
Reading
Plans and specifications. for weather tightness. Read about how BRANZ
Weathertight defines plans and specifications.
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specification
Test Your Knowledge 6.1: The purpose 15m

of writing a specification
The purpose of the Test Your Knowledge task is to check whether you have
sufficient knowledge about this topic, or you need to read more about it.
Completing the Test Your Knowledge task will help you work towards your assessment.
Your brief
The factory project that you have been working on throughout this course is near the
end of the developed design stage and has progressed to the point where your employer
has asked you to look at the specification. Before the specification writing starts, you
should take a little time to remind yourself of what’s involved.
A performance specification focuses on the outcome and transfers the

responsibility to the contractor or supplier.
A prescriptive specification describes how to achieve the solution.
Dig Deeper
If you need more information on common omissions to help you with your answers,
refer to the Weathertight website.
‘A key part of the process of designing and constructing weathertight homes is having
a solid base of detailed plans, specifications, and documents. They are a means of
communicating between parties, and of ensuring that the appropriate designs,
materials, and construction techniques are used.’
You’ll find more information on the Weathertight website.
ACTIVITY 6.1: WRITING A SPECIFICATION

You have gained an understanding of the purpose of writing a specification.
Have a look at the following two questions and write a short response in the
text box.
It is important to be able to understand what information is needed for a

specification and what potential problems could come up in the design process
if it is not prepared properly. Think about these basic components of a
specification and write a short response in the box below.
 Describe the difference between a performance and a prescriptive

specification.
 What are common omissions from specifications?
Type your response into the box below, then Submit your answer.
SHOW HINT
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How did you get on with the job sheet?

Use this space to discuss the task with your fellow students. You could start
by posting a few words about what you got right, and mention the things you
got stuck on.
Respond to other people’s ‘sticking points’ if you know of something that might
help them for future jobs like this one.
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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification / Fact sheet 6.2: Specification structure –
classification and coding
The specification structure 7.5m
© Getty Image
A specification typically follows a commonly used structure, beginning with a title page,
a project overview with the address and client names and so on, and a table of
contents.
This is followed by:
 a preliminary and general section (P&G)

 work sections.
Together, these sections describe what is required to complete the work in accordance
with the contract. The work sections are structured according to work that is allocated
to the various trades and their subcontracts. This structure makes it easier for the
contractor to provide a more accurate tender quote, as the sections are then given to the
subcontractors for quotes.
Revisions
A specification, as for the drawing, needs to have the purpose and revision reason and
dates noted clearly. It is marked ‘for pricing’, ‘for tender’, ‘for consent’ or ‘for
construction’ accordingly.
Preliminary and general (P&G)

The purpose of the P&G section is to describe the works as a whole and to specify
general conditions and requirements for execution of such works, including
subcontracting, approvals, testing, and completion. The P&G costs relate to a
contractor’s on-site and off-site costs.
On-site costs include provision to establish and maintain costs for:
 site sheds, lunchroom and so on

 phones
 vehicles
 tools and plant
 management
 insurance bonds
 surveying set-out costs
 scaffolding
 hoardings.
Off-site costs allow for costs from head office such as rent, staff salaries, insurances,
ACC levies, and general accounts.
Work sections
Work sections are classified by the trade that will carry out the work. For example, the
concrete work will be carried out by a specialist concrete layer; likewise, flooring will be
broken down into sections:
 tiles
 carpet
 vinyl.
Any specialised flooring finish such as wooden parquet, polyurethane coating or

waterproofing will be carried out by a separate specialist. Roofing will be carried out by
a roofing contractor, plumbing by a registered plumber and so on.
Each trade section includes:
 preliminary – warranties, conditions of contract, context

 compliance – documents cited for complying with regulations
 workmanship – testing, cooperation, qualifications
 materials – storage, stacking, handling, elements (or selections) and clean up.

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Specification, classification, coding, 15m

construction
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Construction specifications used in the New Zealand construction industry typically

conform to the Coordinated Building Information (CBI) system for classifying and
coding product information, drawings, quantities, and technical reports.
This system ensures the designer can arrange the project information to correspond to
the construction process. In turn, this gives the contractor the confidence to get on with
the management of the project and not have to waste time searching for information.
Classification
The CBI uses a four-level numbering system to classify a library of information for a
design office. Each piece of information (for example, a product brochure or manual) is
given a four-digit number.
The four-level numbering system for classification is:

