... As Required?

"As Required" and other such phrases have been used by architects and engineers for years. But what do these really mean? Shouldn’t we describe what we’re talking about? Such as:

• As required so that the building does not leak.
• As required to hold up this material so that it doesn’t fall down.
• As recommended by the manufacturer of this product in order to perform as it was intended.

Why don’t we just issue a sketch on a napkin to the contractor and just put a note underneath it that says:

Contractor shall build this project As Required to provide the Owner everything they want and doesn’t cost a penny more. Oh, and try not to call me… I’ll be on the golf course.