What is a Reference Specification?
A reference specification defines the minimum project performance requirements for materials and workmanship. It incorporates published documents by a reference to the title or other identification of the document, which may be a standard or a manufacturer’s technical manual.
NATSPEC reference specifications help to overcome information gaps that often leave customers and homeowners with an unsatisfactory product. We believe that their use will encourage more trustworthy builders across Australia to invest in getting it right. Quality buildings will bring back confidence and customers to the market, something from which we all benefit.
Matt Press - Building Commission NSW.
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SIMPLE Domestic Specification - $105.00 inc.GST. Click here to purchase. |
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SIMPLE Office Fitout - $105 inc.GST. Click here to purchase. | |
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Class 2 Reference Specification - The minimum purchase price is $350 inc.GST (equal to 10 sole-occupancy units). Click here to purchase. |  |
Class 3 and 9c Specification - $350 inc.GST. Click here to purchase. |
NATSPEC SIMPLE Domestic Reference Specification
The NATSPEC SIMPLE Domestic Specification is a reference document that outlines the minimum acceptable standards for materials and workmanship in domestic building projects. SIMPLE Domestic is available as a PDF or printed A4 booklet, as a single hard copy or six-pack. Typically, three copies are required for council approval, with additional copies used for record-keeping and tendering.
The specification is non-editable and includes a checklist of decisions to be documented on drawings or in schedules. For it to be enforceable, it must be included or referenced in the contract between the owner and the contractor. It is endorsed by key industry bodies, including the Australian Institute of Architects.
NATSPEC SIMPLE Office Fitout Reference Specification
SIMPLE Office Fitout is a reference specification which provides a quality statement to supplement the drawings prepared by your contractor.
SIMPLE Office Fitout is not intended to be edited. It includes a checklist of project specific information which should be documented either on the drawings or in schedules. It should be included along with drawings and schedules as a condition of contract between the owner and the builder.
NATSPEC Class 2, 3 and 9c Reference Specifications, and NSW Fair Trading requirements
Under the NSW Design and Building Practitioners Act 2020 and supporting Regulation, NSW Fair Trading requires a Standard Title Block to be completed and attached to the front of any schedule, specification or report for all declared regulated designs.
NSW Fair Trading have advised that the Standard Title Block is not required to be attached to the NATSPEC Class 2, and Class 3 and 9c Reference Specification documents. However, the Standard Title Block must be attached to any project specific schedules prepared by consultants as Part B of a two-part specification where Part A is the NATSPEC Class 2 and/or Class 3 and 9c Reference Specification.
For more information, check the frequently asked questions section on the NSW Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20.