NBS Domestic Specification

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Getting started

• 1.1 Can I watch a help video when getting started?
• 1.2 How do I sign up for NBS Domestic?
• 1.3 What is the scope of the technical content?
• 1.4 Can I see an example specification created using the service?
• 1.5 What projects can the service be used for?
• 1.6 What are the system requirements?
• 1.7 Where are my specifications stored? How long are they stored for?
• 1.8 What are the terms and conditions?
• 1.9 Can I contact NBS for software support or support with technical queries?
• 1.10 Why can't I register for a new account?

2. Payment

• 2.1 How much does the service cost to use?
• 2.2 Can I pay a one-off subscription?
• 2.3 How secure are the payments?
• 2.4 Following payment, what information can no longer be modified?

3. Creating your specification

• 3.1 Do I have to add all work sections at the start?
• 3.2 How do I know the scope of a work section before adding it?
• 3.3 Can I remove a work section once it has been added?
• 3.4 Can I reset a work section once it has been added?
• 3.5 What if I want to add a work section that is not included in the NBS library?
• 3.6 Can I share my specification with other users?
• 3.7 Can I change the contract particulars I have chosen once my specification has been created?

4. Editing your specification

• 4.1 How do I remove clauses that I do not need in a specification?
• 4.2 How do I remove properties that I do not need in a specification?
• 4.3 Do I have to pick from the NBS suggested property values to complete the insert?
• 4.4 Can I add my own clauses?
• 4.5 Can I duplicate a clause?
• 4.6 Can I insert pictures/ tables into my specification?
• 4.7 What if I close my browser before saving a specification?

5. Publishing your specification

• 5.1 Can I change the font styles in the published output?
• 5.2 Can I add my own cover page?
• 5.3 Can I add my own logo to the header/footer?
• 5.4 Once published, can I revise my specification?

6. Software Support

• 6.1 Can I contact NBS for software support with technical queries?

7. Technical Content Support

• 7.1 What does an NBS Domestic Specification include?
• 7.2 Can I use NBS Domestic Specification for commercial and other non-domestic projects?
• 7.3 What forms of contract can be used with an NBS Domestic Specification?
• 7.4 Do I need a contract?
• 7.5 What is a 'consumer' client?
• 7.6 What do I do about VAT?
• 7.7 What do I do about contingency and provisional sums?
• 7.8 Does CDM apply?
• 7.9 How is the technical content organized?
• 7.10 How is a work section organized?
• 7.11 How do I use NBS Domestic Specification to describe repairs and extensions?
• 7.12 How do I create short and concise project specifications?
• 7.13 How do I specify variations of a product type?
• 7.14 NBS Domestic Specification doesn't include an item that I need for my project; how do I include it?
• 7.15 How often is the content updated?
• 7.16 Can I contact NBS for technical support with content queries?