 Level 1: sorts material into eight fundamental classes
 Level 2: further refines the classes into 54 groups
 Level 3: refines the 54 groups into sub-groups (level 3 is rarely used in practice, as
manufacturers can omit this extra level of detail in their publications)
 Level 4: clearly defines the amount of building work; these generally cover a
specific sub-contract ‘package’.
Coding
For example, a brochure of profiled plastic sheet cladding could be coded 4242. The
first digit is Level 1, the class – in our example, this is Class 4 for enclosures.
 general
 site
 structure
 enclosure
 interior
 finish
 services
 external.
The Level 2 grouping would be 42 (wall and soffit cladding). We could use a Level 3 sub-
group identification of 424 (profiled sheet cladding). Level 4 would be 4242, used to
define the sub-contract trade that will work with the product.
Reading
Read about the CBI Information System on the Masterspec website. Make
some notes for your references about the logical breakdown of how the
information is arranged.
Dig Deeper
Have a look at this short introduction to the CBI system. You can download and save
this PDF for your reference.
Skip to main content Thoughts on this page?

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New Zealand specification systems 7.5m
© Getty Image
The writing of a specification has long been viewed as a time-consuming task that
carried the risks of being too wordy and not all that specific to a particular project.
The advent of online specification software now allows accurate, quick, construction
project specification writing with access to the Standards New Zealand online library.
Masterspec and Smartspec

Masterspec is an online specification system that employs the CBI classification and
coding system. The use of a master format allows professional and construction
personnel to use a common system to reference and group materials and equipment in
a specification or an estimating program.

Smartspec is another online specification system and was designed to deliver an
accurate, project-specific, and succinct construction project specification for all project
stakeholders
Dig Deeper
Both Smartspec and Masterspec are accessed by paid subscription, so you are not
expected to sign up to these for this course.
Have a look at their systems to get an idea of what each can offer you as a new
designer, they are the most common specification systems in the industry and you’ll
certainly be using them in your career.
To speed this evaluation process up, check out the FAQ section of each system to get a
quick overview of the key features.
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Test Your Knowledge 6.2: Specification 12m

structure
Your brief
The project has progressed to the point where your boss has asked you to look at the
specification. As you are relatively new to the role, he has suggested that you should
take some time to investigate what is involved in writing a specification.
ACTIVITY 6.2: THE STRUCTURE OF A SPECIFICATION

You have studied the structure of a specification. Have a look at the following
questions and write a short response for your notes. It is important to know
what information is needed for a specification and what potential problems
could arise in the design process if it is not prepared properly.
Follow the instructions below and then check your response against the
feedback.
 Create a list of what a P&G should contain.

 Write a short sentence to explain what CBI is and how it is structured.
SHOW HINT
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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification / Fact sheet 6.3: Organisation of content
Organisation of content 7.5m
The organisation and sequencing of the specification content should follow a standard
format.
© Masterspec
A specification for a factory building might include the sections in the image above. This
is just a snapshot of a complete table of contents list that will depend on the trades
involved in the construction project.
Preliminary and general

Section 1 of any specification is the preliminary and general group, which covers the
following types of information:
 interpretations and definitions: clarifying the meanings of terms; for example, the
working day, provide and fix, personnel; and an explanation of abbreviations
 standards: produced by Standards New Zealand
 overseas standards: Acts, regulations, and various industry codes of practice and
practice guides
 documentation: building consent applications and documents on-site,
manufacturers’ documentation, records to be kept on-site such as health and
safety plans
 warranties: weather-tightness, installer, manufacturer, builders, schedules of time-
frames
 establishment: signage, site preparation, site access, and management
 waste management: sustainable disposal of rubbish and scrap materials
 construction: a general commentary on the survey, noise levels, set out, quality
control, dimensions, tolerances, handling materials, prototypes, cleaning, and
commissioning.
Referenced compliance documents

The P&G section of the specification will also include references to:
 code compliance documents

 acceptable solutions
 verification methods.
This will allow the specification to establish compliance with the New Zealand Building
Code, which is produced by Standards New Zealand. The P&G can also include
references to overseas standards (such as New Zealand/Australian NZS/AS), reference
to relevant Acts, regulations and industry codes of practice too.
Following the P&G section, the work is broken down into trade sections in order of
construction.
Trade sections
Within each trade section there are divisions, which are completed under typical
headings:
 general requirements: documents, requirements, products, components

 execution of work: conditions, manufacture, installation
 selected products systems: the list of specific items selected in this section, for
example, structural panels, sealants, surface finishes, colours, base materials
(such as zinc, aluminium or timber, and so on).
Skip to main content Thoughts on this page?

