Term
| Technical Specifications: |
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Definition
| Describe the quality of materials & workmanship, general requirement for execution of work, standards, other items better described in writing rather than graphic form. |
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Term
| How can specifcations be shown on smaller projects? |
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Definition
| typed on transparent adhesize & placed on drawings for convenience |
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Term
| What do most project specifications include? |
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Definition
| a project manual issued with drawings & contract agreements as part of the complete package of contract documents |
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Term
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Definition
| Bound book containing all contract/non contract documents for construction project except drawings & agreements |
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Term
| What are the 4 major parts a project manual is divided into? |
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Definition
| 1) Bidding requirements (if needed) 2) Parts of the contract itself, 3) General & supplementary conditions of the contract 4)Technical specifications |
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Term
| Bidding requirements include: |
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Definition
| Invitation to bid, prequalification forms, instructions to bidders, information available to bidders, bid forms |
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Term
| What are supplements of bid forms? |
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Definition
| bid security form, subcontractor list, substitution list |
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Term
| Parts of contract itself: |
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Definition
| agreement (contract between owner & contractor), performance bond,labor & materials payment bond, certificate of insurance |
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Term
| Supplementary conditions of a contract: |
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Definition
| anything that is not covered in the general conditions |
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Term
| What are the 2 broad categories of construction specs? |
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Definition
| prescriptive (closed), Performance (open) |
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Term
| Prescriptive specification: |
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Definition
| tells exactly what product you want the contractor using by brand names |
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Term
| Performance specification: |
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Definition
| Tells what results you want the final construction assembly to achieve. It gives the contractor some choice in how they will be achieved |
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Term
| What type of specifications do public projects generally require? |
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Definition
| Open specs to encourage competitive bidding |
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Term
| Why would you want to use closed specs? |
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Definition
| to ensure that only 1 particular product is used. Many finish products & unique, equal subtitutions are not possible |
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Term
| With bidding, why do you want to allow the contractor as much choice as possible? |
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Definition
| so they can find the lowest price within the context of specification requirement |
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Term
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Definition
| Most restrictive specs because they call out specific manufacturer's products |
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Term
| What is the benefit of proprietary specs? |
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Definition
| They give the interior designer complete control over what is installed. It is easier to write than other types & are generally shorter |
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Term
| Disadvantage of proprietary specs: |
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Definition
| doesn't allow for competitive bidding. Limiting products may force contractor to use materials/products that are difficult & expensive to produce or require long delivery time |
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Term
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Definition
| type of specification that calls out proprietary material or product but allows substitution of other products that the contractor thinks are equal to the one stated |
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Term
| Why are base bid specifications risky? |
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Definition
| Because the contractor may substitute a less expensive item that they think is equal but may not be |
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Term
| What are 2 variations of the base bid specification that gives the interior designer more control over possible solutions: |
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Definition
| 1) lists several approved manufacturers of a product 2) base bid specified with "approved equal" language |
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Term
| What is the benefit to the list of several approved manufacturers of a product? |
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Definition
| The contractor is free to bid on any product that is listed & it satisfies the requirement for public work where @ least 3 manufacturers are listed |
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Term
| What is the disadvantage to the list of approved manufacturers of product? |
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Definition
| It puts the burden on the interior designer to make sure every one of approved products/manufacturers listed is equal |
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Term
| What is the process to get approval of a product when using the base bid spec "approved equal"? |
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Definition
| the contractor may submit a substitute but it is subject to review & must be approved by designer before it can be incorporated into the bid |
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Term
| What is the advantage to the basebid specification method with "approved eqaul" language? |
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Definition
| Gives contractor some freedom in lower priced alternatives & puts burden of finding them on contractor |
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Term
| What is the disadvantage to the "approved equal" base bid? |
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Definition
| the responsibility for accurately evaluating alternatives is placed on the designer which can be a large burden. |
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Term
| What should the "approved equal" base bid spec clearly state? |
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Definition
| how much lead time the contractor must give the designer & how alternatives will be evaluated |
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Term
| Descriptive Specifications: |
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Definition
