What is a construction specification?

The specifications for a construction project are sometimes called the project manual. They consist of everything a contractor would need to know to complete the job. Most of a set of specifications are similar on every job, but contain certain changes tailored to the owner's, architect's and engineers liking. They specify certain criteria for the materials and sometimes methods used in the construction of the project, such as certain brands and models for items to be used. If an architect wanted a certain color or size of brick, it will be called out in the specs.

Sometimes a spec will be "closed" where the exact model, part number, brand and/or manufacturer will be called out. An example would be "Use Lennox, XX-XXX air handling unit."

Other times it will call out a recommended item and state that another approved equal would suffice. Sometimes there won't be a recommended item but the spec may give a few alternate examples of what the owner/architect is looking for, and it is up to the contractor to find the best value be it one of the alternate examples or an "approved equal".

There is a specification for every aspect of the construction or materials of a building whether open or "closed", and sometimes things that aren't directly required for a project are still in the specs in case something comes up where that section would need addressed.