In the last few years, I have had requests to write specifications for large residences. The design budgets are ample enough to allow it, and the owners want project quality and risk control resources to protect their interests.
But, the contractors who manage construction on these projects are averse to bidding requirements, AIA contracts, and specifications. After a few bad experiences, I have developed a short form approach to specs that seems to be working but needs improvement.
What are other spec writers and A/Es doing to develop specs and project manuals that work for residential projects?
The examples I have go back a few years, but are bascially short form specs, with reduced text but with the more critical provisions retained [i.e., correct laying of brick work, etc.]This would seem to be a reasonable route so long as you don’t “defang” the specs to uselessness.
I also have a set of full-blown Project Manual/specs with the basics of a commercial venture-- but then the residence was a $25 million dollar project!
Ralph
We’ve had a few requests for same in the past, however after quoting a fee there were no takers. The Architects decided to place specs in note form on the drawings, interestingly on both those projects the Architect contacted us during construction for advise due to conflicts with GC that may have been avoided if they had specs…we just finished our version of a Short Form Spec for a low rise condo project, our first attempt at this and we may offer the results to some of our clients who’s clients have opted to not include specs in their contract docs in the past due to GC complaints…we’ll see how it goes.
I have a client designing residential projects in the millions (20 mil. for one) who uses AIA documents and full technical spec sections similar to small commercial work, no conformize on the issue.
I charge by the hour for these.
No complaints on fees. No known problems.
Shedrick
Apparently you are not preparing specs for Florida projects - its a whole different ballgame in this state.
Jerome,
No, I have no residence projects in Florida.
Jerome, the project I mentioned was in Florida, but then I was on board as an expert witness for the trial where over $1.5 million in Change Orders went unpaid-- faulty client not faulty specs!