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NCIDQ
Construction Specifications
121
Architecture
Professional
07/15/2010

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Term
Technical Specifications:
Definition
Describe the quality of materials & workmanship, general requirement for execution of work, standards, other items better described in writing rather than graphic form.
Term
How can specifcations be shown on smaller projects?
Definition
typed on transparent adhesize & placed on drawings for convenience
Term
What do most project specifications include?
Definition
a project manual issued with drawings & contract agreements as part of the complete package of contract documents
Term
Project manual:
Definition
Bound book containing all contract/non contract documents for construction project except drawings & agreements
Term
What are the 4 major parts a project manual is divided into?
Definition
1) Bidding requirements (if needed) 2) Parts of the contract itself, 3) General & supplementary conditions of the contract 4)Technical specifications
Term
Bidding requirements include:
Definition
Invitation to bid, prequalification forms, instructions to bidders, information available to bidders, bid forms
Term
What are supplements of bid forms?
Definition
bid security form, subcontractor list, substitution list
Term
Parts of contract itself:
Definition
agreement (contract between owner & contractor), performance bond,labor & materials payment bond, certificate of insurance
Term
Supplementary conditions of a contract:
Definition
anything that is not covered in the general conditions
Term
What are the 2 broad categories of construction specs?
Definition
prescriptive (closed), Performance (open)
Term
Prescriptive specification:
Definition
tells exactly what product you want the contractor using by brand names
Term
Performance specification:
Definition
Tells what results you want the final construction assembly to achieve. It gives the contractor some choice in how they will be achieved
Term
What type of specifications do public projects generally require?
Definition
Open specs to encourage competitive bidding
Term
Why would you want to use closed specs?
Definition
to ensure that only 1 particular product is used. Many finish products & unique, equal subtitutions are not possible
Term
With bidding, why do you want to allow the contractor as much choice as possible?
Definition
so they can find the lowest price within the context of specification requirement
Term
Proprietary Specs:
Definition
Most restrictive specs because they call out specific manufacturer's products
Term
What is the benefit of proprietary specs?
Definition
They give the interior designer complete control over what is installed. It is easier to write than other types & are generally shorter
Term
Disadvantage of proprietary specs:
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
Term
Base bid specifications:
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
Term
Why are base bid specifications risky?
Definition
Because the contractor may substitute a less expensive item that they think is equal but may not be
Term
What are 2 variations of the base bid specification that gives the interior designer more control over possible solutions:
Definition
1) lists several approved manufacturers of a product 2) base bid specified with "approved equal" language
Term
What is the benefit to the list of several approved manufacturers of a product?
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
Term
What is the disadvantage to the list of approved manufacturers of product?
Definition
It puts the burden on the interior designer to make sure every one of approved products/manufacturers listed is equal
Term
What is the process to get approval of a product when using the base bid spec "approved equal"?
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
Term
What is the advantage to the basebid specification method with "approved eqaul" language?
Definition
Gives contractor some freedom in lower priced alternatives & puts burden of finding them on contractor
Term
What is the disadvantage to the "approved equal" base bid?
Definition
the responsibility for accurately evaluating alternatives is placed on the designer which can be a large burden.
Term
What should the "approved equal" base bid spec clearly state?
Definition
how much lead time the contractor must give the designer & how alternatives will be evaluated
Term
Descriptive Specifications:
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.
Term
Why is a descriptive specification difficult to write?
Definition
because it must include all pertinent requirements for construction & installation of product
Term
Reference standard specifications:
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
Term
What do organizations that provide testing standards show?
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
Term
What is the benefit of reference industry specs?
Definition
Fairly easy to write & generally short. The chances for errors is reduced since using industry standards & generally recognized methods of building
Term
What is the disadvantage to reference specs?
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
Term
What does the statement with performance specs show?
Definition
they set the criteria & results required of the item being spec'd
Term
How can specification results be verified with performance specs?
Definition
by measurements, tests, or other types of evaluation
Term
Are the means of achieving the results specified for perfomance specs?
