Written ‘Spec’ifications expand on your home’s Working Drawings in detail. Builders typically provide a ‘General Specification’ list, which outlines construction and finishes. General Specifications also include details regarding the builder’s warranty and policies for handling legal arrangements and title transfer.
If the builder provides Construction Allowances (enabling you to make your own selections of items such as lighting fixtures, floor coverings, plumbing fixtures or appliances), these should identify exactly what is covered by each allowance as well as the dollar value allocated. Keeping this in mind, a less expensive selection will save you money, while a more expensive choice will cost you more. These variances will be noted in your Statement of Adjustments.
If you vary from the General Specifications, the details of what you want (brand names, colours, sizes, model and style numbers, etc.) should be noted in the Finish Schedules or on a Change Order before construction starts. Specifications are an important part of the Agreement between you and your builder. For this reason, you’ll want to ensure the blueprints and specifications you’re expecting do not contradict each other.