What are specifications and computations?

House and roof frame against a blue sky

Specifications are a list or set of minimum standards or requirements related to your building project.

These can be in the form of a simple list of materials for small jobs to extensive documents detailing everything from building materials, finishings (paint, tile and carpet details), kitchen and bathroom fixtures, and appliances for new homes and extensions.

These should be discussed in detail with your builder.

Computations are the calculations done by a design engineer relating to large structural members incorporated in your building works, for example, large steel or timber beams, non-standard footing systems, retaining walls, etc.

It is also advisable to obtain a certificate of compliance/design along with the computations and associated drawings.