What does a descriptive specification describe?

• A. Describes the work result or product
• B. Describes only performance goals
• C. Names a specific brand product
• D. Specifies only installation methods

Answer: (A)

Descriptive specifications focus on what the finished product must be and how it should look, feel, and perform. They lay out the characteristics of the work result—the materials, finishes, dimensions, tolerances, and quality criteria—without tying the work to a specific brand or prescribing every installation step. The emphasis is on the end product and its attributes, not on the means to achieve it.

So, a descriptive specification describes the work result or product. It spells out what quality or performance the finished work must exhibit in terms of its inherent characteristics.

This differs from performance-based specifications, which outline the goals the system or component must meet rather than detailing exact materials or finishes; or proprietary specifications, which name a particular brand or product; or execution-focused specifications, which emphasize installation methods.