Thursday, January 28, 2010

How Should a Contractor Price This Spec Requirement?

Sometimes, just one word can make all the difference.

Here's a blooper from a real specification:  "Pedestrian traffic around the perimeter of the construction site should be provided."

So how would a contractor price this?  Let's see, how many pedestrians need to be used and for how long do they need to be used?  Should they be lined up around the perimeter of the site or moving?  And what's the purpose of the pedestrian traffic?  Maybe just to encourage the construction workers?

What they really meant is this:  "Pedestrian access around the perimeter of the construction site should be provided."

Please contact me or comment below if you've got a good specification blooper to share.  Thanks.

1 comment:

MJP said...

I thought the blooper was using the word "should" instead of "shall". Should implies that it's not necessary, but would be preferred. Shall clearly states that it is necessary and must be included in the bid.