Skip to content
×
Pro Members Get
Full Access!
Get off the sidelines and take action in real estate investing with BiggerPockets Pro. Our comprehensive suite of tools and resources minimize mistakes, support informed decisions, and propel you to success.
Advanced networking features
Market and Deal Finder tools
Property analysis calculators
Landlord Command Center
ANNUAL Save 54%
$32.50 /mo
$390 billed annualy
MONTHLY
$69 /mo
billed monthly
7 day free trial. Cancel anytime
×
Take Your Forum Experience
to the Next Level
Create a free account and join over 3 million investors sharing
their journeys and helping each other succeed.
Use your real name
By signing up, you indicate that you agree to the BiggerPockets Terms & Conditions.
Already a member?  Login here
Rehabbing & House Flipping
All Forum Categories
Followed Discussions
Followed Categories
Followed People
Followed Locations
Market News & Data
General Info
Real Estate Strategies
Landlording & Rental Properties
Real Estate Professionals
Financial, Tax, & Legal
Real Estate Classifieds
Reviews & Feedback

Updated over 5 years ago on . Most recent reply

User Stats

94
Posts
35
Votes
Ross Leavitt
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Springfield, OR
35
Votes |
94
Posts

Developers: how do you organize your typical specifications?

Ross Leavitt
  • Real Estate Investor
  • Springfield, OR
Posted

I work with my dad developing a few new houses for our portfolio each year. The pace has been picking up lately, and especially since we're considering another GC, we're realizing we need to be more organized about all the details that need to be communicated to our builder. I've heard that on government jobs, the spec book is several inches thick. Obviously that's an extreme example, but that tells me there is a more methodical way to do this.

This year we did our biggest project yet, 12 townhouses. Because of the scale, there have been a lot of minor things that he did that are not bad, but aren't what we would have wanted. Somehow, these details were easier to manage when we were just building two identical houses at a time!

So, developers out there (especially @Jay Hinrichs) what does your sheet/book of specifications look like? How is it formatted? Were you methodical about building it, or did you just add items as you thought of them? Would you be willing to share yours with me to point me in the right direction?

Thanks so much!

  • Ross Leavitt
  • Most Popular Reply

    User Stats

    4,756
    Posts
    4,399
    Votes
    Greg Dickerson#2 Land & New Construction Contributor
    • Developer
    • Charlottesville, VA
    4,399
    Votes |
    4,756
    Posts
    Greg Dickerson#2 Land & New Construction Contributor
    • Developer
    • Charlottesville, VA
    Replied

    @Ross Leavitt I would be happy to discuss with you what I use. Feel free to shoot me a PM.

     I detail everything in the plans and specifications all the way down to the last nail and screw. 

    I also use my vendors and subcontractors to create detailed submittals for all of the selections and allowance items.

    My residential projects look like commercial projects in terms of a level of detail we used.

    Loading replies...