Specifications are the result of the evaluation, comparison, and selection of construction products. Fourteen of the 16 Divisions pertain to the products to be included in the project. Specifications, often required by lending institutions, help to control construction in terms of workmanship, scheduling, delays, or material substitutions. Specs can help contractors decide the scope of the subcontracts. The division of the project into logical units of work, through a well-written spec, can guide contractors in determining which of the subcontractors is obligated to perform certain parts of the work.
Contractors also use specs to manage the project.
Requests for substitutions, methods of submittals, procedures for preparation and submission of payment requests are a few of the administrative processes described in detail in the specifications. Some of these uses determine whether or not a particular product will be used on a specific project. Manufacturers representatives often help the specifier prepare the specs. They may even demonstrate the suitability of their product for the proposed application, pointing out options, custom features, and accessories that should be incorporated into the work. Attorneys become involved with specs when preparing contracts or resolving disputes.