Plans and specifications are a project delivery technique in the commercial construction industry. Design drawings (or plans) are prepared in conjunction with written requirements (or specs) that explain the equipment and parts depicted in the drawings.

The plans and specifications approach is referred to by various names, including planning and specifications, plan and specs, plan-spec, and the abbreviation P&S (planning and specifications). Because these terms are used interchangeably, you may notice that we utilize a variety of distinct variations throughout this essay. But don’t be misled — they both refer to the same item.

Before a construction project can begin, the client must decide on the method through which the project will be delivered. A plans and specifications technique is the most traditional. However, other methods such as design-build have gained ground in recent years. Each type of project delivery has its own set of advantages and disadvantages to consider. The significant difference between the two techniques is the alignment of team roles and the time of the construction process.

We handle working construction plans and specifications at Arentz General Contracting. These are two sectors where our company has built a solid reputation for offering superior quality of service. Aside from that, this type of service reduces or eliminates changes or delays in the construction process.

We start by getting to know you, the client, and what is important to you. Then, armed with this knowledge, we assemble a team of qualified and carefully selected professionals to work on your unique project. This team of experts will look over your overall vision for the project and identify the most effective way to achieve it. This is the only way we can guarantee the success of your project. Arentz General Contracting handles everything for you, including working construction plans and specifications, so you won’t have to fuss about it.

Let Arentz General Contracting Do The Work For You!

Working Construction Plans and Specifications Process Explained

Even though no project is “typical,” most plan and spec projects follow a similar team structure and go through the same set of project phases.

As part of the procurement and selection procedure for P&S projects, the owner/client will seek out two teams of professionals:

Design Team: The design team often comprises mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineers, civil and structural engineers, architects, and other consultants.

Construction Team: A general contractor and several subcontractors, such as a mechanical contractor, are all members of the construction team.

The client may engage the services of additional consultants who are not affiliated with the design and construction teams. A commissioning agent, for example, is hired by the client to examine the construction work. Alternatively, they may decide to hire a third-party design review team before providing their approval to the final designs themselves.

Key Elements of a Plans And Specifications Method

1. Leadership And Communication Within A Team

Each team is headed by a representative from one of the auxiliary fields. This consultant is commonly referred to as the prime or primary consultant and team leader.

Generally, the architect is the primary member of the design team, whereas the general contractor is the primary member of the building team. However, the general contractor is the lead of the full project.

The two teams are hired and handled separately. Each team’s primary consultant acts as a single point of contact for team members and the owner.

As a result, the prime has dual project responsibilities: they are accountable for their disciplinary work as well as the overall project management of the other disciplines and communication with the owner.

2. Responsibilities of the Team

The separation of responsibilities is highly apparent in a plan & spec project. The design team is responsible for creating a comprehensive set of construction papers that the construction team will use to construct the project.

3. Phases of the Project

When the plan and specification delivery approach is used, construction does not begin until the design team issues the construction papers. This means that a plan & spec project has two primary phases: the design and construction phases.

There are subsidiary project phases within each core project phase. For instance, the design team will divide the project’s critical milestones into design phases denoted by schematic design, design development, and construction design.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What Are The Advantages of a Plans And Specifications Approach?

One of the essential advantages of a plans and specifications approach is that building expenses are more predictable in this manner. After completing the design, the client will be able to submit the construction documents for bidding. In another way, the client will ask prospective construction teams to quote a price for the project as it is now planned. Knowing the construction cost before breaking ground reduces the financial risks during the construction process. At the very least, it aids in understanding the cost of constructing the facility. Plans and specifications are a methodology that allows the client to stage costs and hazards as they are encountered.

  • Are Plans And Specifications Approach A Bad Delivery Technique?

Most construction teams could go on and on about why plans and specifications are a bad delivery technique. But, to be honest, the cause for this can be traced back to revenue. Plans and specs projects are not always profitable for construction teams. Why? If they sell the job to the owner at a predetermined price, they are under enormous pressure to ensure that they are profitable at that fixed price. As a result, the contractor’s gross profit decreases for every difficulty that causes a delay or necessitates additional time. As a result, it makes sense for a general contractor to advocate a delivery method that will make them more money, even if it is not the best fit for the project.

  • What Are The Other Terms Used To Refer To Plans and Specifications Method?

The other terms used to refer to P&S are design-bid or design-bid-build.

Reliable Working Construction Plans And Specifications Service Offered

We remove the stress from the construction process when you engage with Arentz General Contracting because our approach of working construction plans and specifications is dependable and efficient every time. We are entirely focused on your construction project. We are there for you from the beginning of the planning process until the completion of the team assembly. We collaborate with a range of building providers to ensure that everything is completed in the manner you like. If we assist you in developing a precise strategy for your project, you will not be required to adjust or postpone your building process.

Turnkey Construction Services by Arentz General Contracting

We also offer Turnkey Construction Services. Turnkey construction is a construction service option that enables the owner of a future project to significantly simplify the construction process. In this type of project, the contractor is in charge of both the design and the construction of the structure in question. So the owner only has to sit back and wait for the contractor to complete the project as scheduled. As soon as the new building or facility is built, they will be able to “turn the key” and begin using it.

Get started on building your vision today. Contact Arentz General Contracting.

Let Arentz General Contracting Do The Work For You!

Call Now At 912-547-4300!

Arentz General Contracting

5859 Abercorn St, Savannah, GA 31405

912-547-4300