Chapter 9:Construction Specifications

Construction Specifications:

Bond Book (information on project):

-Bidding requirements: invitation to bid, pre-qualification forms, instruction to bidders etc...
-Supplements to bid forms
-Contract Forms
-General Supplementary Condition
-Technical Specifications

Prescriptive Specification - designer indicates specific description on materials used to contractor

Performance Specifications - designer indicated what the final project will look like. The contractor has a little more flexibility in picking products and materials.

Proprietary Specifications - most restrictive. This gives the interior designer total control on indicating which products and materials will be used. This is tough for the bidding process for contractors.

Base-Bid Specification - Allows for the call out of a specific product or material, but allows for approved equal substitutions.

Descriptive Specifications - Details for fabrication not for specific material used.

Reference Standard Specifications- Products to meet certain tests or standards to be used

Performance Specifications- Products or materials to achieve a particular result.

Master Specifications- guide specifications - General specification of materials and products. Master is more specific and guide specifications are just guidelines.


Construction Specification Institute - CSI - Standardized information on products and material.


CSI Divisions:
Division 00: Procurement and Contracting Requirements
Division 01: general Requirements
Division 02: Existing Conditions
Division 03: Concrete
Division 04: Masonry
Division 05: Metals - Structural Steel - handrails
Division 06: Wood, Plastics, and Composites - Wood Framing, rough carpentry, architectural woodworking.
Division 07: Thermal & Moisture Protection - waterproofing
Division 08: Openings - Doors and Windows
Division 09: Finishes - Gypsum Wallboard, flooring materials, acoustical ceiling, decorative ceilings
Division 10: Specialties - Display Boards, toilet compartments, pre-built fireplaces
Division 11: Equipment - Vaults, Security, Vending Machines
Division 12: Furnishings
Division 13: Special Construction - lightning protection
Division 14: Conveying Equipment - Elevators
Division 21: Fire Suppression - Detection and Alarms
Division 22: Plumbing
Division 23: HVAC
Division 25: Integrated Automation - Energy Monitoring
Division 26: Electrical
Division 27: Communications - Computer Network
Division 28: Electronic Safety and Security

Part 1 - General Requirements
Part 2 - Details and Specifications
Part 3 - Products and Materials Installed

Methods of Installation should not be outlined in the construction drawings but should be outlined in the construction specifications.

Note that in the past when the construction documents and the construction manual outlining the specification do not correlate. the courts tend to rule that the Construction Manual is more binding.