Best practices for enhancing drawings and specifications

{"version":"0.3.0","atoms":[],"cards":[],"markups":[["a",["href","https:\/\/info.deltek.com\/improve-specifications?sourceid=20\u0026utm_source=Online\u0026utm_medium=Advertising\u0026utm_campaign=AEC-AIA-drawing-Spec-2023\u0026partnerref=Advertising_Online_AEC-AIA-drawing-Spec-2023","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/event.on24.com\/wcc\/r\/4054327\/EA9CD81EE0451957A57DDC93935C5419","target","_blank"]],["b"],["a",["href","https:\/\/info.deltek.com\/drawing-spec-best-practices?sourceid=20\u0026utm_source=Online\u0026utm_medium=Advertising\u0026utm_campaign=AEC-AIA-Blog-Spec-Drawing-2023\u0026partnerref=Advertising_Online_AEC-AIA-Blog-Spec-Drawing-2023","target","_blank"]],["a",["href","https:\/\/info.deltek.com\/demo-specpoint","target","_blank"]],["i"],["a",["href","https:\/\/info.deltek.com\/drawing-spec-best-practices?sourceid=45\u0026utm_source=newsletter\u0026utm_medium=email\u0026utm_campaign=AIA-Drawings-Newsletter-202307\u0026partnerref=email_newsletter_AIA-Drawings-Newsletter-202307","target","_blank"]]],"sections":[[1,"h2",[[0,[],0,"Accurate construction specifications can help prevent unnecessary RFIs, change orders, rework, and other delays. Here are tips to improve the process from AIA partner Deltek."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Accurate drawings and specifications provide clear project intent, performance, and instructions for contractors. Conversely, when construction documents lack detail, it affects the accuracy of the bid and, down the road, may impact the project schedule and budget. For example, guessing on products or model numbers can require the contractor to scramble to find the correct information, reduce the accuracy of the bid, and increase time spent by architects and specifiers answering requests for information (RFIs)."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"With detailed and accurate drawings and specifications, you can:"]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Ensure the design intent has strong graphic and written instructions."]],[[0,[],0,"Attract quality bids by providing contractors with comprehensive "],[0,[0],1,"material and installation details"],[0,[],0," to bid on the project more accurately."]],[[0,[],0,"Save time and reduce costs by minimizing delays and change orders that arise with different expectations and interpretations between the architect, engineer, contractor, and owner."]]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Drawings and specs are complementary and are one document. Whether you are working on floor plan dimensions, defining head and jamb details, or writing keynotes, ask yourself, can someone else understand this information? (Learn more in the educational webinar "],[0,[1],1,"Tips to Enhance Drawings and Specifications"],[0,[],0,".)"]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[2],1,"Greater specificity equals fewer RFIs"]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"A strong specification must be clear, concise, complete, correct, and consistent. Greater specificity means fewer questions and RFIs. Getting specific requires document coordination and asking questions. Every player on the project, from the architect to the owner, responds differently to drawings versus specs. For example, architects are typically more visual, while others may be more word oriented. That is why coordination is vital in drawings, specs, and communication."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Additional "],[0,[3],1,"best practices for strong specifications"],[0,[],0," include:"]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Reduce conflicts between specs and drawings by being clear. For example, clearly specify whether the material is drywall or gypsum board, ensuring cohesive and consistent project execution. "]],[[0,[],0,"Provide enough information for an accurate bid. A contractor can quickly provide a correct bid with a clear picture of the products, applications, and installation methods. "]],[[0,[],0,"Ensure the drawings, spec descriptions, and products align. Precise requirements ensure there\u2019s no room for confusion or doubt, allowing for a more efficient and effective process and work completed as intended. In addition, good specs will help keep the project on schedule and minimize wasted time and money. "]]]],[1,"h3",[[0,[2],1,"Creating smoother communication and collaboration"],[0,[],0," "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Effective communication is vital to drawings and specifications. Effective communication can prevent drawing and specification flaws, and reduce delays and change orders, to deliver a project that achieves the owner\u2019s goals. In addition, bringing key players into the project early, leveraging a firm\u2019s knowledge, and reviewing past project successes to drive better future outcomes is the fuel for effective project collaboration. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[],0,"Firms with drawings and specifications that work together reap benefits, including:"]]],[3,"ul",[[[0,[],0,"Better team communication"]],[[0,[],0,"Fewer changes and rework from RFIs"]],[[0,[],0,"Improved bidding, construction, and on-time project delivery"]],[[0,[],0,"Happier owners and other project stakeholders"]]]],[1,"p",[[0,[4],1,"Specifications software"],[0,[],0," can help provide the roadmap to your design. The instructions ensure each element achieves the project\u0027s end goal. Moreover, creating a strong specification will help ensure more accurate bids while maintaining schedules and budgets. Therefore, it is essential to coordinate drawings and specifications, provide clear instructions, and practice effective collaboration and communication for a successful project."]]],[1,"p",[[0,[5],0,"Discover the key to achieving clear and concise drawings and specifications, minimizing RFIs, change orders, and rework by downloading the \u201c"],[0,[6],1,"Best Practices to Enhance Drawings and Specifications"],[0,[],1,"\u201d white paper. "]]],[1,"p",[[0,[5],1,"Deltek is the leading global enterprise software and information solutions provider for project-based businesses. More than 30,000 organizations and millions of users in over eighty countries worldwide rely on Deltek for superior project intelligence, management, and collaboration. This includes over 11,000 architecture and engineering firms, representing 80% of the Engineering News-Record (ENR) Top 500."]]]]}