Chapter 8

Construction Specifications

Introduction

• Building plans– Contain general and specific information– Schedules

• Contain specific information about items and applications

– Specifications• Written descriptions of materials, equipment,

construction systems, standards, and work quality

Introduction (cont’d.)

• Construction specifications – Often follow guidelines of individual architect or

engineering firm – Can be as basic as a description of materials

or as in-depth as MasterFormat

Residential Descriptions of Materials

• Most lenders have a format for providing residential construction specifications– Federal Housing Administration and Federal

Home Loan Mortgage Corporation• Description of Materials

Residential Descriptions of Materials (cont’d.)

• Plans, construction specifications, and building contract – Together become legal documents– Should be prepared carefully in cooperation

with the architect, client, and contractor• Any variation should be approved by all parties

General Construction Specifications

• Describe in detail requirements for products, materials, and workmanship– Exact statement describing characteristics of a

particular aspect – Communicate information about required

products to be used• Basis for competitive construction bidding, and to

measure compliance with contracts

General Construction Specifications (cont’d.)

• Types of performance specifications:– Proprietary product specifications

• Provide specific product names and models for desired applications

– Method specifications• Outline material selection and construction operation

process

– End-result specifications• Describe final characteristics

Specifications for Residential Design

• Minimum construction specifications:– Established by local building officials– Vary from one location to the next– Contents are dependent on:

• Specific local requirements• Climate• Codes used• Extent of coverage

Specifications for Commercial Construction

• Often more complex and comprehensive than residential construction– May provide very detailed instructions for each

construction phase • Time schedules for project completion• Inspections in conjunction with or in addition to

those required by a local jurisdiction

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• Often follow guidelines of individual architect or engineering firm

• Common format has been established– MasterFormat

• Master list of numbers and subject titles • Organizes information about construction work

results, requirements, products, and activities into a standard sequence

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• MasterFormat has two main groups: – Procurement and Contracting Requirements

• Establish relationships, processes, and responsibilities

– Specifications• Contain construction specifications subgroups and

related divisions

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• UniFormat uniform classification system– Organizes preliminary construction information

into a standard order on basis of functional elements

• Functional elements (i.e., systems or assemblies) are common major components that perform a known function

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• UniFormat uniform classification system (cont’d.) – Provides consistent comparable data across

an entire building life cycle• Considers everything about the building

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• UniFormat uniform classification system (cont’d.):– Purposes:

• Achieve consistency in economic evaluation of projects

• Enhance reporting of design program information• Consistency in filing information

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• UniFormat categories:– A-Substructure, B-Shell, C-Interiors, D-

Services, E-Equipment and Finishings, F-Special Construction and Demolition, G-Building Site Work, Z-General

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d.)

• UniFormat numbering system: – Divides each level-one category into level-two,

level-three, level-four, and level-five titles • Set alphanumeric labels

Construction Documents

• Documents – All drawings and written information

• Construction documents – Drawings and written specifications

• Prepared by architects and engineers • Communicates project design and for administering

construction contract

Construction Documents (cont’d.)

• Bidding requirements – Used to attract bidders and explain

procedures for submitting bids

• Contract documents – Legal requirements – Become part of construction contract

Construction Documents (cont’d.)

• Construction drawings– Show lines and text to provide information– Depend on specific requirements– Vary in how much information is shown

• Coordinating drawings and specifications– Combined drawings and specifications are

referred to as plans