The Anticipations of Specifications

September 5, 2003

These may sound like trite questions, but specifications, if not addressed properly, can become a skeleton in any project’s closet. So who’s responsible? In a nutshell … everyone.
OK, a few of you out there are scoffing. But, somewhere along the line, you’ve seen a project that went awry; the flagstone that peeled like a bad sunburn, the patio paving that crumbled like day old toast, the container of out-of-spec radius pool coping.
Hopefully, you haven’t had to deal directly with these nightmares. If you have, you’ve learned to do everything within your power to never have it happen again. And, if you’re one of the lucky ones to skate around this fatal hump until now, then the following list of questions might just come in handy on your next project.
Product/material specification is one of the most-important steps to ensure success, enabling project development. Everyone involved must be held accountable, from the client, to the supplier, to the general contractor, and the architect. A successful project is dependant on the relationships between the aforementioned parties. If clarity and communication lines are not established, the end results can be devastating.
At first, the following queries may seem simple, but time and time again the issues are not addressed properly and eventually the hammer (or, more precisely, the gavel) will fall in a lawsuit. At some point the ball was dropped and someone/everyone has to pay. Look at this as a CYA policy that covers everyone’s backside.
Before beginning a project, ask:
• What is the stone budget (value engineering)?
This is the question that should be addressed first and foremost. It narrows down or broadens the client’s choices quickly, and creates a level playing field for addressing the needs and wants of the client. Sometimes there are gray areas: What are the dimensions? Thickness? Quantities? These are the responsibility of the stone suppliers, who can offer different varieties, textures and colors of natural stone to the client. They help narrow down the selection, set the parameters,, answer the Catch-22 questions, arrange samples and mock-ups, and act as a liaison between the developer/general contactor (or the client) and the material source. The supplier dedication can often dictate the project’s success.
• Will the stone withstand the weather conditions (freeze/thaw, moisture, extreme temperatures)?
It’s important that the stone be able to withstand the associated weather conditions. Stone testing is an important aspect in understanding the strengths and limitations of natural stone. Alleviating liability, by choosing material that will work best under certain circumstances, is key.
This can usually be addressed by the stone quarry and/or fabricator. They know their stone better than most and should have this data readily available. Also, many architectural firms have extensive product libraries and keep updated records on the stones used on past projects.
If the quarry is new, or the stone testing data is outdated (testing should be updated periodically), re-testing is highly recommended. You want to make sure that your investment is rewarded by the positive choices that are made throughout the process, choosing the right natural stone is critical.
Typically, stone testing costs between $600-800 per quarried stone. It’s a small price to pay to ensure the appropriate selection has been made.
• Where will the stone be used?
This is especially important for exterior applications. For instance, cladding is more resilient than coping, thresholds, patio and motor court paving; however, the given environment affects all. How the stone is installed and treated can make a world of difference in how well it weathers.
Stone sealants increase the longevity, aesthetic and durability of most any application. I can attest to several occasions where sealant companies “saved the spec” by recommending products that made the stone a viable solution. Also, stone engineering is a foolproof way to make sure you’re using the correct stone, and that it’s fabricated and installed properly. A good stone engineer will not only evaluate the feasibility of installation, but also provide a few cost-saving solutions without compromising the design.

Underestimations or overkill can stop a project dead in its tracks. When in doubt, ask an expert.
• When is stone needed for the project (lead time)?
“OK buddy; time, price or quality, pick two of the three.” The old familiar retort of the salesman, in all actuality is quite pertinent. Price is key, yet you want a product of quality and as everyone can tell you, timing is everything.
If you’ve done your homework, the stone for the project is properly specified. The factors of price and quality are addressed well before any delivery issues arise. The client picked the product that fits their project budget and quality standards. But, this choice should be made only after establishing a production and delivery timeline for the natural stone.
Since each project usually integrates several varieties of natural stone (and, in some instances multiple suppliers) coordination is paramount. Be sure to establish the lead time, since projects – especially large ones – that could be two years out from requiring stone need to establish their supply lines or risk compromising the project further down the road.
Always underpromise and overdeliver. Make the timeline err in everyone’s favor.
When these questions are answered, you have the framework for a successful project. Do your advance work, and you’ll make any job a seamless project from start to finish with the right stone specified.
Be educated and straightforward with your “specifications team.” You and your company’s integrity depend on the success of each and every project.
This isn’t trying to reinvent the wheel; instead, just make sure you’re using the correct wheel. It’s necessary that everyone knows the part they must play in making the specification work. You’ll find that with more clarity, the project will experience fewer complications.