15 March 2013

How Big?

I recently starting a new project - the writing of specifications and project manuals for two public schools. I don't do this often, but I work on staying current with codes and standards for work like this. I like the exercise. So here I am - a lapsed Construction Specifications Institute member, an up-to-date American Institute of Architects card-carrier, and an actual LEED Accredited Professional - and I'm bewildered by what our industry has accommodated.

My client, the Architect of Record for the two projects, has explained that the School Districts, the State reviewers, and the Construction Managers are asking for as much detail as possible for each delivery, even for the early design phases. Consequently, the request is to put out as many full three-part specification sections as possible.  In printed hard copy, each project manual will be well over a thousand pages, and these are not particularly large projects.

I'll be paid adequately for my efforts, so I guess I shouldn't care; but this trend is routine. It sure seems largely unwarranted though. Each section is like a mini contract: General Conditions, Product Specifications and Methodology.  Words piled on top of words.  These days, what with computers and tablets, few people need full-fledged paper copies; but what purpose is served by all the piling on? Is this an extreme legal CYA consequence, or the result of defensible concerns?

The last time I did this, my approach for early design submittals was to simply describe what we wanted. We did, however, pile in on for the final construction documents. A compromise to be sure. The building stands fine today.

Has anyone found a better way? I sure would like an alternative to the virtual pile I am about to create.