Subscription 

Q. Why is NATSPEC a subscription service?
A. NATSPEC references a lot of external documents, mainly Australian Standards, and these are constantly changing. We follow and keep all these references up-to-date with the NATSPEC system so you know when you go to write a specification that the references are current.

Q. How long am I signing up for?
A. The initial subscription period is for 2 years. Ongoing payment is quarterly by direct debit only or annually on receipt of an invoice. Your subscription continues until either of us cancels in writing.

Q. How do I subscribe?
A. Simply complete the Subscription Order Form and email or fax this form to us. You will receive a password for online access by email and we will mail to you your subscription package which includes the NATSPEC USB.

P.S. Don't forget to sign that you've read the sub conditions.

Q. What are the minimum requirements to use NATSPEC?
A. Microsoft Word: Microsoft Word 2003 or later, internet access and a browser.

Q. Can I use NATSPEC to write specifications commercially?
A. Yes. You need to be a current subscriber to NATSPEC and have read and signed the NATSPEC Bureau agreement. Please call us on 1300 797 142 for further information.

Q. We have lots of offices, do you offer discounts?
A. As a not-for-profit organisation we do not discount our subscriptions but we do offer a National Subscription. Please call us on 1300 797 142 for further information.

Q. How do I upgrade/downgrade from one package to another?
A. To Upgrade to another package: Fill out and sign another Subscription Order Form for the new package. Email or fax this form to NATSPEC, clearly stating that it is an upgrade and not an addition. We will work out the pro-rata difference owing and inform you of the amount to be paid/invoiced. Online access to the new package can be available once the paperwork is done and a USB will be posted that same day.

To Downgrade to another package: As for Upgrading to another package, except a cancellation letter needs to be signed stating that the material from the previous package will not be used in a new project. We will work out the pro-rata difference owing and refund you the amount. 

 

Q. Does NATSPEC have a package/subscription which provides access to Australian Standards?
A. No. Members of the Australian Institute of Architects are able to upgrade to an A+ Membership which includes read-only access to Australian Standards online.

Macintosh users

Q. Does NATSPEC work on both Windows and Macintosh?
A. Yes. If you have Microsoft Word you can use NATSPEC. NATSPEC's Template files are supplied in Microsoft Word *.docx format. The compilation system, SPECbuilder, is compatible with all versions of Windows, Macintosh and Linux operating systems.

SPECbuilder

Q. What is SPECbuilder?
A. SPECbuilder is a specification compilation software program that allows you to:

• Create new specifications using NATSPEC and office-edited worksections. 
• Edit, merge and set styles for your specification documents. 

Please see QUICKstart for more information.

SIMPLE Domestic
Q. Is NATSPEC SIMPLE Domestic accepted by local councils for Construction Certificate applications? 
A. Yes. It is also endorsed by the Australian Institute of Building Surveyors (AIBS), Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (AIQS).

Q. Where can I buy the SIMPLE Domestic books? 
A. SIMPLE Domestic can be purchased directly from NATSPEC. Some booksellers and some local councils also stock SIMPLE Domestic for sale.

Q. What is the difference between SIMPLE Domestic, Domestic online and the BUILDING Domestic subscription?
A. The main difference is that SIMPLE Domestic is aimed at the owner-builder or someone with no design experience who requires a specification to submit to council. It is a reference document and cannot be edited. All of the project-specific material must be located on the drawings. The BUILDING Domestic Annual Subscription is for professional designers doing domestic projects. The BUILDING Domestic is supplied in Microsoft Word format for ease of editing.

The content of Domestic Online is the same as the content of BUILDING Domestic - it is simply an alternative method of delivering/accessing and editing BUILDING Domestic. Access to Domestic Online is included in BUILDING Domestic Annual Subscriptions.

The Domestic Online Single Project Subscription is a cost-effective alternative for architects or designers who only need to write a domestic specification once or twice a year. Coupled with it's lower cost are some limitations in functionality, e.g. the downloaded Word file cannot be edited. 

Q. Can I purchase a PDF copy of SIMPLE Domestic? 
A. Yes. SIMPLE Domestic is available as a PDF file for a particular project. It can be printed or distributed as many times as required, for that project only. We will require the Job number and/or the Project Address and the information will be watermarked on the PDF. You can purchase the SIMPLE Domestic PDF online for $105 (inc GST) through the sales page. 

Q. Do you supply a digital copy of SIMPLE Domestic that I can put an address on for ‘presentation purposes’?
A. No. Some Councils now have paperless submission requirements. If people request SIMPLE Domestic electronically we will sell them a PDF under the following conditions:

• We require the DA, Permit Number, Job Number, etc. and/or the Street Address of the Project.
• The cost is $105 (inc GST). 
• It can be printed as many times as required but only used for the specified job.
• Job details are added to the PDF as a watermark and copying is turned off.

NATSPEC AND AUS-SPEC
Q. What is the difference between NATSPEC and AUS-SPEC?
A. The NATSPEC specification system is for all building construction with specialist packages for architects, interior designers, landscape architects, structural engineers, service engineers and domestic owners. AUS-SPEC is the Local Government specification system for the life-cycle management of assets. AUS-SPEC includes design, construction and maintenance worksections for each asset. The AUS-SPEC Buildings package includes the NATSPEC Building Basic and the AUS-SPEC Urban and Open Spaces package includes NATSPEC Landscape.

Q. How often is NATSPEC and AUS-SPEC updated?
A. NATSPEC is updated twice a year, in April and October. AUS-SPEC is updated yearly in October.

Q. Can I purchase a single worksection?
A. Yes. Single worksections which are not included in your subscription can be purchased for $99.00 each. These are one-off purchases and not considered part of your package and therefore not updated. Just fill out the Publications Order Form and email/fax/send back to us and the Microsoft Word file will be emailed to you.

NATSPEC Class 2 Specification
To view the NATSPEC Class 2 Specification FAQs please click here