Analysis of Enabling Objectives: BLAR 12038 Assignment 1, Term 1 2018

This report provides a comprehensive analysis of enabling objectives, focusing on a scenario where a client seeks advice on a construction project. The report recommends the use of a negotiated contract, detailing its advantages and disadvantages, and outlines the duties of a building contractor, including project implementation, employee management, material procurement, and adherence to legal and budgetary constraints. Furthermore, the report emphasizes the importance of specifications, defining their role in construction projects, different types of specifications, and their significance in ensuring clarity, accuracy, and minimizing risks. It also highlights the key differences between specification writing and other forms of writing, emphasizing the need for precision, logical organization, and the use of reference sources like guide specifications, textbooks, building codes, and material standards. The report underscores the importance of clear communication and the ability to convey information effectively to various stakeholders involved in the construction process.

Enabling Objectives
Term 1 2018
BLAR 12038
Assignment 1
Due Date: 27 March 2018
Weighting: 30%

Table of Contents
Question 1. A client has requested your advice..........................................................................1
Question 2. Why is a specification an important........................................................................2
Question 3. What makes specification writing different............................................................3
References...................................................................................................................................4
Page 1

Question 1. A client has requested your advice
My advice to the client would be that he should select the tendering process of
negotiated contract. This is because the client requires value for money and completion of the
project in a specific time. In a negotiated contract the owner of the building and his
consultants without former agreement of time or price selects a builder to whom they find it
appropriate for work. The reason for selecting single builders are that the owner of the
building knows the builder and has received good services before, the builder somewhat has
experience in producing high quality work, there is business relationship with the owner and
the builder is allied company (Brook 2016).
The advantages are
1. As the costing period of normal tender is eradicated there is minor time saving
2. A builder with capacity, reliability and good financial stability is selected.
3. Through this method an experience builder having a strong financial background
along with reliability will be selected
The disadvantages are
1. If the preliminary cost is transferred then this could be a source of difficulty that is
considerable and controversy.
2. The viable constituent in costing the building work is vague.
My duties towards the client as a building contractor would be to complete the project in
proper time and manner. The very initial duty as a building contractor would be to implement
an idea to transmit the project. This can range anywhere from hiring the workers to the
development of the project. To work on a particular project my responsibility would be to
hire, supervise and at times fire them from the work. My duty is to look after the payment of
the employees and to hire a person to do this work on behalf. I am also responsible for getting
the materials for the construction. As the construction cannot be finished without the proper
materials, my work is to obtain better goods to build the project. I am also responsible to get
all the legal work done before starting up the construction work (Hughes, Champion and
Murdoch 2015). These may range from licenses to permissions and regulations that are
related to the documents which is my duty to follow them up. There are many laws and
regulations regarding the construction process which is my responsibility to look after it and
there are some laws which should be followed to know how my team and me should build the
project in some areas and it is my responsibility to abide by all the laws and regulations to
finish the project. My duty is to set a budget for the project and the budget should be followed
as strictly as possible. This will help me in buying other supplies, hiring laborers and finish
the project is the set budget. The budget should be followed in a serious manner and the
project should be completed as it was thought that it would be. It is also my duty to review the
progress of the workers and implement any changes needed. My responsibility is to follow
carefully the particular building project and should make changes accordingly. My work is to
Page 1

deal with all the emergencies and revelations which relates to the construction and which
might occur suddenly (Chappell 2015). Many parties who meet with such problem and
emergencies often come to me for assistance so i would provides these functions to you as
well.
Page 2

Question 2. Why is a specification an important
Answer 2
The term specification means a document which is in a written form and it describes
in detail the possibility of work, the materials which are to be used, installation methods and
the excellence of workmanship. It is a detailed explanation of materials, requirements etc. of a
machine, a construction project or equipment etc. It is an act of mentioning details of any
particular thing. As defined above, specifications are involved in several type of projects
which includes large scale projects municipal and commercial projects. Generally there are
four types of specifications, namely Performance specification, Prescriptive specification,
reference specification and direct specification (Davenport 2009).
Importance of specification in the light of its functions
Specification plays an essential role in the vital success of every production. Specification
which are clear, transparent , written in a good form and it is organized can help in resulting
great requirements, less of complications in any field of work, clarity of requirements of
clients, accuracy in results. The element of construction and installation method should be
stated clearly in specification so that the method of construction is correct. In the absence of
specification, the value of finishing, construction method and depiction of every element of
construction would be essential on the project illustration. Specification provides us with
instructions that are clear to every client. The requirements of referencing the quality of
products and standard are defined clearly. While writing specification one need not require
detailed information which helps the client to understand properly. With the help of
specification, contractual document is formed and it helps to minimize the risk of project and
it provides support if there is any legal dispute. Specification helps with the brief details and
assures the client with the delivery of the product which they have purchased (Schaufelberger
and Holm 2017).
The correct way to construct specification is the installation method and construction element.
Deprived of the specification, the construction method, the value of finish and depiction of
element of each building should be needed to note on the project diagram.
Essential in writing: the capability to connect with the adequate knowledge for a construction
to be carried out successfully by others is the important need in writing of specification. There
are two important facts for drafting a specification like to know the requirement of the client
and the ability to meet the requirements. A Lack of knowledge in methods of construction and
materials along with lack of thought while writing specification results in deficiency of
subject knowledge and information. The specifier should be updated with enough information
on latest trends, products and storage, handling and installation process. There should be
regularity to visit the sites and the specifier can get feedback continuously from the
contractors so that they could verify the materials’ accuracy and the methods which are
specified.
Page 3

