Building Specifications - Carpenter's and Builder's Math, Plans, and Specifications - page 243

Chapter 8
Building Specifications
By definition, a specification is a specific and complete statement
detailing the nature and construction of the item to which it relates.
As applied to the building trades, specifications describe briefly (yet
exactly) each item in a list of features and materials required to
complete a contract for building an entire project.
Great care should be used when reading specifications in order to
avoid misunderstandings and disputes. Each item entering into the
construction is defined and described with precision so that there
can be no chance of misunderstanding or double interpretation.
Example of Specifications
Specifications refer to the contract form of which they are a part.
This saves repetition of statements with regard to liability of contrac-
tor, owner, and so on. The following is an example of specifications.
Introduction
Specifications for a frame dwelling to be built for Mr./Ms.
of in the county of
and state of on lot number on
the side of street in the city or
borough of , county of, , state of
. These specifications relate to a set of at-
tached drawings consisting of:
1. Plan of foundation and basement.
2. Plan of first floor.
3. Plan of second floor.
4. Plan of roof.
5. Four elevations (eight sheets in all).
Detailed working drawings furnished as required. All drawings
are a part herewith, and are to be considered as such with any con-
tract that may be made.
Height of Ceilings
The following dimensions for these heights are:
Basement—7 feet 2 inches clear of finish.
First-story—8 feet 6 inches between timbers.
Second-story—7 feet 6 inches between timbers.
243