Securing Your Next Project with a ‘Good Strong’ Specification

Securing Your Next Project with a ‘Good Strong’ Specification

Securing Your Next Project with a ‘Good Strong’ Specification

In this article, we will look at what it is that qualifies the specification we write as ‘strong’, and why it is, we would even want to do this at all? Primarily, by providing a strong well-written specification, we can effectively block our competition from providing an alternative solution. In a bid to help our extended global Danpal family, we have identified key areas to focus on, which in return, will result in a better ‘win-ratio’ for us all. One of these crucial focus points is the ability for you, as our Danpal partner on the ground, to successfully secure each project quoted on, by using unique specification.

Let’s start right at the beginning… Just what exactly is the specification and what role does it play within each project? Firstly, one needs to understand that when a construction project moves from its conceptual stages toward more final construction design phases, certain elements need to be decided upon. Here, the architect will try his best to create very specific guidelines that will define the type of materials and building systems selected for each design element.

Very often this is when we might enter the picture, sometimes if we are fortunate enough, we could have already been introduced to the project during the earlier conceptual phases. In those cases, we then have the unique opportunity to help shape the design of the building, and thus, the specification for our selected Danpal systems. Once brought in, however, the architect will look to us, as professionals in our field of expertise, to provide the best possible Danpalon based solution.

The solution we provide the architectural team should be focused on solving key issues they might be faced with, such as solar control, improving interior natural lighting levels or reduce heat-loss at night. With this in mind, we can take the bold steps needed to help us secure these project elements, as a Danpal solution. We do this, by strategically including in our specification, attributes unique to our Danpal product offering.

We must remember that the specification we write, first has to be accepted by the architect, but will ultimately be studied by the project quantity surveyor, project manager and eventually the main contractor. Each of these building professionals will in their own way, scrutinize your specification for their own purposes. So let us take a moment below, to look into just what it is, that we must keep in mind when drafting our specification.

  • The Architect: Does the Danpal System chosen, suit the design requirements and solve the key performance criteria?
  • Quantity Surveyor: Have the elements related to our system been itemized in such a way, as to limit possible competition?
  • Project Manager: Has the specification been expanded to include ‘or similar system’, or is our offering unique enough to be left ‘as is’?
  • Main Contractor: Is it possible for the main contractor to easily find the specified Danpal solution within your market?

 

Securing Your Next Project with a ‘Good Strong’ SpecificationIf we take these points into consideration, we at least now have the opportunity to write a good strong specification, which could look something found in the following example:

Roof Skylight Solution Performance Requirements:

Modulate solar transmission, long-span between purlin supports, neutral color.

Possible Specification: 3DLIte Danpalon Panel + Danpal Traditional SG Roofing System with Aluminium U5 Connector

  • 22mm thick by 600mm wide Makrolon based extruded translucent panels with alternating fixed-louvre internal structure, colour Ivory BI18.
  • Panels not to exceed 600mm in width or less than 22mm in thickness and to have been certified compliant with Hard Body Test impact (Standard NF P 08-301 APRIL 1991).
  • Internal fixed-louvre structure to provide variable light transmission control of 4{5b578bc8adcb4430178b10faf0e9aa5adf0d58c8ca73fed93934f78c0e900111} to 25{5b578bc8adcb4430178b10faf0e9aa5adf0d58c8ca73fed93934f78c0e900111} according to (ASHREA 74-1988) test.
  • Panels to be shown to have successfully passed ASTM D4364-84 and considered to be weather stable, which includes resistance against yellowing, as attested to by passing ASTM D1925.
  • System to be comprised of aluminium alloy 6063 T5 framing and connection elements to provide for the required 3200mm span between perpendicular purlin supports.
  • A safety factor of 1.5 is to be considered as the minimum requirement with a deflection at no more than 50mm.
  • Roofing system/elements to be compliant with the ISO 9001 standard of quality.

In Conclusion

What we have done here, is to isolate performance traits specific to a Danpalon panel and Danpal roofing system combination. By specifying these elements we have automatically excluded most (if not all) other polycarbonate based multicell sheet systems. We have narrowed down the choice to such an extent, that only our solution now matches the specification of the documentation. Not only this, but we also avoided any mention of our brand name, within the actual descriptions of the solution. This is often a requirement when projects go to tender, if it is not, then all the better and mention of our unique products can then be highlighted.

Securing Your Next Project with a ‘Good Strong’ SpecificationWork with your architect, to craft a good strong specification that will help protect the vision he has for his project, and help secure your next Danpal supplied solution. Each local market will have its unique challenges, may they be competitors in the market, price pressures, building standards or unfavourable trends. A good strong specification, however, will always work in your favour and will provide the professionals with a solid guide, which should lead them directly back to you – our Danpal partner.

We urge you as our partner on the ground, to contact us and ask for assistance with drafting strong specification for your next project, should you still be unsure on how to put this all together. We can also provide you with written example specification sheets, to help guide you when you need it. Please reach out to us at daynes@danpal.com