15 November 2010
NBS, expert providers of technical information for construction industry professionals, has launched NBS Domestic Specification, a new online service to guide users through the writing of a building specification. Following the successful introduction of the original paper-based edition in 2007, which offers architects and practitioners nationwide an accurate and accessible specification tool for small-scale domestic projects, NBS has developed an online version to aid the speed and delivery of producing a specification.
The new program will function entirely online as a self-service system, containing all the structured clauses and authoritative guidance needed to produce a robust domestic specification. Like the paper-based version, the digital service will also be offered as a 'pay-per-use' product, to be purchased as and when required without a subscription, minimising costs per project to an economical £40 plus VAT per specification.
In addition to all the existing benefits of the paper document, the online version will incorporate a number of advanced features to facilitate the specification writing process including:
- Authoritative, clear onscreen guidance and help files
- Simple and accurate editing of specifications using pre-populated drop-down lists
- Regular updates of the entire system by the NBS team of in-house technical authors, to ensure the currency of all the information provided
- Specifications can be published as a PDF, providing a professional document for tenderers, contractors and clients.
Research has shown that over 2,500 architectural practices in the UK are currently operating with only one or two practicing architects, with a large portion of their work dedicated to small domestic building projects. With the number of small practices on the rise, NBS Domestic Specification caters directly to the needs of this expanding market of practitioners, providing the architectural community with a much-needed 'best practice' master specification program designed exclusively for small domestic works. This development also responds to the requests of existing NBS Domestic Specification customers, 92% of whom stated they would prefer an electronic version of the template according to recent surveys.
Being launched on 17th November 2010 at the RIBA's annual Guerrilla Tactics Small Practice Conference, this new service will be available online via the NBS website (www.theNBS.com/domestic). Delivered via your standard internet browser, it is therefore platform independent, working on Microsoft Windows PCs and Apple Macs, eliminating the need to install any additional software.
Notes to Editors
NBS
NBS, specialist providers of technical information for construction industry professionals, offers essential, innovative products and services, highly valued by those working in architecture, construction, design and engineering.
The premier source of construction-related information, NBS has produced the recognised national standard specification system for the UK for over 35 years. It provides solutions for a broad range of new build, refurbishment, retrofit, landscaping and domestic projects for architects, services engineers, QSs and others. Delivered within a powerful software package, NBS's specification products continue to develop, leading an evolution of the specification and procurement process for buildings in the UK and overseas. NBS also provides solutions for contract administration and project information management.
More than 5,000 offices across the UK subscribe to NBS products, including 96 of the top 100 AJ practices.
NBS produces a range of information delivery products, including The Construction Information Service, a joint venture with IHS. Since 2005, NBS has published the Building Regulations' Approved Documents for England and Wales.
The NBS Learning Channels provide specialist learning services for individuals and organisations working in the architecture, design and construction industry, offering unique high quality video content which is available across four distinct channels: The Architects' Channel, The Civil Engineers' Channel, The Planning Channel and The Surveyors' Channel.
NBS is part of RIBA Enterprises Ltd, the commercial arm of the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA). RIBA Enterprises employs 250 staff and has offices in London, Newcastle upon Tyne and Newark.
