NBS National BIM Library

What is specification?

Specifications are an important part of the design and construction process. Specifications are a valuable tool during the design stage, are part of the contract documentation, and have a key role in the efficiency of project fulfilment.

A specification is:

  • a tool for conveying the required quality of products (both fabric and services) and their installation for a particular project; and
  • a means of drawing together all the relevant information and standards that apply to the work to be constructed.

The specification is a set of instructions from owner/client to constructors, prepared by designers, and should be written in a form that is easily understood. Specifications must be arranged in a clear structure so specific information is easy to find. The language must be clear, concise, complete, and correct. The writing style should be unambiguous with minimal legal phraseology or stilted formal terms. The content must be current and authoritative.

The best guarantee that the project specification will meet these high standards is to base it on a sound master specification.

NBS and RIBA Enterprises are members of the BIM Technologies Alliance supporting the UK Government’s Construction Strategy BIM Working Group