What are specs for a house? Your specifications (or specs) are a written document that details what materials will be used and how to install things. So, if the plan illustrates one sink in the master bathroom, the plumbing subcontractor turns to the specs to find out exactly which sink you want installed.
What are the rules for building a house?
- Building of the plan
- Energy conservation during and after construction
- Proper plumbing
- Mechanical elements of the plan
- Fuel gas provisions (through the American Gas Association)
- Electrical provision from the National Electrical Code. ...
- Safety measures that have a proven track record for safe and sanitary plumbing installations.
How do you estimate the cost of building a house?
How to Estimate the Cost of Building a New House
- New Home Construction Costs. ...
- Step-by-Step New Home Build [Plus Contract Checklist] Choose a Construction Method: Custom, Semi-Custom, Collaborative or Spec House. ...
- Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs) Q: Is it more expensive to buy or build a home? ...
How do you start building a house?
Before You Build Your New Home: 5 Preparation Steps
- Plan Your Budget. Begin considering the budget from the very moment you start thinking about building your house. ...
- Choose Your Lot. If you have not yet purchased a building lot for your new home, talk with realtors to get a rough estimate of land costs in the areas ...
- Pick a House Plan. ...
- Line Up Your Team. ...
- Negotiate a Contract. ...
- The Bottom Line. ...
What to know when building a house?
- Determine What Your Budget Is. Make a list of everything you need to build the house and write down its price. ...
- Choose the Best Contractor. This is one of the most important tasks on this building a house checklist. ...
- Choose the Right Materials. ...
- Take Care of the Legalities. ...
- Start Building a House Today. ...
What does specs mean in construction?
Construction specifications, or specs, detail the work and workmanship required for each construction project. A specs definition is “written documentation describing the scope of work, any materials that are to be used, the methods of installation, and the quality of workmanship under contract.”
What is a spec sheet for a house?
Specifications are a written description that spells out everything in your home that is not included in the plans—everything from your plumbing, electricity and insulation infrastructure to the make, model and color of your appliances to what kind of drawer pulls you'll use in your bathroom.
What are construction plans and specs?
What does Plan and Spec Mean? Plan and spec is a method of commercial construction project delivery where design drawings (or plans) are created along with written specifications (or specs) to further describe the equipment and parts shown in the drawings.
Why do builders do spec homes?
Homebuilders offer spec homes because not every homebuyer has five to six months to wait for their new dream home to be built. For buyers who do not have the time to wait or simply aren't interested in the construction process, spec homes are a convenient option!
What does spec house mean?
speculative houseWhat is a spec house, anyway? A spec house – short for speculative house – is a new house that a home builder constructs on the speculation that it will sell easily for a profit. Builders design these move-in-ready homes to be as appealing to home buyers as possible.
Can you negotiate price on a spec home?
You can always try to negotiate, but the developer may not be willing to budge on the price. Developers typically sell spec homes at a set price that's based on market conditions. If the demand for that type of home is strong in the area, they'll likely wait for another buyer rather than accept a lower offer.
What is the difference between design build and plan and spec?
In plan and spec, the owner has a design ready, the contractor's job is to carry it out. In design-build, however, the contractor oversees design and construction. The owner gives room for contractors to bid on the design and can calculate how much the project will cost in anticipation of what contractors will bid.
What are the 3 types of construction specifications?
Specifications in construction documents typically comprise information on the project's necessary materials, the timeline, methods and requirements. There are three primary types of specifications: proprietary, performance and prescriptive.
What are examples of specifications?
The definition of a specification is a precise requirement, or a detailed description of workmanship, materials or processes. A mandate that only domestic plywood be used in the construction of your home is an example of a specification.
Can you make changes on a spec home?
With both specs and semi-custom homes, you can't do a significant amount of “customization.” However, if you have your eye on a spec home that's in the early stages of construction, you might be able to negotiate the changes you want at a reasonable rate. Just make sure the contract spells out every detail.
Is building a spec house a good investment?
In reality, spec homes provide a great balance between quality and affordability. Overall, buying a spec home can be a great investment. This is especially true during these times in which new, affordable, single-family homes are in a severe deficit.
Is a spec home the same as a model home?
When it comes to builders, spec home vs model home builders will often include nice materials that custom home builders sometimes consider upgrades and that model homes don't typically offer. The number of spec homes usually being built means that you'll often have your choice of location.
Is a spec home the same as a model home?
When it comes to builders, spec home vs model home builders will often include nice materials that custom home builders sometimes consider upgrades and that model homes don't typically offer. The number of spec homes usually being built means that you'll often have your choice of location.
What is a spec home Australia?
Spec homes are newly built homes which are usually sold to the buyer after it's built, or when construction is nearly complete. The land for a spec home is usually purchased by the builder who builds the home with a view to selling it to make a profit.
