--- title: "Art and science of writing specifications" subject: "Construction Management" chapter: 12 key: "semester_8/construction_management:spec-art-science-writing" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/spec-art-science-writing site: BCT Engineering --- # Art and science of writing specifications Construction Management · Chapter 12: Specification - Asked in: 2070 Bhadra, 6 marks - Video: [How To Write A Project Specification](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MCXi4KtRTG0) — SourceSeek - Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14 - Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/spec-art-science-writing - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-12 ## Question Write a note on the art and science of writing specifications covering the following aspects: (i) Necessity of specification (ii) Procedure of drafting (iii) What to write and what to avoid in writing. ## Answer Writing specifications is both an **art** (clear expression and judgement) and a **science** (technical accuracy based on standards, tests and experience). #### (i) Necessity of specification - Defines the quality of materials and workmanship expected by the owner. - Basis for estimating, tendering and rate analysis, so bids are comparable. - Guide for the contractor and for the engineer's inspection and testing. - Forms part of the contract and settles disputes, claims and variations. - Ensures uniform standard, safety and durability. - Fixes the method of measurement and payment. #### (ii) Procedure of drafting 1. Study the drawings, BOQ, site, local materials and the contract type. 2. List the items of work and group them by trade. 3. Collect the standards (NS, IS, DUDBC, NBC) and previous specifications. 4. Write each item in a set order: scope, materials, workmanship, tests, tolerance, measurement and payment. 5. Use clear command language and exact numbers (proportions, thickness, strength). 6. Check for conflicts with the drawings, BOQ and general conditions. 7. Review by another engineer; revise and finalise; keep a master copy for updating. #### (iii) What to write and what to avoid **What to write:** the quality and grade of materials, tests and sampling, method of work and sequence, tolerance, protection and curing, measurement and rate; references to codes; special conditions and what is included in the rate. **What to avoid:** - Vague words ("good", "approved", "suitable", "etc.") without a standard. - Contradictions with drawings and conditions of contract. - Repeating the content of other contract documents or the general conditions. - Over-specifying beyond what is practical or economical. - Brand names without "or equal". - Items that cannot be tested or measured. - Unneeded long sentences, jargon and duplication. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Why is writing specifications called both an art and a science? A. Art is technical accuracy, science is design B. It needs drawing skill and chemistry C. Art is clear expression and judgement; science is technical accuracy from standards, tests and experience D. Because it is written in two languages Answer: C. Expression and judgement are the art; accuracy based on standards and tests is the science. (Key point: Art and science) 2. Which is a reason specifications are necessary? A. They define expected quality, make bids comparable and fix measurement and payment B. They avoid the need for drawings C. They remove the engineer's role D. They replace the contract Answer: A. Specifications define quality, form a basis for tendering and rate analysis, and fix measurement and payment. (Key point: Necessity) 3. What is the correct first step in drafting a specification? A. Finalise and keep master copy B. Review by another engineer C. Study drawings, BOQ, site, local materials and contract type D. Write command language Answer: C. Drafting starts with studying the drawings, BOQ, site and materials, and ends with review and a master copy. (Key point: Drafting procedure) 4. Which should be avoided when writing specifications? A. Vague words like 'suitable' or 'approved' without a standard B. Exact numbers for proportions and strength C. References to codes D. Stating tolerances Answer: A. Vague terms without a standard, contradictions, repetition and untestable items must be avoided. (Key point: What to avoid) ## Related in Construction Management - [Techniques of writing specifications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Aspec-writing-techniques) — Construction Management, chapter 12, asked 5× - [Principles of writing specifications](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_8%2Fconstruction_management%3Aspec-principles-writing) — Construction Management, chapter 12, asked 2× ## Related in other subjects - [Two aspects of science for world development](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fcommunication_english%3Atwo-aspects-development-of-world-science) — Communication English, chapter 2 - [Necessity and aspects of project appraisal](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_7%2Fproject_engineering%3Awhy-appraisal-necessary-aspects) — Project Engineering, chapter 2, asked 4× - [Underpinning: necessity, procedure, methods](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_6%2Fbuilding_technology%3Aunderpinning-necessity-methods) — Building Technology, chapter 8, asked 3× - [Flood estimation by Log Pearson III method](https://www.bctengineer.com/question.md?key=semester_5%2Fengineering_hydrology%3Alog-pearson-iii-procedure) — Engineering Hydrology, chapter 6, asked 3×