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Specialist design considerations 5m
© Getty Image
In some cases, a design company may have a specialist role. For example, a
remediation consultant will look at the existing buildings and recommend a course of
action to investigate and correct defects such as water ingress and decay. In these
cases, the drawing and specification, and contract will be slightly different from that for
a new building.
Accordingly, the P&G section will be tailored to the sequence of specialist works and
may look like this:
Table of contents:
1. PROJECT, ACCESS AND OCCUPATION
2. TEMPORARY WORKS, SERVICES AND PROTECTION

3. DOCUMENTATION
4. INSPECTION
5. MOULD REMEDIATION PROCEDURES
6. TIMBER DECAY
7. QUALITY MANAGEMENT
8. PROJECT MANAGEMENT
9. WASTE MANAGEMENT
10. WARRANTIES
11. WARRANTY AGREEMENT
Once again, each following trade section is broken down into subsections related to
compliance, workmanship, materials, and coordination.
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Test Your Knowledge 6.3: Organisation 7.5m

of content
Your brief
Now that you are familiar with the structure of a specification and how it is classified,
it’s time to think more about the structure and what you have to include in the relevant
parts of a specification.
ACTIVITY 6.3: P&G CONTENT

The Organisation of Content course content introduces the organisation of the
specifications’ content. Have a look at the following questions and note down
your responses.
Think about the P&G content of the specification, and list some common
compliance documents that should be referenced.
A specification should also include references to the quality of work and how
this has to reach a certain standard. Write a short sentence identifying where
you would include this information, and give a brief example of this.
Write a list to describe how the trade section of the specification is structured.
Next to the headings, include some of the basic items that should be specified.
SHOW HINT
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DAT103 Developed Design / Contents / Module 6: Writing the specification / Fact sheet 6.4: Writing a specification
Writing a specification 3.5m
© Getty Image
Some examples of specification writing

Writing specifications is often seen as a simple ‘cut and paste’ activity, taking
content from various published sources, such as a manufacturer’s material, and
placing it into the specification document. However, it is also a process of aligning
the visual information with the contractual detail (how it is to be built). It is
important to be clear and concise in the explanations you write in a specification,
particularly about workmanship, materials, and the required finish.
While much of the specification is standard wording, in some instances there are
specific clauses; for example ‘pole diameters are shown on drawings’, or paint
colours and brands which are often marked as TBA (to be advised).

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Examples of specified trade sections 3.5m
Trade section example - Plasterwork.

The example above uses information taken from Smartspec and illustrates how a trade
section for plasterwork can be specified
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Key points to consider when writing 12m

specifications

There are many factors to watch out for when setting up a specification but the
following list provides a basic check.
© Getty Image
Start from new

Always start from a new specification template rather than adapt or mark up your last
project. Even if you are very careful, original names and products might still show up in
the new specification, creating ambiguities and errors.
Avoid using ambiguous terms such as ‘or similar approved’ in your documents, as this
could imply you are taking responsibility for the product or material. The phrase ‘or
acceptable equivalent’ is preferable, as this becomes a performance issue and needs to
be tested or verified for quality, performance, appearance, and fitness for purpose by the
contractor.
The abbreviation TBA (to be advised) can be used if a selection will be influenced by
something in the contract in the future. However, be aware that the Local Authority may
ask for these ‘TBAs’ to be defined before work commences.
When setting up a new document, use headers and footers correctly to identify how
many pages are included and which section is being read. This is a method of document
control and becomes important when versions are upgraded or amended for a later
phase.
If you need some guidance on setting up Word documents and when to use
headers and footers, have a look at Microsoft’s Office support pages.
Avoid putting clause numbers on drawings, as confusion arises if anything is changed

on one document and not the other.
Keep it organised – prescriptive versus performance

We looked at prescriptive and performance specifications in Fact sheet 1. These should
not be muddled together in a specification. For example, if you have prescribed a
product or brand, you should not have to state the performance it needs to achieve. It is
the manufacturers’ responsibility to ensure the product performs according to its own
product specification.
Temporary works are the responsibility of the contractor, so you should not state that
they are temporary. Rather, it should be stated that adequate protection should be
provided, for example, shoring up an excavation.
 Terms such as ‘if required’ are usually not appropriate and are not specific!
 A technical solution should be complete in its description.
 Bold or underlining is not used as this indicates relative importance.
 Names
Skip to main of individuals should not be used; provide company details only.
content
References and supporting information
The benefits of using web-based information when compiling a specification go beyond
the information provided by the drawings, client and manufacturers. There are many
useful resources available to the designer, and Smartspec is a good example of a
comprehensive database. You can find and compare thousands of products from
leading manufacturers and download their technical files, environmental and
compliance data, and CAD/BIM details.
For more guidance on how to write a specification, you can view and download
this Masterspec PDF guide.
Timber Preservation Treatment

