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 the base plan and access most functionality for 90 days. To export the full specification, pay a $120 + GST project export fee or upgrade to another plan.
No credit card required
◤ Image courtesy of Performance Architecture - Smartspec subscriber
OTHER COMMON QUESTIONS
What's the commitment?
Smartspec subscriptions require a 12-month commitment on all plans. Customers can choose to pay monthly or annually, but this does not change the length of the commitment. Downgrades or cancellations during the 12-month term are not available.
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 export and re-export with a maximum of 3 times.
SIGN UP FOR FREE FOR 90 DAYS – 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’ll be sorry to see you go. Smartspec subscriptions include a 12-month commitment from your first billing date/day of your plan acivating, whether you choose to pay monthly or annually.
If you wish to cancel, your subscription will remain active until the end of your 12-month commitment period, and any remaining payments within that term will still apply. During this period, you can choose not to renew your subscription by reaching out to [email protected]
We’re always working to improve Smartspec, so if you have any feedback or suggestions, we’d be happy to hear from you. Contact us here.
Can I access Standards New Zealand via Smartspec?
No, this is no longer available within Smartspec. You may still wish to subscribe to directly via Standards New Zealand’s website; you can view the full list of free core building standards here https://www.standards.govt.nz/get-standards/sponsored-standards/building-related-standards/
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.
How does the Smartspec subscription commitment work?
Smartspec subscriptions include a 12-month commitment from your first billing date. You can choose to pay monthly or annually, depending on what works best for your business.
Are there any upfront fees?
There is a $50 + GST activation fee for your first year of subscription. This activation fee is waived if you choose the annual payment option.
New subscribers to the Base Plan subscription option receive a free 90-day trial of the Base Plan, and you do not need to enter any payment information to get started.
After the trial, the Base Plan is $75 + GST per year. You can cancel during your free trial, and you will not be charged unless you choose to add a credit card and continue with a paid plan.
On the Base Plan, you can access your previous projects and pay per export when needed. Each project export costs $120 + GST.
If you choose to pay annually, your first month is free and the activation fee is waived.
What are my payment options?
You can use Visa or MasterCard via our secure online payment system.
What happens when my subscription ends and I haven’t renewed?
Once your Smartspec subscription has ended, you will no longer be able to access your account, including your project specifications and saved information.
Your account information will be deleted within 30 days after your subscription ends. We will notify you in advance when your subscription is due for renewal, so you have time to renew and avoid losing access.
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.