General construction: permits, planning, hiring
How to read a construction specification
The specification is the written half of the contract documents. It sets product quality, standards, submittals and method.
The specification is the written half of the contract documents. It sets product quality, standards, submittals and method.
What it is
The specification describes materials, workmanship and procedures that drawings cannot show. Many are organized in numbered divisions, commonly following the MasterFormat system by CSI.
How a section reads
A typical section has three parts: General (scope, submittals, quality assurance, delivery, warranty), Products (named materials, standards, performance), and Execution (installation and testing).
What to look for
- Referenced standards and test methods, such as ASTM.
- Submittal requirements: samples, datasheets, test reports; see the submittal checklist.
- Substitution rules and who approves them.
- Warranty durations and conditions.
- Testing and inspection duties and who pays.
"Or equal" and substitutions
Specs often allow equal products if the engineer approves them. Provide evidence that the substitute meets the stated performance; see recording substitutions.
Using it to bid and buy
Price against the whole spec, not just the drawings. Anything unclear should be raised as a written question before the bid date.
Quick answers
- Is the spec a legal document? It is part of the contract documents, so yes in effect.
- What is MasterFormat? A CSI standard for organizing construction specification sections.
- What if drawing and spec disagree? Ask the designer in writing before bidding.
Rules differ by country, state and city. Confirm requirements with your local authority having jurisdiction and with the licensed professionals on your project; nothing here is legal, engineering or financial advice.
Questions people ask
Is the spec a legal document?
It is part of the contract documents, so yes in effect.
What is MasterFormat?
A CSI standard for organizing construction specification sections.
What if drawing and spec disagree?
Ask the designer in writing before bidding.
Sources and further reading
Have a project outline or drawings?
Organize your scope, then contact Digital Oro through its official channel. Availability, engineering, pricing and delivery terms need project-specific confirmation.
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