| type of performance spec that gives detailed written requirements for material/product & workmanship required for its fabrication & installation. It doesn't mention trade names. |
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Term
| Why is a descriptive specification difficult to write? |
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Definition
| because it must include all pertinent requirements for construction & installation of product |
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Term
| Reference standard specifications: |
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Definition
| describes material, product, or process based on requirements set by an accepted authority or test method. Ex: required to meet testing standards producted by orgs such as Amer Society for Testing & material, Amer Standards Institute, Underwriters Lab |
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Term
| What do organizations that provide testing standards show? |
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Definition
| documents describing in great detail the requirements for the product. For Reference standard specs, don't have to repeat requirements, can just refer to recognized industry standards |
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Term
| What is the benefit of reference industry specs? |
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Definition
| Fairly easy to write & generally short. The chances for errors is reduced since using industry standards & generally recognized methods of building |
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Term
| What is the disadvantage to reference specs? |
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Definition
| Must know what the standard is & how to refer to the appropriate part of the standard if it includes more provisions than needed for a job |
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Term
| What does the statement with performance specs show? |
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Definition
| they set the criteria & results required of the item being spec'd |
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Term
| How can specification results be verified with performance specs? |
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Definition
| by measurements, tests, or other types of evaluation |
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Term
| Are the means of achieving the results specified for perfomance specs? |
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Definition
| No, left up to the contractor or vendor |
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Term
| When are performance specs often used for construction components? |
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Definition
| When the specifier wants to encourage new ways of achieving particular result |
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Term
| Why are performance specs difficult to write? |
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Definition
| because the specifier must know all criteria, state methods for testing compliance & write an unambiguous document |
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Term
| Do there have to be separate specs for each product or activity used on a project? |
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Definition
| Yes. Separate specs are called Sections |
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Term
| Why are separate specs difficult to write? |
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Definition
| Because must be complete, accurate, up to date spec of any type & there are many requirements on most projects |
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Term
| What do the majority of offices use to help them write separate specs? |
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Definition
| Mater specs or guide specs |
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Term
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Definition
| Prewritten specs covering nearly all types of products, methods of install, other variables related to specific product or construction activity |
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Term
| What do master specs include: |
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Definition
| comments/notes to specifier providing guidance in editing section |
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Term
| What must a designer often edit in master specs? |
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Definition
| inapplicable portions & fill in any info that is unique to the project |
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Term
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Definition
| Similar to master specs but usually not as complete. They assist writer in organizing information & showing what decisions need to be made & where things should be placed in correct location in the document. |
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Term
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Definition
| Old fashioned method using portions from previous specs to paste together new one |
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Term
| What is the disadvantage of using the cut & paste method? |
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Definition
| Important conditions/clauses may be lost or inappropriately used |
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Term
| What are the 3 ways that master specs are produced? |
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Definition
| 1)Commercial products available to buy/subscribe to that enable selection & editing required sections to fit needs of each project 2)large offices write & maintain own specs, may even have separate spec writer 3)Hire spec consultant who uses their own or a commercial product |
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Term
| When using commercial product to provide specs , what is the company's responsibility? |
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Definition
| The company providing the specs performs tasks of writing, coordination, & keeping each section current |
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Term
| What is the benefit to hiring a spec consultant? |
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Definition
| this person is experienced, knows what ?'s to ask, how to select/evauluate materials, how to coordinate all sections, how to customize each section for specific projects |
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Term
| What is the design offices responsibility when using a spec consultant? |
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Definition
| Still responsible for errors & omissions in specs |
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Term
| How has the orginization of technical sections become standardized? |
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Definition
| Through the general adoption of the Master Format System |
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Term
| Who developed the MasterFormat system & why? |
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Definition
| The Construction Specification Institute to standardize numbering & formatting of project-related info for use in specifying, cost estimating, & data filing |
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Term
| What is the most recent version of MasterFormat? |
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Definition
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Term
| What are many divisions wi/ the MasterFormat reserved for? |
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Definition
| future use to allow the system to grow as new materials & technologies emerge. |
