--- title: "Techniques of writing specifications" subject: "Construction Management" chapter: 12 key: "semester_8/construction_management:spec-writing-techniques" source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_8/construction_management/spec-writing-techniques site: BCT Engineering --- # Techniques of writing specifications Construction Management · Chapter 12: Specification - Asked in: 2078 Chaitra, 4 marks; 2075 Bhadra, 3 marks; 2069 Bhadra (old course), 4 marks; 2072 Asoj; 2065 Baisakh (old course) (asked 5 times) - 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-writing-techniques - Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_8/construction_management/chapter-12 ## Question Write down the major techniques that you follow for writing specification (important points to be considered while preparing specifications). ## Short answer Key techniques include studying project and standards, being clear, complete, and concise, using standard sequence, avoiding contradictions, describing requirements practically, providing test criteria, and reviewing for updates. ## Answer Specifications should be written so that they are clear, complete and enforceable. The main techniques and points to consider are: 1. **Know the project:** study the drawings, BOQ, site conditions and the type of contract before writing. 2. **Use standard references:** refer to Nepal Standards, IS, BS and DUDBC specifications, instead of repeating long details. 3. **Be clear, precise and concise:** use simple words, short sentences; avoid ambiguous words like "good" or "best" (quote measurable limits). 4. **Be complete:** cover materials, workmanship, testing, tolerances, protection, cleaning, measurement and payment. 5. **Use a standard sequence** for every item: scope, materials, workmanship, tests, finishing, measurement, rate. 6. **Use correct technical terms** and units (SI), and give grades, sizes and proportions. 7. **Avoid contradiction and duplication** with drawings, BOQ and general conditions of contract; say which prevails. 8. **Be realistic and practical:** the specified quality should be achievable with local materials and skills and should be economical. 9. **Describe what is required** (performance or method), not how the contractor should manage his business. 10. **Allow for testing and inspection:** state sampling frequency, tests and acceptance criteria. 11. **Provide for rejection or correction** of faulty work. 12. **Use the proper tense and command form:** "The contractor shall..." 13. **Arrange by trade or work section,** easy to find; use headings and numbering. 14. **Review and update:** check by another person and revise for changes in codes. ## Check yourself The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why. 1. Specifications should avoid words like: A. Grades B. Tolerances C. Units D. 'good' or 'best' without measurable limits Answer: D. Quote measurable limits. (Key point: Clarity) 2. Why refer to Nepal Standards, IS, BS or DUDBC specs? A. To make it vague B. Avoid repeating long details and use accepted standards C. To avoid testing D. To reduce quality Answer: B. Reference standards. (Key point: Standards) 3. If specification conflicts with drawings or BOQ, you should: A. Pick randomly B. Ignore it C. Avoid contradiction and state which document prevails D. Delete drawings Answer: C. Avoid contradiction and say which prevails. (Key point: Contradiction) 4. The specified quality should be: A. Vague B. Impossible to meet C. Achievable with local materials and skills and economical D. Ignoring cost Answer: C. Realistic and practical. 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