Detailed Specification Preparation

Detailed Specification Preparation

overview of our service

Preparing a specification is perhaps the most important step in your project. When done effectively and comprehensively, it can save thousands of pounds and significantly reduce delays.

A detailed specification is critical to the success of your project. This step-by-step, itemised, room-by-room document clearly outlines exactly what you want from your contractor, including technical details such as certification requirements and ensuring the build complies with planning conditions and building regulations.

The specification serves three key purposes:

1. Quotation Accuracy: It forms the basis for obtaining quotations from builders, ensuring all contractors quote for the same scope of work. This allows you to compare like-for-like services.
2. Avoiding Price Hikes: Without a clear specification, you could be vulnerable to unexpected costs once the build begins, with little room to renegotiate. A thorough specification prevents contractors from holding you to ransom over missed items. We call these “Builder’s Extras”!
3. Additional Items: We often identify additional aspects that could benefit you or your property. Addressing these early, by including them in the specification, can make the improvements easier and cheaper to implement. These additions may also enhance the overall amenity of the property and even increase its value.
4. Contract Clarity: The specification can be appended to your contract, formalising the agreement and reducing the potential for disputes.

In essence, this document ensures clarity, preventing misunderstandings, disputes, and additional charges from the builder.
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frequently asked questions

  • What sort of extras could arise after the build starts?

    Without a detailed specification, unexpected extras can quickly arise. For example:


    • "These timbers are rotten and need replacing.  This is additional work and will cost more."


    • "We only quoted for a single pendant light, not spotlights."


    • "We are not changing all the wiring.  If you want it changed there will be an extra charge and this will delay project completion by 3 weeks.”


    • “The old fuse box cannot be reused.  We will need a new one.”


    • “Your kitchen installer needs a higher capacity power cable for the electric oven.  This will be £350 more.”


    These “unforeseen” issues can result in significant additional costs if they are not accounted for in advance.

  • Surely we can agree on specifics as we go along?

    No, making decisions on the fly can lead to thousands of pounds in extra charges. Once the builder is on-site, your ability to negotiate is limited, and you may be left with little room to control additional costs.

  • The builder has given me a detailed quote. Do I still need a specification?

    Yes, definitely. A builder’s quote will only cover the main headlines of the work. It lacks the comprehensive detail needed to ensure everything is included, leaving you vulnerable to additional costs for items that weren’t clearly specified at the outset.

  • How will a detailed specification prevent disputes?

    A specification leaves little room for ambiguity. By clearly outlining pertinent detail, from materials to finishes, you and the contractor know exactly what’s expected. This reduces the chance of disagreements and surprise costs as the project progresses.

  • Why does the specification save time during the build?

    When everything is detailed in the specification, there are fewer delays caused by needing to make decisions during the build. This keeps the project moving smoothly, reducing the risk of delays caused by miscommunication or indecision.

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