Summary Report of Questionnaire on Specifications (Contractor Returns)

Too little attention has been given by the design profession to the quality of specifications that go into the construction contract documents. In 1973, the Committee on Contract Administration established the Task Committee on Specifications. Its assigned mission was the development of recommendations for upgrading the qualifications of specification engineers and improving the quality of specifications for engineered construction projects. Before meaningful work could begin on these objectives, first-hand information was needed from the industry on current practices in the preparation of specifications, problems in their production, problems in their execution, and recommendations for improvement. Construction contractors were contacted through a nationwide questionnaire project to obtain information from those who have to use the specifications. This report summarizes the responses to this questionnaire. The second half of the report, which should be issued shortly, will present the responses of Owners and Owner Representatives (Private Design Professionals).