What is the Role of Construction Documents As Defined by the Manual of Practice In Improving the Quality of the Construction Process? The Construction Specifications Institute was originally organized in 1948 by a group of specifiers who needed a standard method of organizing project specifications. The demand for a consistent communication tool between owners, designers and builders was satisfied by the development of the construction document process. The original organizational tool has matured into a multi-faceted requirement in construction. Many factors have decreed the complexity of construction communications. The changes in our society, technology, and the building processes have forged the Manual of Practice as we know it today. This reference tool has evolved from a "how to" catalogue for specifiers, to an essential form of consistency for the many phases of the construction process. It is important to understand that the construction documents embody the complete construction process on any given project. Once a common ground has been achieved regarding the expectations of a project, the resulting contract documents can be planned. The documents involved in the building process detail exactly what is expected regarding: the form and extent of the work, the quality of construction, the materials, the contractual expectations, and the performance of those involved in the project. This process provides the consistency of understanding that is essential to be able to build according to the owner's expectations. This also establishes the level of value that is required when the contract is fulfilled. Without this documentation, the quality of the construction would be determined by what is expedient for the contractor. All of the contract documents are composed by the format provided in the Manual of Practice. These guidelines allow everyone involved to have the same level of understanding regarding the expectations of the project. Using the Manual of Practice increases time productivity. Familiarity with the contracts expedites the time needed to evaluate the project and eliminates having to address standard issues with each individual contract. As long as the Manual of Practice is followed, the construction documents will be well organized and coordinated. Without the proper organization and coordination, problems will erupt. The protocol that is made available accurately identifies the rights, duties and limitations of all parties involved in the project. Perhaps the component of the Manual of Practice that touches the broadest section of individuals in the building process would be specifications. The uniformity that is derived from using these construction documents eliminates costly and time consuming mistakes. The specifications provide precise definition within the parameters provided by the drawings. Without the specifications the drawings would be so cluttered with information they would be extremely difficult to decipher. The CSI adage that a "project requirement should be stated only once and in the right place" simplifies correct information retrieval. Having to refer to a single specification eliminates inadequate reproduction of the original specification. This method of documentation provides clear, complete, concise, and correct information to be used for increased productivity. The Manual of Practice provides a procedure to follow regarding all aspects of the building process. This method of documentation increases the likelihood that everyone in the construction process will be talking and understanding the same language. Construction documents produced according to the Manual of Practice streamline the project development and implementation process. It is more efficient and cost effective to design, and build, correctly the first time. This powerful tool mandates that process.