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Specify Materials & Workmanship
Specification Requirements
Define the scope of work, what is being built and define the responsibility of each trade, who does what and describe the quality of work expected for each of the trades.
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Excavator
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Concrete
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Mason
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Carpenter
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Plumber
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Heating and A/C
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Electrician
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Painter
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Flooring
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Landscaper
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Others
If you were to leave it up to the various contractors, they would naturally select materials that are low cost and easy to install. This is seldom in your best interest. Specify quality materials and fixtures. If you plan to stay in your home for at least 10 years, the extra cost will come back to you in maintenance savings, not to mention the added enjoyment of trouble free living.
Describe materials including size, brand, quality or grade, style, color, type, species etc. FHA form 2005, VA form 26-1852, available from these agencies and most mortgage lenders is a good form to use for material specifications.
Moreover, if this form is already included in your construction documents, the bank you go to for a mortgage will be impressed with your ability to put together a set of construction documents. Lenders are nervous about people acting as their own general contractor, and having a complete and comprehensive set of plans with specs will go a long way towards alleviating their skepticism.
