In many specifi-tions the estimator will find paragraphs to the effect that a certain well-known first-quality fixture or one "equally good" will be required, and he is at a loss how to estimate under the circumstances.

The question which naturally arises in his mind is, what will the architect consider "equally good?" Sometimes such a condition is innocently or ignor-antly inserted in a specification instead of specifying two or more makes of goods, any one of which will be acceptable by an architect who wishes to give his client the benefit of competition but does not know just how.

More often, however, it is a catch clause, inserted to give some one the benefit in estimating. If the favorite is awarded the contract a cheap grade of goods can be substituted as "equally good" instead of better quality and more expensive fixtures specified as a standard. Should, on the other hand, some competitor who was not approved by the architect be awarded the contract, no matter what he estimated on, or how good the quality of goods offered, they would not be accepted because they were not, within the architect's understanding, up to the standard or "equally good" as those specified.

Verbal instructions before the contract is let, that a certain sample submitted will be acceptable, cannot always be depended upon unless a note to that effect is made in the specifications; consequently, the plumbing contractor, in order to protect himself in such cases, must estimate on furnishing the goods actually specified, not something "equally good". It is better to lose the contract without losing money than to be awarded the contract and lose money.

Another form that catch clauses sometimes take is not to specify any certain make of goods, but to call for certain articles of a kind to be approved by the architect. Such a condition in a specification is hard to estimate on. For instance, in places where rough-body, iron-wheel, hard-seat globe valves are generally used the architect might insist on finished nickel-plated brass gate valves with wooden wheels. Usually, when such a clause is made part of a specification, the architect or his representative is too busy to pass upon the quality of the work before the contract is awarded, and the estimator has absolutely no information that will guide him in arriving at a price. Under such conditions the only alternative is for the estimator to figure on using a quality and kind of fitting or fixtures that will protect himself no matter what goods the architect might call for.

There are many such little catch clauses worked into some specifications, and the more of them present the more careful must the estimator be. There is no reason why anything in a plumbing specification should be left open for future decision or should be left vague or indefinite. It is an easy matter to state just what material will be required, or several of like material, any or all of which will be acceptable. Where an architect sees fit to do otherwise he might be innocent in his intention, but the estimator must judge by the wording of the specifications and, to protect himself, figure on the most expensive material that can reasonably be insisted upon.