Building Technology 4: Specifications and Estimating Techniques

Specifications

The part of the contract documents consisting of a detailed description of the technical nature of the materials, standards, and quality of execution of the work to be placed under contract.

Performance Specification

A specification that stipulates how a particular component or system must perform without giving the means to be employed to achieve the results.

Descriptive Specification

A specification that stipulates the exact quantities and qualities of materials to be furnished and how they are to be assembled in a construction.

Reference Specification

A specification that refers to a standard specification to indicate the properties desired in a material or component and the methods of testing required to substantiate the performance of products.

Proprietary Specification

A specification that stipulates the use of specific products, systems, or processes without provision for substitution.

Contract Document

A formal agreement that outlines the terms and conditions of a project.

Furnish

To supply and deliver to the project site, ready to install.

Install

To place in position for service or use.

Provide

To furnish and install, complete, ready for use.

Uniform System (MasterFormat)

A format developed by the Construction Specifications Institute for organizing specifications into 16 divisions.

16-Division Format

A standard framework for organizing specifications.

1995 CSI MasterFormat

A uniform construction index consisting of 16 divisions.

Division 1

General Requirements.

Division 2

Site Work.

Division 3

Concrete.

Division 4

Masonry.

Division 5

Metals.

Division 6

Wood and Plastics.

Division 7

Thermal and Moisture Protection.

Division 8

Doors and Windows.

Division 9

Finishes.

Division 10

Specialties.

Division 11

Equipment.

Division 12

Furnishings.

Division 13

Special Construction.

Division 14

Conveying Systems.

Division 15

Mechanical.

Division 16

Electrical.

2004 CSI MasterFormat

An updated version of the MasterFormat consisting of five main categories.

Division 1:

General Requirements

Division 2:

Existing Conditions

Division 3:

Concrete

Division 4:

Masonry

Division 5:

Metals

Division 6:

Wood, Plastics, and Composites

Division 7:

Thermal and Moisture Protection

Division 8:

Openings

Division 9:

Finishes

Division 10:

Specialties

Division 11:

Equipment

Division 12:

Furnishings

Division 13:

Special Construction

Division 14:

Conveying Systems

Divisions 15 - 19:

(Reserved)

Division 20:

(Reserved)

Division 21:

Fire Suppression

Division 22:

Plumbing

Division 23:

Heating, Ventilating, and Air Conditioning

Division 24:

(Reserved)

Division 25:

Integrated Automation

Division 26:

Electrical

Division 27:

Communications

Division 28:

Electronic Safety and Security

Division 29:

(Reserved)

Division 30:

(Reserved)

Division 31:

Earthwork

Division 32:

Exterior Improvements

Division 33:

Utilities

Division 34:

Transportation

Division 35:

Waterway and Marine Construction

Divisions 36 - 39:

(Reserved)

Divisions 40 - 43:

Process Integration, Material Processing and Handling Equipment; Process Heating, Cooling, and Drying Equipment; and Process Gas and Liquid Handling, Purification, and Storage Equipment

Division 44:

Pollution Control Equipment

Division 45:

Industry-Specific Manufacturing Equipment

Divisions 46 - 47:

(Reserved)

Division 48:

Electrical Power Generation

Division 49:

(Reserved)

Part 1

General

Part 2

Products

Part 3

Execution

General

defines the specific administrative and procedural requirement unique to this section

products

describes in detail the quality of items that are required for incorporation into the project under this section

execution

describes in detail the quality of items that are required for incorporation into the project under this section