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Term
| changes to Division 01,General Requirements of MasterFormat system: |
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Definition
| Has been expanded to allow for writing performance specifications for elements that overlap several specific work sections. |
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Term
| changes to Division 11, Equipment of MasterFormat system: |
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Definition
| Equipment related to process engineering is now in the Process Equipment Subgroup & equipment related to infrastructure is now in the site & Infrastructure Subgroup. |
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Term
| changes to Division 13, Special Construction of Master Format System: |
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Definition
| The work groups that deal w/security access, building automation, detection & alarm, & fire suppression are now in various divisions of the Facility Services Subgroup. Special construction related to process engineering is now in the Process Equipment Subgroup |
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Term
| changes to Division 15 of master format system: |
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Definition
| Now reserved for future expansion & all mechanical & plumbing work groups are now in Division 22, Plumbing, & Division 23 Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning |
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Term
| changes to Division 16 of master format system: |
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Definition
| now reserved for future expansion & all electrical work groups are now in Division 26, Electrical & Division 27, Communications of the Facility Services Subgroup |
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Term
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Definition
| Established standard way of organizing any particular specification section |
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Term
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Definition
| The general requirements for the section - scope of section, submittals required, quality assurance required, warranties, project conditions, specifications for deliery-storage & handling of materials |
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Term
| What is part 2 of the 1st level of division wi/section (master format)? |
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Definition
| It details the specifications for materials & products - including acceptable manufacturere, what standards/methods materials must conform to, how items are to be fabricated, & similar concerns |
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Term
| What is part 3 of the 1st level of division wi/section (master format)? |
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Definition
| It tells how the products & materials are to be installed, applied, put into place. Describes examination & preparation required before installation, how quality control should be maintained in field, & requirements for adjusting, cleaning, & protection of finished work |
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Term
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Definition
| legal documents & way of communicating technical info, so must be complete, accurate, unambiguous, precise language |
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Term
| What are some guidelines for writing specifications? |
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Definition
| Know what standards & test methods referred to include & what parts are applicable to your project -Don't spec together results & methods proposed to achieve hose results - Don't include standards that can't be measured - Avoid exculpatory clauses - Keep specs as short as possible - Describe only one major idea in each paragraph |
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Term
| Why shouldn't you spec together results & methods proposed to achieve those results? |
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Definition
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Term
| What is an example of standards that can't be measured? |
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Definition
| "first class manner" - ambiguous as to what exact meaning is |
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Term
| What is an exculpatory clause? |
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Definition
| phrases that try to shift responsibility to contractor or someone else in very broad general way |
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Term
| When is it ok to use exculpatory clauses? |
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Definition
| if the clause is generally accepted wording or makes sense in the context of the specification |
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Term
| When do current legal oppinions especially disapprove of writing exculpatory clauses? |
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Definition
| when they favor the person who wrote them |
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Term
| How can you keep specs concise? |
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Definition
| Omit words like all, the, an , a |
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Term
| Why should you describe only 1 major idea in each spec paragraph? |
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Definition
| It's easier to read, improves comprehension, easier to change specs |
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Term
| What can be done so that technical specs coordinate with drawings? |
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Definition
| They must be written & checked to avoid conflicting requirements, duplication, omissions, & errors |
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Term
| What are the 4 major areas of concerns of coordinating specs with drawings? |
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Definition
| 1)specs should contain requirements for all the materials & construction indicated on drawings 2)Terminology in both documents should be the same 3)Dimensions & thicknesses shold be indicated in only 1 document 4)Mostly, notes on dwg shouldn't describe methods of installation or material qualities |
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Term
| What's an example of how terminology in specs & dwgs should be the same? |
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Definition
| if term "gypsum board" used in specs, same term should be shown on drawing |
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Term
| What types of dimensions usually belong on drawings? |
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Definition
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Term
| What types of dimensions are usually referenced in specs? |
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Definition
| the standards for materials & components that those sizes on the drawings refer to are stated in the specs |
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Term
| when will designers sometimes describe methods of install or material qualities on drawing? |
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Definition
| If the project is small with limited amount of construction |
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Term
| Where do the descriptions for methods of installation or material qualities belong? |
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Definition
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Term
| When there is a conflict between the drawings & specifications which do courts hold are more binding? |
