What Is Door Specification? Why Getting It Right Matters More Than You Think

Doors are everywhere, yet few building components are as underestimated as door openings and their specification.

When a door specification is incomplete, outdated, or simply copied from a previous project, the consequences can extend far beyond the door itself. Delays, compliance issues, increased costs, coordination challenges, and last-minute design changes can all be traced back to decisions made long before construction begins.

These are some of the topics explored in the latest episode of the Doorway to BIM podcast, where ASSA ABLOY experts Dikesh Pattni and Marc Ameryckx discuss what door specification really means, why it is often misunderstood, and how project teams can avoid common pitfalls.

Why Door Specification Is Often Overlooked

Many people think of a door as a simple product. In reality, every opening is part of a much larger system.

A door opening can involve requirements related to:

• Fire safety
• Security
• Accessibility
• Acoustics
• Durability
• Building regulations
• User experience

As projects become more complex, ensuring all of these requirements are captured correctly becomes increasingly important. A poorly specified opening can create significant challenges later in the project lifecycle.

Prescriptive vs. Performance-Based Specifications

One of the key topics discussed in the podcast is the distinction between prescriptive and performance-based specifications. [Podcast_Scripts_2026 | Word]

A prescriptive specification typically defines exactly which products or solutions should be used.

A performance-based specification focuses on the required outcome, allowing flexibility in how those requirements are achieved.

Both approaches have their place, but understanding the differences is critical for architects, contractors, consultants, and project teams. Choosing the wrong approach, or applying it inconsistently, can create confusion, limit flexibility, or increase project risk.

The Cost of Getting It Wrong

Specification is often viewed as a documentation exercise. In reality, it plays a crucial role in project delivery.

When requirements are unclear or incomplete, teams may encounter:

• Costly redesign work
• Procurement challenges
• Installation issues
• Delays during construction
• Compliance concerns
• Disputes between project stakeholders

The earlier these issues are identified, the easier and less expensive they are to resolve.

Why Early Expertise Makes a Difference

One of the strongest messages from the conversation is the value of involving specification experts early.

Bringing specialists into projects during the planning and design stages helps ensure requirements are clearly defined, risks are identified sooner, and teams can make informed decisions before they become costly problems.

Combined with digital workflows and collaborative tools, a structured specification process can help improve consistency, coordination, and project outcomes.