Design document function: the specification writer should design the document with some
figures and conditions so as to meet all the requirements of the client.
The costing function: a detailed specification permits a quantity surveyor or an estimator to
plan a costing phase to show where addition or reductions should be done.
The contract function:
The on-site function: specification not only works as a contract document but it helps in being
a working document for many subcontractors, suppliers and site personnel who are linked
with project (Davenport 2009).
There are several other functions which involve tendering requirements, insurance conditions
and alternative options.
The people who read and rely on specifications are
 The client who makes an agreement, engages and pays the contractor and design team
to build the work.
 The builder or the contractor decides with client to work on the construction.
 The client may wish to hire his representative to manage the construction on his or her
behalf.
 The design team comprises of only an engineer and an architect on a small scale
project. But on a large scale project the design team includes consultants like
structural engineers, building service engineers, architects and quantity surveyors.
 The builder employs the suppliers and subcontractors to accomplish the part of the
project work of the building.
 Nominated subcontractors and nominated suppliers are those organization or person to
whom the client nominates to look after the building project.
Question 3. What makes specification writing different
Answer 3
Page 4

Essay writing or a novel writing is not the same as specification writing. There are certain
methods which are used by writers to present instructions and information which is
exceptional in a way in specification writing. In order to deliver any message or instruction by
a specifier, the drawings and the specification should be in compliance with each other and
should not oppose each other.
The specifier should deliver the client with some important written information that is clear
and simple. One should avoid using clauses which are long and it should be precise and
concise. The detail should be specific and should be arranged in logical order format. Apart
from the technical side of writing specification, the essential requirement is the ability to
deliver a message in good and presentable English. In essay and novel, the topic is explained
in a wide manner but in specification the topic should be explained in precise manner.
Constructing a project is very much diverse and different in nature. There are many variables
which may comprise the substructure, shape and size of structure, site, façade types, services,
structural fabric, furnishing and etc. to name some of them. As we know, a writer of
specification may not have complete and intimate knowledge of the methods, materials which
are used for the project or the improvements that are being continually made by the
manufacturers. Besides, the specifier should make use of some reference sources where
required and they should become acquainted with the availability of reference services
(Davenport 2009).
There are several other sources of reference for specification writing. These are guide
specification, textbooks, building codes, material standards, association standards, journals
and periodicals, materials investigations, manufacturers’ catalogues, etc.
Guide specifications: guide specification is also known as master specification. It is generally
developed to help as a usual aid in preparing specification. It helps the specification writer to
use appropriate sections in the exact ordered format which is given. Since there will be a
section with the same designation and title, the master specification permits cross referencing
which are easy within the documentation of contract.
Textbooks: textbooks are a good reference source as many authors have expressed various
opinions, examples and formats for writing specification. The exposure of the books of
specification writer is important as it assists people in deciding the best method of
specification writing.
Building codes: building codes are constituted and restructured by the state and national
government and the local authorities. The building codes and regulations comprises of safety,
zoning of structures and buildings, fire, electrical codes and plumbing. These codes are made
to cover laws of the building and methods to safeguard life, health and property.
Material standards: several government experts and material manufacturers have formed
standards for regularity in material, testing and grading procedure. There are examples of
association of manufacturers who provides us with reference materials such as: steel
Page 5

reinforcement of Australia, plywood association of Australia and Australian furniture research
and development institute ltd.
Association standards: a standard association or the central government authority provides us
with issued and documented standards. It is essential for the specification writer to understand
the restriction and whether the standard to a reference is applicable.
Journals and periodicals: the publishing of construction and building journals is consistent and
it contains data on method and material testing, availability and failures. This information can
be a useful source for the specification writer to be organized with the knowledge and contact
of the industry.
Material investigation: The government organizations have laboratories of research and
frequently conduct testing of technical items. This valuable service is provided by CSIRO or
NCRB of Australia. These research laboratories inspect the properties of elements of structure
of buildings and building materials. They also investigate the performance of equipment
which is used for mechanical purpose for buildings. The reports which are given by the
laboratories are accumulated on the knowledge and experience of the work of every
individual who has direct connection with some materials and methods.
Manufacturers’ catalogues: the manufacturers who present catalogues is another source of
reference. Different manufacturers’ have different information described and presentation.
Some publications have been drawn precisely and the rest are in concise, ambiguous and
certain items of information which are criticized and work are left out. The specifier should
understand the information, clarification and modifications so that the requirement of
specification is correctly read.
There are other source of references which include standards, materials, general information
and workmanship.
The technical information and sections is the important part of specification. It is important in
specification that the matter of subject is organized in systematically and orderly. It helps the
subcontractors, contractor, suppliers and estimators to trace the information in specification.
A technique of isolating the sections of trade information into a format that is logical, the
specification data requires to be practical. There is a course which needs to be followed by the
specifier so that they do not miss anything and the format should make sense. Immense
amount of care is required while writing the technical part as the might have complications in
design, construction process and estimation. The physical look of specification requires the
similar attention as the look and format of the diagrams. Overall appearance and presentation
of technical sections can be a great help for the reader (Walker 2015).
References
Page 6

Brook, M. (2016). Estimating and tendering for construction work. Taylor & Francis.
Chappell, D. (2015). Construction contracts: Questions and answers. Routledge.
Hughes, W., Champion, R., & Murdoch, J. (2015). Construction contracts: law and
management. Routledge.
Hughes, W., Champion, R., & Murdoch, J. (2015). Construction contracts: law and
management. Routledge.
Schaufelberger, J. E., & Holm, L. (2017). Management of construction projects: A
constructor's perspective. Taylor & Francis.
Uher, T. Davenport, P (2009) Fundamentals of building contract management
Walker, A. (2015). Project management in construction. John Wiley & Sons.
Page 7

Page 8