34 Specifications Chapter

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Objectives Explain the purpose of specifications. List the sources of specification standards. Use a Description of Materials form.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Introduction Specifications: written documents that supplement drawings in set of architectural plans Architect is responsible for preparation of specifications for residential structures

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Introduction Working drawings and specifications become part of total contract between builder and client Legal and binding on both parties Prepare carefully to prevent misunderstandings between contractor and client

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Purpose of Specifications Provide material and process information that will not fit on drawings or cannot be communicated on drawings Client is responsible for explaining exactly what is desired Specifications seek agreement between contractor and owner as to what is acceptable quality –Subcontractors must meet these standards

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Employability Professional behavior –Is expected on the job –Show respect for all –Limit personal items to break time or lunch –Act courteously –Arrive on time, do not leave early –Never raise your voice

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Master Specifications Master specifications –Documents developed by reputable organizations –Complete sets of specifications for use and adaptation by individual architectural companies –Firms choose specifications that apply to project and delete or ignore remaining items

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. American Institute of Architects American Institute of Architects (AIA) MasterSpec  system widely used MasterSpec is master list on which architectural firms build their own standards –Contains numbered divisions that address every part of building construction –Numbered divisions based on divisions in MasterFormat  system by Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. AIA MasterSpec Divisions

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Department of Veterans Affairs VHA Master Specifications published by Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Includes numbered divisions based on MasterFormat standard Not as extensive as AIA MasterSpec system VA also provides shorter form, Description of Materials

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Department of Veterans Affairs First page of VA Description of Materials.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Completeness and Accuracy Specific, detailed specifications allow contractors to build accurately Specifications may consist of booklet more than an inch thick Each topic on standard forms should be discussed so all parties understand and agree to content

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Completeness and Accuracy Specifications should include: –Description of the materials to be used –List of required building operations –Notes relative to cash allowances for items to be selected by client –Any environmental standards or requirements to meet

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Completeness and Accuracy Specifications should include: –Indication that specifications refer to detailed plans of working drawings –Statement or agreement on quality of tradeworker’s skill –Liability covered by contractor during construction

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Specifications Portion of a set of specifications.

Permission granted to reproduce for educational use only.© Goodheart-Willcox Co., Inc. Architecture Specifications for green homes –Leading master specifications now include LEED building standards –No “one size fits all” solution for sustainability –Architect is responsible for staying up-to-date with newest sustainable materials and practices Green