Construction Specifications 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 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