Definition
No, left up to the contractor or vendor
Term
When are performance specs often used for construction components?
Definition
When the specifier wants to encourage new ways of achieving particular result
Term
Why are performance specs difficult to write?
Definition
because the specifier must know all criteria, state methods for testing compliance & write an unambiguous document
Term
Do there have to be separate specs for each product or activity used on a project?
Definition
Yes. Separate specs are called Sections
Term
Why are separate specs difficult to write?
Definition
Because must be complete, accurate, up to date spec of any type & there are many requirements on most projects
Term
What do the majority of offices use to help them write separate specs?
Definition
Mater specs or guide specs
Term
Master specs:
Definition
Prewritten specs covering nearly all types of products, methods of install, other variables related to specific product or construction activity
Term
What do master specs include:
Definition
comments/notes to specifier providing guidance in editing section
Term
What must a designer often edit in master specs?
Definition
inapplicable portions & fill in any info that is unique to the project
Term
Guide specs:
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.
Term
Cut & Paste:
Definition
Old fashioned method using portions from previous specs to paste together new one
Term
What is the disadvantage of using the cut & paste method?
Definition
Important conditions/clauses may be lost or inappropriately used
Term
What are the 3 ways that master specs are produced?
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
Term
When using commercial product to provide specs , what is the company's responsibility?
Definition
The company providing the specs performs tasks of writing, coordination, & keeping each section current
Term
What is the benefit to hiring a spec consultant?
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
Term
What is the design offices responsibility when using a spec consultant?
Definition
Still responsible for errors & omissions in specs
Term
How has the orginization of technical sections become standardized?
Definition
Through the general adoption of the Master Format System
Term
Who developed the MasterFormat system & why?
Definition
The Construction Specification Institute to standardize numbering & formatting of project-related info for use in specifying, cost estimating, & data filing
Term
What is the most recent version of MasterFormat?
Definition
04
Term
What are many divisions wi/ the MasterFormat reserved for?
Definition
future use to allow the system to grow as new materials & technologies emerge.
Term
changes to Division 01,General Requirements of MasterFormat system:
Definition
Has been expanded to allow for writing performance specifications for elements that overlap several specific work sections.
Term
changes to Division 11, Equipment of MasterFormat system:
Definition
Equipment related to process engineering is now in the Process Equipment Subgroup & equipment related to infrastructure is now in the site & Infrastructure Subgroup.
Term
changes to Division 13, Special Construction of Master Format System:
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
Term
changes to Division 15 of master format system:
Definition
Now reserved for future expansion & all mechanical & plumbing work groups are now in Division 22, Plumbing, & Division 23 Heating, Ventilating & Air Conditioning
Term
changes to Division 16 of master format system:
Definition
now reserved for future expansion & all electrical work groups are now in Division 26, Electrical & Division 27, Communications of the Facility Services Subgroup
Term
MasterFormat system:
Definition
Established standard way of organizing any particular specification section
Term
What is part 1
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
Term
What is part 2 of the 1st level of division wi/section (master format)?
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
Term
What is part 3 of the 1st level of division wi/section (master format)?
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
Term
What do specs act as?
Definition
legal documents & way of communicating technical info, so must be complete, accurate, unambiguous, precise language
Term
What are some guidelines for writing specifications?
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
Term
Why shouldn't you spec together results & methods proposed to achieve those results?
Definition
the two may conflict
Term
What is an example of standards that can't be measured?
Definition
"first class manner" - ambiguous as to what exact meaning is
Term
What is an exculpatory clause?
Definition
phrases that try to shift responsibility to contractor or someone else in very broad general way
Term
When is it ok to use exculpatory clauses?
Definition
if the clause is generally accepted wording or makes sense in the context of the specification
Term
When do current legal oppinions especially disapprove of writing exculpatory clauses?
Definition
when they favor the person who wrote them
Term
How can you keep specs concise?
Definition
Omit words like all, the, an , a
Term
Why should you describe only 1 major idea in each spec paragraph?
Definition
It's easier to read, improves comprehension, easier to change specs
Term
What can be done so that technical specs coordinate with drawings?
