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what is the difference between plans and specifications

by Fidel Kohler Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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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.

Your house plans are a set of scaled drawings that show contractors what they are building. Your specifications (or specs) are a written document that details what materials will be used and how to install things.Feb 17, 2017

Full Answer

What is plan and Spec construction?

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.

What are plans and specifications?

Plans and specifications are defined by the Building Act 2004. They include: details of specified systems and procedures for their inspection and maintenance. with the drawings of different consultants coordinated to prevent conflicts, ambiguity or contradictions

What is the difference between standard specifications and Supplemental specifications?

Standard Specifications- a book of specifications approved for general application and repetitive use. Supplemental Specifications- approved additions and revisions to the standard specifications. Traffic Control Plan- a plan for handling traffic through a specific highway or street work zone or project. Background.

What is the difference between construction drawings and specifications?

If construction drawings focus on a building’s shape, appearance, and dimensions, the written specifications, or specs, focus on what materials will be used and how they should be installed. At a minimum, specifications list what materials to use, and call out any special installation requirements.

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What is included in plans and specifications?

Plans and Specifications means plans, drawings, specifications and other documents from which the Buildings, Ancillary Buildings, Garages and Landscaping are to be constructed (including details of materials, colours, location and design).

What is the difference between specifications and drawings?

Specifications are written papers that accompany building documents and define the materials and installation processes. Working drawings are visual representations of a construction project created by architects, engineers, and other project professionals.

What is the purpose of plan specifications?

Specifications contains the written instructions for constructing highway projects, outlining in detail a description of the work, materials, construction methods, method of measurement, basis of payment, and the pay item for each item of work involved in the contract.

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 is the difference between drawings and plans?

Unsourced material may be challenged and removed. Plans are a set of drawings or two-dimensional diagrams used to describe a place or object, or to communicate building or fabrication instructions. Usually plans are drawn or printed on paper, but they can take the form of a digital file.

Do plans supersede specs?

If there is a conflict between the Drawings and Details on Drawings and the Specifications, then the Specifications will prevail. The higher “Order of Precedence of Documents” governs or prevails.

What are the different types of specifications?

8 Types of SpecificationsRequirement Specifications. Documentation of a business need. ... Design Specifications. Descriptions of how requirements will be realized. ... Material Specifications. ... Standard Specifications. ... Interface Specifications. ... Test Specifications. ... Performance Specifications. ... Quality Specifications.

What is specification in a building?

According to the Dictionary of Architecture & Construction a specification is, “a written document describing in detail the scope of work, materials to be used, methods of installation, and quality of workmanship for a parcel of work to be placed under contract; usually utilized in conjunction with working (contract) ...

How do you read a plan and specs?

0:4511:14Reading Construction Drawings - 10 Minute Crash Course - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipEach one has a different letter that corresponds to it. So your sight drawings is typically C whichMoreEach one has a different letter that corresponds to it. So your sight drawings is typically C which usually means civil architectural a structural s mechanical. And electrical II.

What are builders plans?

They give you an idea of how the rooms and other spaces in your house correlate, and will go on to inform the rest of your project.Design floor plans. ... Elevations. ... Structural drawings. ... Electrical drawings. ... Plumbing and sanitary drawings. ... They aid the success of a project. ... They are necessary for planning permission.More items...

What are specs in engineering?

Specifications are quantitative, measurable criteria that the product is designed to satisfy. In order to be measurable and unambiguous, specifications must contain a metric, target value and engineering units for the target value.

What is the purpose of a site plan?

A site plan is a graphic representation of all existing and proposed improvements to a site. Sometimes referred to as a plot plan, the site plan functions as a map for a development project, incorporating all aspects of landscaping, construction, paving, utilities, and terrain features in a single depiction.

What is the relationship between drawings and specifications?

The project drawings and specifications are an integral part of the contract documents and are inseparable. The drawings reflect what the project specifications are unlikely to cover; and the project specifications indicate what the drawings are unlikely to portray.

What is the difference between design drawings and shop drawings?

Design drawings are used in the early stage of design development as a means to communicate design ideas and proposals. In comparison, shop drawings provide the details needed by a fabricator during fabrication, assembly, installation and erection, such as the specified material, weld types and connections.

How do you read a spec book?

Be curious: a specification is a journey worth taking. ... Be patient: reading a spec is a process. ... Learn: a spec is a crash course on a specific subject. ... Contribute: it's your spec as well. ... Be neurotic. ... Be imaginative. ... Beware the details. ... Read the spec with a meaningful goal.More items...•

What is order of precedence in contracts?

