Q » What is the difference between prescriptive and performance specifications?

Mark

17 Oct, 2025

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A » Prescriptive specifications detail the exact materials, methods, and means required for construction, providing explicit instructions to follow. In contrast, performance specifications focus on the desired outcomes and standards, allowing flexibility in achieving those results as long as performance criteria are met. While prescriptive specifications ensure consistency and compliance, performance specifications encourage innovation and adaptability in construction processes.

Michael

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications dictate exact materials and methods, while performance specifications outline required outcomes and allow flexibility in achieving them. Prescriptive specs provide detailed instructions, whereas performance specs focus on the end result, giving contractors more freedom to choose methods and materials that meet the specified performance criteria.

Print321

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications detail the exact materials, processes, and standards required for construction, focusing on the means and methods. Performance specifications, on the other hand, define the desired outcomes and functional requirements, allowing contractors flexibility to determine how those results are achieved. The choice between them depends on the project’s complexity and the level of control desired over the construction process.

John

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specs outline exactly how to do something, while performance specs focus on the desired outcome. Think of it like a recipe: prescriptive specs give you a step-by-step guide, whereas performance specs tell you what the final dish should taste like, leaving the method up to you.

Costa Oil Spring

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications outline exact materials, methods, and procedures for construction, providing detailed instructions on how to achieve the desired outcome. Performance specifications, on the other hand, define the required performance outcomes and standards that the finished product must meet, allowing contractors the flexibility to choose their methods and materials as long as they achieve the specified results. This distinction impacts project creativity, responsibility, and risk allocation.

Paul

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications dictate specific materials and methods, while performance specifications outline desired outcomes and allow flexibility in achieving them. Prescriptive specs provide detailed requirements, whereas performance specs focus on the end result, giving contractors more freedom to choose methods and materials that meet the specified performance criteria.

Kevin

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications outline exact materials and methods, while performance specifications define required outcomes and allow flexibility in achieving them. Prescriptive specs provide detailed instructions, whereas performance specs focus on the end result, giving contractors more freedom to choose methods and materials that meet the specified performance criteria.

Timothy

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications detail the exact materials, methods, and processes to be used, leaving little room for flexibility. In contrast, performance specifications focus on the desired outcomes, allowing contractors to choose how to achieve those results. This approach encourages innovation and can lead to cost savings and improved efficiency, as long as the end product meets the outlined performance criteria.

Ronald

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specs outline exactly how to do something, listing materials and methods. Performance specs, on the other hand, focus on the desired outcome, giving contractors flexibility in how they achieve it. Think of it like a recipe versus a food critic's review - one's about the process, the other's about the result!

Edward

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications detail the exact materials and methods required for construction, ensuring consistent quality and adherence to standards. In contrast, performance specifications focus on the desired outcomes and functionality, allowing contractors flexibility in choosing methods and materials to achieve those results. This approach encourages innovation and cost-effectiveness while meeting performance criteria.

Steven

17 Oct, 2025

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A »Prescriptive specifications detail exact materials and methods for construction projects, leaving little room for contractors' discretion. This ensures consistency but can limit innovation. Performance specifications, on the other hand, focus on the desired outcome and allow contractors flexibility in choosing materials and methods, fostering creativity and potentially cost savings. Both approaches have their place, depending on project goals and complexity.

Anthony

17 Oct, 2025

0 | 0