Many descriptions or words have pre-defined meanings, and it is important to use the
correct definition in a specification.
One example of this is CCA (chromated copper arsenic) timber preservative

treatment.
Have a look at the New Zealand Timber Preservation Council's facts about CCA in their
information on treated wood.
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Test Your Knowledge 6.4: Writing a 10m

specification
The purpose of the Test Your Knowledge task is to check if you have sufficient
knowledge about this topic, or if you need to read more about it.
Your brief
At this point in the developed design phase, the relevant information has been brought
together, drawings and sketches prepared and a specification outlined. While it is
beyond the scope of this job sheet to ask you to complete a full specification, you can
conclude the module by setting out how you would structure this part of the job.
ACTIVITY 6.4: TRADE SECTION OF A SPECIFICATION

Have a look at the question and note down your response. Once you are happy
with your ideas, have a look at the feedback here to see if you have identified
the key aspects. The trade section of a specification should include a standard
format of information that describes the trade being covered.
Write a brief list to identify the key areas for plasterwork. Include the basic
items to be covered next to the heading.
SHOW HINT
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Summary of Module 6 3.5m
Ka pai hoki tō mahi ki te whakatutuki i te kōwae i roto o tēnei ākomanga. Good work
for completing the final module of this course.
© Getty Image

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© Getty Image
You might recall at the beginning of this module that a specification is an important part
of the contract documentation for a building project. It is a set of written instructions
that state clearly and exactly how a project is to be built and describes the information
that cannot easily be shown visually.
Remember to leave yourself enough time to proofread your specification documents.

Accuracy and consistency in all aspects of the information, from the written report to
the drawings and the specification material, are essential to the successful completion
of the project.
Are you ready to press the 'go' button?
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Course Completion 7.5m
Ngā mihi nui ki a koe! Congratulations to you! Koia kei a koe, kua tutuki i a koe ngā
mahi o tēnei wahanga! You’re awesome, you have finished the course work!
© Getty Image
We hope you have found the material here useful and interesting, and that you will use it
to advise your clients in the future.
You should now have an understanding of key aspects of developed design, and how it
can be applied in practice. This new knowledge will greatly assist you in your work.
We wish you all the best with your revision of this material and with all your future
studies.


Māu tēnei whakataukī Māori – This Māori proverb is for you.
© 2021 Raewyn Harris

‘Whāia te iti kahurangi ki te tūohu koe me he maunga teitei.’
‘Pursue that which is precious, and do not be deterred by anything less than a lofty
mountain.’
This whakataukī is about aiming high for what is truly valuable, but its hidden
meaning is to be persistent and don’t let obstacles stop you from reaching your
goal.
‘Mauria te pono. Kia kaha, kia maia, kia whakaawe.’

‘Believe in yourself. Be strong, be brave, be steadfast.’
This whakataukī refers to having belief and confidence in everything you do and
continue to be
persistent in everything you pursue.
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 describe the performance standards

Finally, the module will cover:

Thoughts on this page?

Topics in this Module 5m

These are the topics we discuss in this module.

Fact sheet 6.1: Purpose of specifications

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Fact sheet 6.2: Structure, classification, coding

Fact sheet 6.3: Organisation and content

Fact sheet 6.4: Examples – systems in practice

Thoughts on this page?

The purpose of writing a specification 7.5m

The specification is an important part of the contract documentation for a building

What is a specification and why write one?

Specifications provide information about:

The purpose of a specification

 a briefing document and a record of decisions made

Download the section of Masterspec that relates to your assessment to

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Types of specifications 10m

© The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Ltd

Construction specifications become a part of the legal documents of the agreement,

 the tender documents (these may include a Schedule of Quantities)

What will the specifications describe?

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Specification methods 15m

 performance (or ‘open’) specifications

Performance (or ‘open’) specifications can be cost-effective, as they allow the

Open specification examples include products such as:

These descriptions all rely on references to performance requirements and published

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Thoughts on this page?

Choosing between a performance and a 15m

An external cladding and hopper.

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Proprietary specifications – manufacturer or brand-specific

What is a branded specification?

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Test Your Knowledge 6.1: The purpose 15m

A performance specification focuses on the outcome and transfers the

A prescriptive specification describes how to achieve the solution.

You’ll find more information on the Weathertight website.

ACTIVITY 6.1: WRITING A SPECIFICATION

It is important to be able to understand what information is needed for a

 Describe the difference between a performance and a prescriptive

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How did you get on with the job sheet?

The specification structure 7.5m

This is followed by:

 a preliminary and general section (P&G)

Preliminary and general (P&G)

 site sheds, lunchroom and so on

Any specialised flooring finish such as wooden parquet, polyurethane coating or

Each trade section includes:

 preliminary – warranties, conditions of contract, context

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Specification, classification, coding, 15m

© The Open Polytechnic of New Zealand Ltd

Construction specifications used in the New Zealand construction industry typically

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