An order of precedence clause is a term which identifies the order in which the various contract documents are prioritized when resolving a conflict or ambiguity within said contract documents.

What is a design build agreement?

The design-build agreement is a negotiated contract that states the homeowner and contractor will work together to develop the final plan which will drive the final cost for the project. A design-build agreement will typically include an initial budget to be used as reference for the design development.

What is scope in construction?

The scope includes everything needed to complete your project, including materials, equipment, and labor. It describes all of the features that will be included, as well what won’t be included.

What is design development?

Design development is the nitty gritty phase of the design process. All of the small – and not so small – details will be added during this phase. Fixture and finish selection is what drives this phase. Trim and tile details, electrical layout, and other construction details are added as selections are completed.

What is conceptual design?

The conceptual design process is intended to provide a rough description of the project based on your needs and wants. Thanks to sketches, models or 3D renderings, you’ll be able to see a visual representation of your renovation project.

What is technical drawing?

Technical drawings include very specific details regarding structural issues and mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems. They’re the set of drawings that your construction team will consult during the interior home remodeling process.

What is a plan and spec?

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 owners choose Plan and Spec?

One of the biggest reasons Owners choose Plan & Spec is because construction costs are more defined. After the design is completed, the Owner can send out the construction documents for bid. Put more simply, the Owner will ask potential construction teams to provide a price for the building as designed.

What is special project?

Specialty Projects – If the project is full of many “firsts” or extra architectural challenges, plan and spec is best. The team can tackle more challenging designs, like a net-zero building or an intricate architectural design.

Is plan spec different from project delivery?

Every project delivery method has its downfalls, and plan-spec jobs are no different.

Is a project a typical project?

Although no project is “typical,” most plan and spec projects follow a similar team organization and set project phases.

Is Plan and Spec a logical choice?

Plan & spec is also a logical choice for several other reasons:

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 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.

What is the written portion of a building plan called?

The written portion or your plans are called the specifications or “specs” for short.

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.

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 a plan and specification?

Plans and specifications are defined by the Building Act 2004. They include: the drawings, specification and other documents (see below) from which the building is to be constructed, altered, demolished or removed. the proposed procedures for inspection during construction. the definition of the intended building use.

What is a good set of documents?

A good set of documents: accurately represents the extent and content of the project by defining: the scope of work to be done. the materials and products to be used by product name and manufacturer identification number or reference. acceptable standards of workmanship.

What is a specification?

Specifications- the compilation of provisions and requirements for the performance of prescribed work.

What is the purpose of guidelines for development of plans and specifications?

Guidelines for development of plans and specifications will encourage nationwide uniformity and consistency, and facilitate review and approval of project plans and specifications.

What is contract plan?

Contract plans show the details that are necessary to construct a specific project and should be tailored to provide all information necessary to accomplish the work in an orderly manner.

What paragraph should a standard plan contain?

Standard plans should contain all appropriate information from paragraph 4c that is necessary to properly describe the details of the work proposed as standard.

What is required contract provision?

Required Contract Provisions- those provisions required by law or regulation of the various jurisdictions involved in funding projects and administering contracts for construction projects.

What is estimate in construction?

Estimate- the predicted project cost at the time of receipt of bids developed from a knowledge of the costs for materials, labor, and equipment required to perform the necessary items of work.

What is developmental specification?

Developmental Specifications- a specification developed around a new process, procedure, or material with the prior knowledge that subsequent adjustments might be necessary prior to adoption for standard usage.

What is a drawing and specification?

Drawings and Specifications means the construction drawings and specifications necessary or appropriate for completion of the Project, and all change orders, revisions, amendments or addenda thereto which are approved in writing by Owner or by Development Manager on behalf of Owner. Drawings and Specifications means the drawings ...

Does a description include drawings?

If necessary, the description will include supplemental or revised Drawings and Specifications.

What is the difference between standards and specifications?

In summary the difference is that all standards are specifications but not all specifications are standards. Indeed, most specifications are not, since they only apply to a specific product/object or process.

What is a specification?

A specification is a statement detailing a requirement that should or must be satisfied (depending on the contractual or regulatory context) for some specific product or process (including protocols), or set of such products or processes. A standard is a specification established by some institution that some class ...

Why do we cite standards in a specification?

Specifications for some product or process may cite standards as a way to simplify and shorten the writing of the specification, and to help ensure that said product or process comply with some externally imposed requirement or to promote interoperability and parts compatibility within some industrial domain or institutional scope.

