GeneralQ We are hearing a lot of discussion about performance versus prescription specifications? What do we need to know about this discussion?
The short version of this discussion is that performance specifications provide a list of desired results. The contractor takes this list and selects materials and methods to produce the desired results. The contractor assumes responsibility for results. Prescriptive specifications are very specific as to what materials, proportions, and methods of installation are to be used. The specifier assumes responsibility for the results. The contractor must be able to demonstrate compliance with the specification. Which method is better? The answer to this question is highly dependent on the nature of the project. However, in general, performance specifications produce a higher probability of achieving the desired results as the contractor is better able to use his expertise as it applies to project conditions.
