Chapter 8 Construction Specifications
Jan 11, 2016
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