What is standard in plumbing?

A “standard” (noun) is a uniform measurement in quality control. It can be applied in any field, from plumbing to education. If something meets standards it measures up to at least minimum quality requirements. “Standards” is the plural of standard, of course.

What are standards called?

Typically, at the low end of this range, they might not be called standards at all, or referred to as local or company-internal standards or conventions, or possibly product-line standards . At the high end of this range, they might be called national or international standards, such as those promulgated and supported by ISO, NIST, IEEE, W3C etc..

Is hair length in inches or metric?

Distance, this has two areas short and long, long are without exception shown in old imperial ‘miles’, where short are declared, in accordance to the ‘rules’of the topic that is relevant. Hair length would be ‘inches’, where building materials would be subject to metric rules. The length of cable needed to connect appliances would be estimated in inches but purchased in Cm.

Is a standard a law?

It is not a law, but can be adopted into law. A standard tends be a more detailed elaboration, the nuts and bolts of meeting a code. One way of looking at the differences between codes and standards is that a code tells you what you need to do, and a standards tells you how to do it.

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Defining Plans and Specifications

  • Plans and specifications are defined by the Building Act 2004. They include: 1. the drawings, specification and other documents (see below) from which the building is to be constructed, altered, demolished or removed 2. the proposed procedures for inspection during construction 3. the definition of the intended building use 4. details of specified ...
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Requirements For Plans and Specifications

  • A good set of documents: 1. accurately represents the extent and content of the project by defining: 1.1. the scope of work to be done 1.2. the materials and products to be used by product name and manufacturer identification number or reference 1.3. acceptable standards of workmanship 1.4. levels of finish required by the client 2. shows sufficient detail so that the mai…
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Common Omissions from Plans and Specifications

  • Some sets of drawings show the easy, straightforward aspects of construction (which both the designer and builder could reasonably be expected to know) and do not include the complicated or non-standard parts of the building. Where a particular construction detail is required, it must be shown in sufficient detail so that the builder (and, where subject to Building Code compliance, th…
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1.Plans vs. Specifications: Which One Wins When Building …

Url:https://www.mascomabank.com/insight/plans-vs-specifications-which-one-wins-when-building-a-house/

5 hours ago  · The big difference is a plan and spec rep usually has a defined territory, and it represents the manufacturer exclusively for that territory." Shaw has a wholesale company and a plan and spec business. Standard Supply is his wholesale company …

2.Do You Know the Difference Between Specs and Plans?

Url:https://www.kaufmanconstruction.com/blog/do-you-know-the-difference-between-specs-and-plans-11-design-build-terms-you-should-know

3 hours ago  · Specifications - the compilation of provisions and requirements for the performance of prescribed work. Standard Plans (Standard Detail Drawings)-drawings approved for repetitive use showing details to be used where appropriate. Standard Specifications - a book of specifications approved for general application and repetitive use.

3.PLANS & SPECS - Building Advisor

Url:https://buildingadvisor.com/project-management/where-to-get-plans-and-specs/

2 hours ago Plan Drawings something different to construct. OMMISSION is defined as the Details on Drawings show one thing to construct and the Specifications are silent and do not indicate anything. To illustrate this further, SDC & Associates’ client encountered a problem on the last day they were waterproofing a hospital.

4.Plans and specifications | BRANZ Weathertight

Url:https://www.weathertight.org.nz/new-buildings/documentation-and-contracts/plans-and-specifications/

17 hours ago Drawings and Specifications means all blueprints, schematic renderings, architect's/engineer’s drawings, specifications, written descriptions and similar items for the Parking Garage Project and all related drawings, plans and data (and all supplements and amendments authorized and Approved by DSA), and which relate to the design, construction, equipping and furnishing of the …

5.Guidelines for Preparation of Plans, Specifications, and …

Url:https://www.fhwa.dot.gov/design/0630bsup.cfm

18 hours ago A specification is a statement detailing a requirement that should or must be satisfied (depending on the contractual or regulatory context) for some specific product or process (including protocols), or set of such products or processes. A standard is a specification established by some institution that some class of objects or processes could or should satisfy.

6.HOW TO WIN CONFLICTS AND OMMISSIONS WITH PLANS …

Url:https://www.jurispro.com/files/documents/doc-1066204835-article-1518.pdf

35 hours ago

7.Drawings and Specifications Definition | Law Insider

Url:https://www.lawinsider.com/dictionary/drawings-and-specifications

14 hours ago

8.What is the difference between specification and standard?

Url:https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-specification-and-standard

29 hours ago

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