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Platform

NBS Chorus Plans and features Scope and Contents Book a demo Sign in to NBS Chorus NBS Source Browse by category Browse by manufacturer For manufacturers Go to NBS Source Uniclass Articles and updates Specifying with Uniclass Feedback and Support Find a code Other services Construction Information Service (CIS) NBS Schumann BIM New All tools

Resources

Knowledge Case studies Updates Reports Building Safety Act White Paper New Sustainable Futures UK Report 2024 New Digital Construction Report Resources Sample Specifications Financial Summary Sustainable Specification Guides Whitepaper

Support

Support NBS Academy Downloads and updates

About

About NBS Our team Our history Sustainability Careers Partners Contact us

News

Newsroom

NBS CHORUS

The leading construction specification platform.

Precise, real-time documentation that enhances transparency and accountability across your project's lifecycle.

Book a demo
chorus-header

Practices using NBS

3,600+

AJ Top 100 Architects using NBS

98%

Manufacturer products

33,000+

Decisions made in NBS per month

13.6m

Resource saved writing specs*

50%

Time saved writing specs*

70%




IMPROVE ACCURACY

Keep your specification accurate with high-quality content maintained by our team of specialists.

 

Full scope of contents   

accuracy

 

 

KEEP YOUR MODEL IN SYNC

Develop your design model and spec simultaneously. Chorus effortlessly keeps your updates in sync with Revit, Archicad and Vectorworks.

 

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COLLABORATE SEAMLESSLY

Invite multiple users to develop specifications together, anywhere and on any device for seamless collaboration.

 

Sample Specification   

 

 

 



SPECIFY BETTER

Make informed manufacturer product decisions in the specification environment with NBS Source.

 

Discover NBS Source   



Over 3,600 companies use NBS to write their specifications. 
Click the logos below to read some of their stories.

Like the look of NBS Chorus, but don't need a full subscription?
We've got you covered...

Designer

An NBS Chorus offering created specifically for organisations who want to coordinate the design model with the specification but don’t need all users to edit or write specification content.

Find out more

Early-stage specification library

A early-stage specification library for NBS Chorus enables construction professionals to start specifications at the concept design and produce outline specifications. The comprehensive library contains pre-written multi-disciplinary clauses, example inserts, and guidance on the new concepts and how to apply them.

Find out more

NBS Schumann

A specification writing and consultancy service from NBS to help keep your designers doing what they do best, honing their creativity and designing beautiful and functional buildings. 

Find out more

Preliminaries

A version of NBS Chorus for Quantity Surveyors and Project Managers who want to use the powerful features of Chorus, but don’t need access to all the specification content libraries.

Find out more

Small works

NBS Chorus for Small Works is a package created specifically for architects, engineers and designers who write specifications for smaller works and projects.

Find out more

Students and Teachers

A version of NBS Chorus created to support the next generation of designers, architects, and engineers to refine their specification writing skills, and prepare for their future careers. 

Find out more
nbs-chorus-specification-software

Work smarter and safer, collaborate better,
and connect your workflow.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is NBS Chorus?

NBS Chorus is a cloud-based specification writing platform for the construction industry. It enables user to work smarter and safer, collaborate better and connect their workflow. It is used by over 3,600 companies around the world to create technical specifications up to 70% quicker with 50% less resource.

 

What is the difference between the different levels of Chorus

Chorus includes the essential features needed to produce high-quality quality specifications in the cloud. 

Chorus Pro and Chorus Premium include an enhanced set of features which enable complete cloud specification for smarter working. 

We recommend that you get in touch to discuss the best subscription to suit your needs. 

What sort of projects is Chorus suitable for?
Chorus is suitable for a wide range of construction projects. It includes content libraries covering architecture, landscape, structures, services, and small works.
What content is included in each library?

Architecture: Content typically used by architects, surveyors, and interior designers. It includes. building systems and construction products for new buildings, renovation, and related specification e.g. curtain walling, masonry, timber framing, stairs, windows, doorsets. 

Landscape: Content typically used by landscape architects. It includes flora and fauna systems for landscape planting, vegetation control, forestry, and living roofs. Also includes fencing, street furniture, irrigation, drainage, paving etc.

Services: Content typically used by mechanical and electrical engineers. It includes, mechanical and electrical engineering systems for e.g. heating, cooling, water supply, gas supply, fire-extinguishing, lighting, alarms and security.

Structural: Content typically used by structural engineers on building projects. It includes structural systems for buildings, e.g. excavation, foundations, piling, waterproofing, structural glass, structural.

Preliminaries: Project management and contract-related information associated with each content library is available in NBS Chorus Preliminaries, available for Uniclass and CAWS-based specification, e.g. JCT, JCLI, NEC3, NEC4, RIBA Concise, SBCC contracts etc.

Small works: A tailored library of content that contains a selection of clauses and associated technical guidance from the UK CAWS content. This concise scope of content is intended for use on simple construction projects which involve architectural, landscape, and associated building services work’.

What is the difference between the CAWS and Uniclass classification systems?

When writing a specification in CAWS format for an external window, the user would start by adding the work section L10, ‘Windows/ rooflights/ screens/ louvres’ to their project.

When using Uniclass 2015 to write a specification for an external window, the user would add the specific system from Ss_25_30_95, ‘Window systems’.

The industry has used CAWS for many years, however, CAWS is no longer maintained as a classification system, as it is from an earlier version of Uniclass, and more and more projects are now selecting Uniclass 2015. Read more.

Chorus users can choose a classification system as part of their subscription – each are priced individually.

What features does NBS Chorus have?
NBS Chorus is packed with features to help you create your specifications. Visit our plans and features page to see what features and level of Chorus will benefit you the most. 
Chorus is cloud-based – how safe is my data?

The cloud has been proven to be a reliable and secure choice for even the largest organisations and is fast becoming the most trusted data solution.

We take data security very seriously, and you can be sure that we have taken all the necessary steps to protect your data and maintain our cloud security.

Take a look at our Security page where we've included some frequently asked questions to share more detail about how we keep your data safe.

How much does a subscription cost?

We’ve got a range of subscription options available suitable for different business types and working practices.

We also offering monthly flexible payments, so you can spread the cost. Get in touch today and one of our expert team will be able to discuss the best subscription for your business.

What training is available?
We offer a variety of training options across a broad range of topics so you can learn in a way that suits your availability, learning preferences and budget. Visit the NBS Academy for more information.
What is NBS Source?
NBS Source is the ultimate manufacturer product platform. It includes 27,000 manufacturer products covering all aspects of construction. The free to use tool enables users to find detailed product specification data, product literature and, as it links to the NBS National BIM Library, download digital objects. It's fully integrated with NBS Chorus as well as design tools including Revit, so you can add products to your specification in an instant. Explore NBS Source today
* According to our customers, NBS Chorus saves up 50% resource and up to 70% of time compared to writing specifications manually.