BT4 Construction Specifications and Specification Writing

Pontifical and Royal University of Santo Tomas

The Catholic University of the Philippines

College of Architecture
Building Technology 4
Module 01: Construction Specifications and Specification Writing

Edited by Ar. Rafael C. Alli, msarch

General Concepts and Terminology

Construction Documents

  • Construction documents consist of both contract documents and bidding requirements.

  • Purpose: To communicate the written and graphic design essential for the administration of the construction contract.

  • Components of Construction Documents include:

    • Bidding documents

    • Contract forms/Agreement

    • Conditions of the contract

    • Special provisions

    • Specifications

    • Drawings

    • Addenda

    • Contract modifications

Basic Construction Documents

  1. Drawings (working drawings)

  2. Conditions of the Contract

  3. Specifications

Bidding Documents

  • Definition: Documents furnished to bidders, comprising contract documents and bidding requirements.

  • Role: Supplied by the owner during the bidding phase prior to construction.

Contract Documents

  • Printed documents forming a contract, including:

    • Owner-architect agreement or contract form

    • Drawings and/or plans

    • Specifications

    • General conditions

    • Special provisions

    • All addenda, modifications, and changes stipulated.

Elements of Contract Documents:

  • Contract Forms: Documents that contain terms agreed by all parties, signed to indicate their commitment.

  • Agreement: Written contract between owner and contractor detailing the project work.

Types of Standard Contract Documents (Agreements):

  • Owner-Architect Agreement

  • Architect-Consultant Agreement

  • Owner-General Contractor Agreement

  • Owner-Specialty Trade Contractor Agreement

  • General Contractor-Specialty Trade Contractor Agreement

  • Owner-Project Management Agreement

  • Owner-Construction Management Agreement

  • Performance Bond: A security guarantee from the contractor.

  • Payment Bond: Assurance of contractor’s financial obligations.

  • Certificates: Including insurance and compliance certifications.

Conditions of the Contract

  • Includes general, supplementary, and other conditions defining the rights, obligations, and procedures for the work.

  • Categories:

    1. General Conditions: Stipulate procedural and administrative contract aspects.

    2. Supplementary Conditions: Modify or supplement the general conditions for project specifics.

    3. Special Provisions: Instructions to supplement/modifying drawings, specifications, and/or general conditions.

Specifications

  • A detailed document outlining scope, materials, installation methods, and workmanship quality without including costs/quantities.

  • Legal weight: Specifications govern over drawings in case of conflict.

  • Must be accurate, clear, and concise, ensuring contractor clarity.

Types of Specifications:

  1. Supplementary Specifications: Additional details amending existing specifications.

  2. Guide Specifications: Standardized documents offering guidance for creating contract document portions.

Drawings

  • Graphical representations of project work, including:

    • Schematic diagrams (mechanical/electrical systems)

    • Schedules for structural elements and finishes.

Working Drawings

  • Intended for contractors/sub-contractors, providing necessary graphical information for construction.

Architectural vs. Engineering Drawings

  • Architectural Drawings: Prepared by architects, showcasing plans, elevations, sections, and construction details.

  • Engineering Drawings: Technical documentation defining specific engineering requirements and adhering to standardized conventions.

Addenda

  • Written/graphic instruments clarifying or modifying bidding documents, becoming part of contract documents upon execution.

  • Issued before bids are opened, incorporating changes made pre-contract execution.

Contract Modifications

  • Instructions, change orders, directives post-contract execution affecting scope of work.

Change Orders

  • Written order post-execution authorizing work changes or altering contract terms.

  • Possible signatories: Owner and Architect/Engineer or just Architect/Engineer with written owner authorization.

Field Orders or Construction Change Authorizations

  • Minor change orders relating to construction, without altering contract sums or durations.

Supplemental Instructions

  • Minor instructions from the Architect/Engineer allowing for changes not changing contract sums or periods.

Project Manual

  • Complete set of bid and contract documents covering:

    • Bidding requirements

    • Contract forms

    • Contract conditions

    • Project specifications

Components of the Project Manual

  • Title Page

  • Table of Contents

  • Addenda (if included)

  • Invitation to Bid

  • Instructions to Bidders

  • Sample Forms

  • Technical Specifications (Divisions 1-49)

Importance of Specifications

  • Specifications detail requirements that must be satisfied by a material, product, or service critical to the contract.

  • Legal viewpoint: Specifications take precedence in event of conflicts with drawings.

Functions of Specifications Include:

  • Ensure requirements for materials, quality, and performance are met.

  • Guide question resolution and updates through a clear framework.

Definition of Terms

  • Work: All items done on-site as outlined in contract documents.

  • Renovation: Changes improving a building's value or aesthetics.

  • Demolition: Systematic dismantling of structures.

References

  • A Guide to Practical Specifications Writing by The United Architects of the Philippines (UAP)

  • Estimating Guide for Architects by UAP

  • The National Building Code of the Philippines (2015 Edition)

  • Visual Dictionary of Architecture by Francis D.K. Ching

  • Building Design and Construction Handbook by Frederick S. Merritt.