What is the key feature of a performance specification?

A performance specification is a crucial document in construction and contracting that focuses on the desired outcomes or results of a project rather than prescribing specific products or methods. By defining an outcome without detailing product types, the specification allows for flexibility and innovation, enabling contractors and manufacturers to meet the performance criteria using various materials or methods. This approach fosters creativity and can lead to cost-effective and efficient solutions, as contractors can choose the best means to achieve the specified results.

This method contrasts sharply with other types of specifications, such as design specifications, which may explicitly list brand names or particular materials required to meet a project's needs. Other potential options, like outlining liabilities in specific scenarios, do not capture the essence of a performance specification. Similarly, focusing solely on aesthetic elements is not a key feature of performance specifications, as they are more concerned with functional performance than appearance.