Is building a spec house a good investment?
In reality, spec homes provide a great balance between quality and affordability. Overall, buying a spec home can be a great investment. This is especially true during these times in which new, affordable, single-family homes are in a severe deficit.
How can I find the floor plan of a house?
Call your builder or the architect who designed your home. If you can't find this information, look through your mortgage paperwork. Builders, particularly large contracting companies, often keep copies of plans on file.
What Is A Spec House?
What is a spec house, anyway? A spec house – short for speculative house – is a new house that a home builder builds on the speculation that it will sell easily for a profit. Builders design these move-in-ready homes to be as appealing to home buyers as possible.
The Cost Of Spec Houses
You'll generally pay less for a spec home per square foot compared to a similar customized production home or custom-built home. Quality home builders put their money into home plans that they know will turn out solidly built homes. The goal is to give home buyers a good deal for a well-built home.
When Is The Right Time To Buy A Spec House?
You may want to consider buying a spec home from a local builder (particularly when you want to negotiate a deal). Try to buy when they aren't selling a lot of them, such as in the middle of winter or around major holidays.
The Bottom Line: A Spec House May Help You Save
Now that you know the answer to the question "what is a spec home?" have you determined whether it's the right fit for you? A spec house can give you an affordable, move-in ready option when you want to purchase a home, but they also come with some limitations.
What type of underlayment is used for a roof?
Underlayment shall be ASTM D226 Type I or II asphalt-impregnated underlayment or an approved synthetic underlayment, lapped min. 6 in. at horizontal seams and min. 4 in. at vertical seams. Nails shall be double hot-dipped galvanized roofing nails of sufficient length to fully penetrate roof sheathing. Use step flashing at all roof penetrations; Flashing shall be .032 in. aluminum or 16 oz. copper or lead-coated copper. Use .032 in. aluminum drip edge at all eaves and gable ends. Install Air Vent Shingle Vent II at ridge, as per manufacturer’s written instructions.
How detailed should a spec be?
How detailed a spec should be depends on the complexity and requirements of the job. I’d recommend basic specs, such as listing the products to be used by brand and model for just about every product and material to be used on the job. For paints and coatings, you will want to know what prep work will be done and how many coats applied.
Why is it important to have installation specs?
The goal of installation specs is to avoid these kinds of problems. These describe, in detail, how a product is to be installed or applied. For example,
Why are building specifications important?
Equally important is providing a measurable way to determine whether the work has met the standard. This will prove valuable if there are any disagreements over the quality of the work.
What is performance specs?
Performance specs. This type of spec describes the standards that must be met, rather than the specific product of system to be used. The contractor will propose a product or system, which must then be approved by the owner or owner’s representative, such as an architect or construction manager.
What metals are used in coastal areas?
Metal components in coastal areas: Make sure that any exposed metal flashing, fasteners, or hardware is stainless steel, copper, brass, lead, or double hot-dipped galvanized. Other metals and finishes will not last long due to the corrosive power of salt spray.
How far away should joints be from a surface?
Any joints visible from a standing position, facing the surface at a distance of 6 feet under normal lighting conditions
How thick should a slab be?
All slabs shall be a minimum thickness of 4 inches. A 5-inch thick slab is preferred.
How long after finishing concrete can you cut?
They can be saw-cut as soon as the concrete can withstand foot pressure and the action of the saw without harming the finished surface. Under no circumstances shall the joints be cut later than 24 hours after the concrete is hard enough to walk on without harming the finish. ..."
What is a special link in a PDF?
A special link inside the PDF allows you to get a copy of the specifications in a Word DOC file.
How to get rid of water hammer?
Water hammer is eliminated by using the larger supply piping as mentioned earlier. If copper tubing is used for water supply, all joints must be wiped clean of excess soldering flux. Wipe pipes with a rag soaked in mineral spirits until each joint is perfectly clean.
What type of copper pipe is best for water?
To minimize noise in water supply pipes, consider using type L copper if copper is being used as your water supply pipe. Type L is thicker and absorbs turbulence much better than thinner type M copper. Larger diameter pipe sizes help to minimize water noise as the water flows slower through these pipes to satisfy a given fixture demand.
How big is the water supply line for a house?
The primary water supply line serving the entire house shall be 1-inch diameter until it passes and serves the water heater and feeds the first major fixture grouping.
Do you need a hose bib for a water softener?
If you plan to have a water softener installed, pipe outdoor hose bibs so they do not pull water from the water softener. However, one soft water hose bib should be installed in or near the garage. If you wash your car and rinse with soft water, water spotting does not happen...."
What is seller takeback?
A seller takeback is a type of financing in which the seller arranges for the financing on a property. ...
Why is tax credit more beneficial than itemized deduction?
