Construction Specifications and Specification Writing

A collection of flashcards covering key concepts and terminology relating to construction specifications and writing.

Construction Documents

Documents that communicate the design and administration of a construction contract.

Bidding Documents

Documents furnished to bidders, including contract documents and bidding requirements.

Contract Documents

Printed documents that comprise a contract, including agreements, drawings, specifications, and conditions.

Agreement

The contract between the owner and contractor outlining the work, completion time, and contract sum.

Performance Bond

A form of security provided by the contractor ensuring the execution of work per contract terms.

Payment Bond

A form of security provided by the contractor guaranteeing payment of all obligations from the contract.

General Conditions

Portions of contract documents defining the rights and responsibilities of contracting parties.

Supplementary Conditions

Part of contract documents that modifies provisions of general conditions for specific projects.

Special Provisions

Instructions to bidders that supplement or modify drawings and specifications.

Specifications

Detailed documents describing work scope, materials, installation methods, and quality of workmanship.

Working Drawings

Drawings intended for use by contractors, containing graphical information required for construction.

Addenda

Written or graphic instruments that supplement bidding documents to clarify or modify existing specifications.

Change Orders

Written orders signed by the owner and architect/engineer authorizing changes in work after contract execution.

Field Orders

Written orders effecting a minor change in work issued by the architect to the contractor during construction.

Project Manual

A complete set of bid and contract documents, including bidding requirements, conditions, and specifications.

Insurance

Coverage necessary to safeguard the interests of all parties involved in a construction project.

Master Specifications

Standard specifications used as a basis for project specifications, containing items of work typically encountered.

Masterformat

A uniform classification system for organizing construction specifications and written information.

Three-part Section Format

Specification structure consisting of Part 1: General, Part 2: Products, and Part 3: Execution.

Proprietary Specification

Specifications that demand specific products or systems with no substitutions allowed.

Open Specification

Specifications that allow all manufacturers whose products meet the specified requirements to bid.

Performance Specification

Specifications focusing on end results, defining how components must perform without detailing methods.

Descriptive Specification

Specifications detailing exact quantities and qualities of materials and their assembly in construction.

Reference Specification

Specifications that cite standards to indicate desired properties in materials or components.

Quality Control

Inspection and testing procedures established to ensure the adequacy of completed work.