Sathesh,
I recommend starting to develop your outline specifications by determining who needs to know what and when. For some projects, the outline spec is simply an abbreviated version of Part 2 of a full specification and serves just the estimator as a one time deliverable. For other projects, the outline spec is an evolving record of project material design decisions.
For larger projects with a multi-person design team, we use a cloud-based collaborative tool to develop the outline specs. The specs serve as a terminology or keynote coordination tool between the drawings and the (future full size) specifications. We share the outline spec with the designers; we all drop comments and questions into the worksheet which is organized by MasterFormat. From time to time, we issue a printout deliverable which goes to owners, CMs, and estimators.
We avoid developing full size specs until at least 50% CD drawings; we prefer to go to around 75% or 80% drawings because before then writing specs is a waste of our time, and no one reads them. So our outline specs capture application, material, and manufacturer details adequate to serve as the basis for Guaranteed Maximum Price estimating and negotiations. Our goal is to be able to write 90% full size specs from the outlines. This often works - it depends on the project architects' and interior designers' willingness to use the system.
Advantages: No one wants to read 500 pages of architectural specs, but they may read 40 or 50 pages. And going through the comments on an outline spec is easier than wading through 150 or 300 emails.
In our construction environment (US public projects), we do not have to be highly detailed in outline specs regarding ASTM standards as our estimators assume them. We're more interested in contractor and owner signoff on selected manufacturers/products. For work in other countries, where EN, BS, and other standards may come in to play and products are more internationally sourced, reference standards may play a more important role.
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Philip Kabza AIA
Principal
SpecGuy Specifications Consultants
Mount Dora FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-18-2021 03:18 AM
From: Sathesh Kumar Sundararajan
Subject: Outline specification contents
Thanks lot Ar.Ronald for the response.
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satheshkumar sundararajan
sr.architect.
Kuwait
Original Message:
Sent: 09-17-2021 06:23 PM
From: Ronald Geren
Subject: Outline specification contents
Outline specifications need to provide the minimal information that is necessary in order to develop estimates of probable construction cost, schedules, and value analysis. They include information about manufacturers, materials, equipment, components, and accessories.
Using your handrail example, if the contractor is delegated to design the handrails, then your #1 example is all that is required with some material limitations. In most cases, your #3 example is sufficient. However, if there are unique characteristics, those should be included since they may have an impact on cost.
Refer to CSI's Construction Specifications Practice Guide, 2nd Edition, for more information about preparing outline specifications.
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Ronald Geren, AIA, CSI, CCS, CCCA
Principal
RLGA Technical Services
Scottsdale AZ
Original Message:
Sent: 09-16-2021 03:34 AM
From: Sathesh Kumar Sundararajan
Subject: Outline specification contents
Dear Architects,
I have a doubt on what goes into as content for an Outline Specification?.
- is it similar to Performance criteria - Handrail to withstand 110kg point load..... etc....etc?
- a material and its finish identified as per ASTM standards to arrive at cost, like handrail from Sch 40 seam pipe with G90 galvanization coating as per ASTM-!!!?
- simply list the materials with just common description? Steel handrail galvanized?\
Kindly advise. if there is any acceptable format for Outline specifications to refer.
Thanks and regards
Sathesh
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satheshkumar sundararajan
sr.architect
Kuwait
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