Frequently asked
questions
Here are responses to questions that are often asked about our platforms and plans.
If your query is more technical in nature, you may find our Technical FAQ’s more helpful.
Can I trial Smartspec?
Yes! You can enjoy full functionality and only pay if you need to export your specifications. To export the full specifications, simply pay a one-time $90 fee for your project, or upgrade to a plan.
No credit card required
◤ Image courtesy of Performance Architecture - Smartspec subscriber
◤ Image courtesy of Stoak Architecture - Smartspec subscriber
◤ Image courtesy of The House Company - Smartspec subscriber
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
What's the commitment?
With Smartspec there is no contract to sign, and you can upgrade or downgrade between different plans at any time directly from your account. If you choose to pay monthly, your subscription can be cancelled at any time by simply downgrading to the per-project plan.
What's a project and how does this work?
A project is a job that you are working on. Projects are added to your subscription yearly and are used each time you start a new specification. Once you start a project, you can make as many edits and exports as you need.
SIGN UP FOR FREE – No credit card required.
What if I exceed my plan’s project limit?
If you have reached the number of projects available in your plan, you can simply upgrade to a higher usage plan from the Account Settings page. The Enterprise plan has no restrictions on the number of users or projects and is a very cost-effective option for busy practices.
Can I upload my own specifications?
Yes, you can easily upload any specifications to Smartspec then reuse them across multiple projects. This is useful if you would like to specify a particular product that is not yet in Smartspec or if you have generic specifications that you would like to add to a project.
What if I decide to cancel?
We will be sorry to see you leave! If Smartspec doesn’t work out for you, there are no strings attached. You may close your account at any time from your settings page.
We work hard to make sure that Smartspec works for you. If you have any suggestions or feedback, we are more than happy to hear them. Contact us here.
Can I access Standards New Zealand via Smartspec?
Yes, you can subscribe to the Standards New Zealand online library featuring 600+ Standards via Smartspec. You can then easily download Standards from within Smartspec. Standards New Zealand access is an additional $20 per month.
How does the Appendix feature work?
You can easily upload multiple PDF documents to the project Appendix. A special Appendix table of contents is automatically generated, and you can then choose to export your project with or without the Appendix documents.
Do I have to download any software?
No, Smartspec is entirely web-based so just login from any computer, anywhere, anytime and you are ready to go.
Tell me about the security of my data?
Smartspec is cloud-hosted with daily backups. All passwords are encrypted, all transactions in Smartspec are securely transmitted from your computer to our servers via SSL, we don’t store any credit card details on our servers, and our billing providers are PCI DSS compliant.
Do I have to sign a long term contract?
No, Smartspec is a pay-as-you-go construction specification system. You simply pay
Are there any upfront fees?
There are no fees to try Smartspec out and you don’t need to enter any payment information to get started with a Per Project account. If you are on a Per Project account, you will have access to full functionality, and you’ll only need to pay if you choose to export your spec. This costs $90 per project. If you choose to upgrade to a monthly plan, there is a one-time activation fee of $50+ GST. If you choose to pay annually, we’ll give you your first month free, and we’ll waive the activation fee!
What are my payment options?
You can use Visa or MasterCard via our secure online payment system.
Once my membership expires, what do I have access to?
You will no longer have access to anything, including your project specs, once your membership has expired. We will notify you well in advance when it is time to renew your membership.
I'm a building product manufacturer/supplier. How do we include our products?
Adding your product information to one of New Zealand’s leading specification systems is a great idea. You can contact us here and we will be in touch soon.