A tax credit is more beneficial to the taxpayer than an itemized deduction because it reduces taxes on a dollar-for-dollar basis. ...
What city is near the Blue Ridge Mountains?
Conveniently located between Atlanta and the Blue Ridge Mountains, the city of Canton GA, offers scenic views of Etowah River and the foothills as well as plenty of great attractions. ...
What is a specification?
Definition of "Specifications". Details relating to the construction of a structure. The specifications, usually designated in the blueprints of construction, will indicate the building procedures to be followed by the contractor, the type of materials that must be used, the styles and designs that are to be incorporated, the dimensions requested, ...
What is code in law?
Code. An organized set of rules and regulations on a particular subject. Often codes are an accumulation of laws in a particular area of interest. For example, a zoning code or building code. ...
What is a rectangular survey?
Rectangular Survey. Same as term government rectangular survey: Way in which the U.S. government uses to subdivide public land. Land is designated as either a base line (East-West) or principal meridian line ...
Is real estate subject to property tax?
Real estate not subject to property tax such as that owned by nonprofit entities including charitable, governmental, religious institutions. ...
Why are specifications important in construction drawings?
Specs are much more valuable if they go farther and provide detailed installation requirements and establish quality standards for the materials and the workmanship. Equally important is providing a measurable way to determine whether the work has met the standard. read more
What is the written portion of a building plan called?
The written portion or your plans are called the specifications or “specs” for short.
What is the written part of a project called?
The written portion or your plans are called the specifications or “specs” for short. The design phase is the most important part of your project, so take the time necessary to develop a complete set of plans and specs that covers every aspect of the project.
What is construction drawing?
The main purpose of construction drawings (also called plans, blueprints, or working drawings) is to show what is to be built, while the specifications focus on the materials, installation techniques, and quality standards. However, the distinction is not clear cut.
What happens if you leave a sketch on a project?
Anything omitted from the plans or specs, or left ambiguous, increases your risk of extra charges, delays, and disputes once the project is under way. Starting a project with just a rough sketch and a vague idea of what you are building is a prescription for endless cost increases, delays, and conflicts. A complete and thorough set of plans and specs will help you:
What is a building plan?
Your building plans and specifications are your primary tools for communicating to everyone on the building team what you want built, and how to build it. The visual plans and written specifications work together — with the plans focusing on what to build, and the specifications focusing on the how to build it.
Where do building plans come from?
The plans for your building or remodeling project can come from yourself, a professional designer, a stock plan book (for a new house), or from a building contractor, who may or may not have special training in design. In many cases, the plans are a hybrid.
How many feet of easement for utility lines?
Check with your planning board for easementrestrictions. Many communities require 5-10 feeteasement along the side and rear of the propertyfor utility lines, water drainage, and neighborhoodboundaries. An easement may also be requiredfor a walkway.
How wide is a driveway?
Allow for plenty of room for front, back and side.Outline where you want the driveway (about 10feet wide or more) and turnaround space if side-or rear-entry garages (about 30 feet).
What is the Americans with Disability Act?
All places of public accommodation, commercial facilities, and State and local government facilities follow the codified law - Americans with Disability Act (ADA) - as developed by skilled professionals, scholars, and lawyers with the coordination of the National Council on Disability. So, as you can see, you are already familiar with ADA requirements even if you have not read the law.
How wide do you need to be to be ADA compliant?
To start, you will need to make sure your doors and hallways can accommodate a wheelchair. To do this, the doorways will need to be at least 32 inches wide. The area around the doorways must be clear by at least 36 inches.
How much space does a bathroom need?
The bathroom needs to be sizable enough to allow wheelchair access so to accomplish this there must be at least 30 inches by 48 inches of clear floor space. The sink and counter-top should be no taller than 34 inches and allow the wheelchair to roll enough under for access.
How tall should a kitchen sink be?
The sink and counter-tops should be no taller than 30 inches for general accommodation. You should install a contrasting edge-band on counter-tops to pronounce the edges of counters more clearly for those with limited vision. Any knobs on cabinets should be replaced with pulls for arthritis and weakening muscles.
What is the purpose of ADA?
The ADA is intended to accommodate and create comfort for those with limited mobility. Do an audit of your home by measuring your doorways and hallways, seeing how tall your counter-tops are, and identifying any other areas in need of change.
What are the mobility issues in a house?
These mobility issues can include difficulty walking, limited vision, loss of strength and other areas that require you to make ...
Do you need handrails for stairs?
In addition, make sure that doorknobs for entryways, closets, and cabinets are changed to pulls. For any stairs or ramps within the home you will need to install handrails. The main question to pose in any room is: how can someone in a wheelchair, with limited vision or general limited mobility, move about this room and access what is needed on a daily basis?
