Risk-Reducing, Money-Saving Specifications in Construction

Many construction specifications, referred to as "method specifications," are often unnecessarily prescriptive, leaving no room for money-saving innovations and burdening the owner with all the risk.

There are ways to avoid both of these self-defeating results. Different procurement methods, such as design-build, can cure these problems, but not every project is suited to alternative delivery methods. So, what else can be done? Revising or writing specs as "end result specifications" can accomplish the same goals. Method specs will never go away entirely, but many existing method specs are good candidates for revision as end-result specs. This OnDemand Webinar will take the participants through the analyses required to determine if an existing spec is a likely candidate for revision as an end-result spec or if a new specification can be written as an end-result spec. We will describe the four characteristics a specification writer will have to identify in the specification subject before deciding on the end-result approach. The program will also describe the research and information needed to create the end-result requirements that will form the basis for payment and acceptance of the work performed. This OnDemand Webinar is important for anyone who is looking to reduce the cost of projects by getting better bids and for anyone looking to reduce the owner's risk in performance of the work. Learning Objectives •You will be able to explain how you would decide if you should write an end-result specification? •You will be able to review performance specifications. •You will be able to discuss choosing requirements. •You will be able to describe drafting an end-result specification.