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Definition
| Specs, they take precedence over drawings |
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Term
| Why do most design projects have separate specs for construction & furniture/accessories |
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Definition
| The procedure for specing, contracting for; & building construction items is different than from specing, purchasing, delivering, & installing furniture |
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Term
| Where are the responsibilites of the client, designer, furniture dealer, & others described? |
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Definition
| In the formal contract between the designer & client |
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Term
| When would furniture specs not need to be provided? |
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Definition
| If the designer selects furniture for client & assumes responsibility of writing POs & coordinating delivery & install |
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Term
| What is the method for furniture selection for most commercial projects? |
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Definition
| The designer may select furniture but turn job of ordering, installing, & billing to one or more furniture dealers who supply specific brands needed - the dealer contracts directly w/ client & assumes all responsibilites |
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Term
| For larger commercial projects where quoted price requested from 1 or more dealers bidding on same work, what must be written? |
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Definition
| Furniture specs that clearly state clients requirements. It lists in deatail all individual requirements. Should state bidding requirements, responsibilities, install procedures, & methods of invoicing |
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Term
| Why did CSI revise the previous 16 division organization that had been in use for several decades for the MasterFormat? |
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Definition
| they recognized that the 16 divisions made it difficult to incorporate the increased use of building automation, signal systems, & electronic security & that the numbering system wasn't particularly well suited for transportation, utility, marine, industrial, & process engineering construction |
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Term
| Change in numbering of individual specification sections in new MasterFormat system: |
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Definition
| use of six digit numbering instead of previous 5 digit |
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Term
| what does the numbering system represent in the MasterFormat? |
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Definition
| first 2 #s represent the division numbers, with a leading zero used for the single-digit divisions. Next pair of numbers represents the level-two hierarchy, & the last pair of numbers represents level three in the hierarchy |
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Term
| Division 00, Procurement & Contracting Requirements: |
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Definition
| Covers requirements for bidding & contracting, including bid solicitation, instructions to bidders, info available to bidders, bid forms, the agreement (contract), bonds & certificates, general conditions of the contract, supplementary conditions, addenda, & modifications |
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Term
| Division 01, General Requirements: |
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Definition
| requirements that are applicable to entire project or all the individual technical sections - summary of the work, how pricing & payment will be handled, alternates, value analysis, contract modification procedures, unit prices, construction progress documentation, submittal procedures, quality control, temporary facilites @ the job site, product substituion procedures, owner-furnished items, special execution requirements, & final cleaning & protection of the work |
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Term
| Division 02, Existing Conditions: |
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Definition
| used to specify site remediation, site decontamination, subsurface investigation, surveying, & selective demolition, & other items related to existing conditions on site |
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Term
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Definition
| All aspects of concrete including forms, reinforcement, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, cementitious decks & underlayment, grouts, & concrete restoration & cleaning |
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Term
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Definition
| All aspects of masonry, including brick, concrte block, stone terra cotta, simulated masonry, glass block, & masontry restoration & cleaning |
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Term
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Definition
| All types of structural steel & other structural metaals, ornamental metals, & metal fabrications, (metal stairs, ornamental iron work, handrails, gratings, metal castings, & stair treads & nosings), as well as expansion joint covers & metal restoration & cleaning |
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Term
| Division 06, Wood, Plastics, & Composites: |
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Definition
| covers the typical structural wood framing, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, & architectural woodwork. Also includes structural plastics, plastic fabrications, wood & plastic restoration & cleaning, & newer plastic wood & other specialty composite materials |
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Term
| Division 07, Thermal & Moisture Protection: |
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Definition
| Dampproofing & waterproofing insulation, vapor retarders, air barriers, insulation, vapor retarders, air barriers, shingles, roof tiles, siding, membrane roofing, flashing, joint sealers, fire & smoke protection, & roofing specialties such as roof hatches, smoke vents, roof pavers, scuppers, & gravel stops |
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Term
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Definition
| (Formerly called Doors & windows) Metal doors, & frames, wood doors & frames, specialty doors, storefronts, all types of windows, skylights, hardware, curtain walls, & glazing |
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Term
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Definition
| Plaster, gypsum wallboard (including metal framing), all types of floor & wall tile, terrazzo, all types of flooring materials, acoustical ceilings & other types of decorative ceilings, wall coverings, acoustical treatment, paints, & other coatings |
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Term
| Division 10, Specialties: |
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Definition
| Visual display boards, toilet compartment louvers, grilles, wall & corner guards, access flooring, pre-built fireplaces, flagpoles, signage, lockers, awnings, demountable partitions, storage shelving, exterior protection (sun screens, storm panels, etc.) & toilet & bath accessories |
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Term
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Definition
