Preliminary Project Descriptions/Outline

SpecificationsACT 380

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Objective

O Recognize the role preliminary project descriptions play in developing construction documents

O Identify the format and when outline specifications are used

O Become familiar with the content and appearance of shortform specifications

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Preliminary Project Descriptions (PPD)

O Occur during the schematic design phase

O Clearly indicate the extent and relationship of the project components

O The design team “thinks the project through” which allows changes made at a later time to be less disruptive to the ongoing design process

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PPDO Document should include

information about:O Preliminary cost estimatesO Time schedulesO Value analysis (also known as value

engineering) studiesO Emphasis on describing the physical

requirements of the projectO May include performance criteria

and product descriptions4

PPD Format

O Uses Uniformat™O Organizes and defines major project:

O ElementsO SystemsO Subsystems

O See section 4.8.1.5 and figure 4.8-A for example

O See figure 4.8-B for a partial sample of a PPD

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Outline Specifications (OS)

O Record of the decisions about O specific materials O equipment O systems O methods O manufacturersO special fabrication requirements

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OS Contribute to Accomplishing

O Product decisions being made earlyO Recording of product selection and

code requirementsO Making cost estimates for controlling

budgetO Preparing time schedulesO Assisting Owner in understanding

proposed systems and materialsO Coordinating construction documentsO Preparing the project manual

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Outline Specifications Format

O Use Masterformat™ level-two (typical**)O Beyond just materials and manufacturers

they can include material mixes, fabrication, finishes, installation, and application procedures

O See figure 4.9-A for sample of articlesO See figure 4.9-B for sample of outline

specification

** may use levels three or four depending on material selected

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Shortform Specifications

O Often used on projects with a negotiated contract or design-build delivery method

O Are less lengthy specifications than your project manual specifications---but provide a level of detail sufficient to complete a less complex project

O Are LEGALLY enforceable (unlike Preliminary Project Descriptions or Outline Specifications)

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When to Use Shortform Specs

O Small projectsO Design-negotiate-build projectsO Construction management project

delivery---use caution hereO Design-build projectsO Owner-build projectsO Interior design and Tenant improvementO Single Prime contractO Projects where they are specifically

requested

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Shortform Samples

O See figure 5.14-C for article headingsO See figure 5.14-D for example of a

shortform sectionO See instructor provided sample:

O FHA Form 2005/VA Form 26-1852

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