A good specification needs to be clear, concise and accurate.
Its objective is to communicate what you need to be done to someone who is trained to do it. Very often, specification writing tools can actually lead to ambiguity - and copy-and-paste errors. This means that the craftspeople may find them unhelpful and in many cases end up not referring to them.

We like documents that are as short and as clear as they can be. We also prefer to use samples and testing (where required) to make sure that what we want done is done right - before anyone gets near the building.

This approach also really helps with the gaining of Consent - if the Conservation Officer can see that you are approaching the task correctly, they will have confidence in the scheme.

Verbal communication and relationships can be as important as any written document when trying to ensure that works are completed as they should be, and this is where our experience as Chartered Construction Managers really pays dividends.