| Architectural equipment, including vaults & security items, teller & security equipment, musical equipment, mercantile equipment, checkroom equipment, vending machines, audio-visual equipment, loading dock equipment, detention equipment, athletic equipment, medical equipment, morturary equipment, & equipment for labs, planetariums, observatories, & offices |
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Term
| Division 12, Furnishings: |
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Definition
| furniture systems furniture, art, window treatments, accessories, multiple seating, & interior plants |
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Term
| Division 13, Specialty Construction: |
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Definition
| air-supported structures, special-purpose rooms (clean rooms, saunas, planetariums, etc), seismic control, radiation protection, lightning protection, pre-engineered structures, hot tubs, & kennels |
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Term
| Division 14, Conveying Equipment: |
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Definition
| elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, & lifts |
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Term
| Division 21, Fire Suppression: |
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Definition
| (previously in division 13) includes detection & alarms, & all types of fire suppression systems, such as wet-pipe, dry-pipe, deluge, carbon dioxide, foam, pre-action, & dry chemical systems as well as standpipes & hoses. |
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Term
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Definition
| plumbing for buildings . *Processing piping is now in the Process Equipment subgroup |
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Term
| Division 23, Heating, Ventilating, & AC: |
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Definition
| Hvac systems, relocated from previous division 15 |
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Term
| Division 25, Integrated Automation: |
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Definition
| Specifications for expanding technology, including energy monitoring & control, environmental control, lighting control |
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Term
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Definition
| electrical now has own division |
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Term
| Division 27, communications: |
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Definition
| Established for the expanding technologies & specialized nature of computer networks & all types of communication systems (cable, telephone, sound systems, etc.) |
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Term
| Division 28, Electronic Safety & Security: |
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Definition
| Been established for the expanding technologies & specialized nature of security systems including intrusion detection, security access, video surveillance, & related topics |
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Term
| 2 main areas of a project's specifications where sustainability issues are addressed: |
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Definition
| Division 01, General Requirements & In all the individual technical sections that cover specific materials & construction elements |
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Term
| Sustainability issues addressed in Division 01: |
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Definition
| Should set the goals & general direction of the project for sustainability & environmental quality. The contractor is advised in this section of design requirements used by the architect & rest of design team |
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Term
| Some of the specification articles in the general Division 01 specification section may include the following: |
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Definition
| A summary of the environmental goals of the project & the special requirements required of the contractor. Required submittals from the contractor. Required tests & procedures for testing materials to verify that they comply with the requirements. A list of hazardous materials & chemicals. A list of definitions with which the contractor may not be familiar. A list of sources of info for product certification or sustainability that the contractor can use. Requirements for the packaging of materials w/recycled products. Requirements for construction activities to minimize pollution, dust, erosion, chemical emissions, spills, & water & moisture leaks |
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Term
| What are the three areas that a summary of environmental goals addresses: |
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Definition
| 1)Resource efficient materials & systems 2) energy conservation 3)Indoor air quality |
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Term
| What are examples of submittals that may be required for sustainability concerns? |
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Definition
| manufacturer's certificates of recycled content, certification of wood products as coming from an accredited certifier, material emission testing reports, cleaning product info, & other docs that may be required for LEED certification |
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Term
| What should an interior designer request contractor submit concerning hazardous materials: |
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Definition
| material safety data sheets for all products that may contain hazardous materials |
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Term
| Material safety data sheet: |
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Definition
| listing of product safety info prepared by manufacturers & marketers of products containing toxic chemicals. It is required to list the health effects of the material, first aid, safe storage & disposal guidelines, protective equipment required for handling, & procedures for handling leaks & spills |
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Term
| How can the individual technical sections of the specification contain sustainability requirements unique to each product: |
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Definition
| Include info such as use of local products, recyled content, requirements for VOCs, energy efficiency, cleaning & maintenance requirements, certification by a 3rd party |
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Term
| what technical sections will generally be included in sections that should contain sustainability requirements? |
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Definition
| concrete, rough carpentry, architectural woodwork, plastic products, doors, windows, gypsum wallboard, acoustical ceilings, carpeting, resilient flooring, ceramic tile, wood flooring, paints & other coatings, & toilet partitions |
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Term
| How can interior designer actually go about specifying sustainability? |
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Definition
| 1) Can write a performance specifications giving the requirements for recycled content, max emissions of chemicals, & other criteria & the testing standard by which products may be evaluated. 2)Give a list of 3-5 approved products that are known to satisy the requirements of the specification section 3)If there is only 1 product that meets both the sustainability & aesthetic & functional requirements of the project, a proprietary specification can be written -typcially only possible for private work where requirements for competitive bidding aren't as strict as they are for public work |
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