Definition
They must be written & checked to avoid conflicting requirements, duplication, omissions, & errors
Term
What are the 4 major areas of concerns of coordinating specs with drawings?
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
Term
What's an example of how terminology in specs & dwgs should be the same?
Definition
if term "gypsum board" used in specs, same term should be shown on drawing
Term
What types of dimensions usually belong on drawings?
Definition
sizes
Term
What types of dimensions are usually referenced in specs?
Definition
the standards for materials & components that those sizes on the drawings refer to are stated in the specs
Term
when will designers sometimes describe methods of install or material qualities on drawing?
Definition
If the project is small with limited amount of construction
Term
Where do the descriptions for methods of installation or material qualities belong?
Definition
On specs
Term
When there is a conflict between the drawings & specifications which do courts hold are more binding?
Definition
Specs, they take precedence over drawings
Term
Why do most design projects have separate specs for construction & furniture/accessories
Definition
The procedure for specing, contracting for; & building construction items is different than from specing, purchasing, delivering, & installing furniture
Term
Where are the responsibilites of the client, designer, furniture dealer, & others described?
Definition
In the formal contract between the designer & client
Term
When would furniture specs not need to be provided?
Definition
If the designer selects furniture for client & assumes responsibility of writing POs & coordinating delivery & install
Term
What is the method for furniture selection for most commercial projects?
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
Term
For larger commercial projects where quoted price requested from 1 or more dealers bidding on same work, what must be written?
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
Term
Why did CSI revise the previous 16 division organization that had been in use for several decades for the MasterFormat?
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
Term
Change in numbering of individual specification sections in new MasterFormat system:
Definition
use of six digit numbering instead of previous 5 digit
Term
what does the numbering system represent in the MasterFormat?
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
Term
Division 00, Procurement & Contracting Requirements:
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
Term
Division 01, General Requirements:
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
Term
Division 02, Existing Conditions:
Definition
used to specify site remediation, site decontamination, subsurface investigation, surveying, & selective demolition, & other items related to existing conditions on site
Term
Division 03, Concrete:
Definition
All aspects of concrete including forms, reinforcement, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, cementitious decks & underlayment, grouts, & concrete restoration & cleaning
Term
Division 04, Masonry:
Definition
All aspects of masonry, including brick, concrte block, stone terra cotta, simulated masonry, glass block, & masontry restoration & cleaning
Term
Division 05, Metals:
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
Term
Division 06, Wood, Plastics, & Composites:
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
Term
Division 07, Thermal & Moisture Protection:
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
Term
Division 08, Openings:
Definition
(Formerly called Doors & windows) Metal doors, & frames, wood doors & frames, specialty doors, storefronts, all types of windows, skylights, hardware, curtain walls, & glazing
Term
Division 09, Finishes:
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
Term
Division 10, Specialties:
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
Term
Division 11, Equipment:
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
Term
Division 12, Furnishings:
Definition
furniture systems furniture, art, window treatments, accessories, multiple seating, & interior plants
Term
Division 13, Specialty Construction:
Definition
air-supported structures, special-purpose rooms (clean rooms, saunas, planetariums, etc), seismic control, radiation protection, lightning protection, pre-engineered structures, hot tubs, & kennels
Term
Division 14, Conveying Equipment:
Definition
elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks, & lifts
Term
Division 21, Fire Suppression:
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.
Term
Division 22, Plumbing:
Definition
plumbing for buildings . *Processing piping is now in the Process Equipment subgroup
Term
Division 23, Heating, Ventilating, & AC:
Definition
Hvac systems, relocated from previous division 15
Term
Division 25, Integrated Automation:
Definition
Specifications for expanding technology, including energy monitoring & control, environmental control, lighting control
Term
Division 26, Electrical:
Definition
electrical now has own division
Term
Division 27, communications:
Definition
Established for the expanding technologies & specialized nature of computer networks & all types of communication systems (cable, telephone, sound systems, etc.)
Term
Division 28, Electronic Safety & Security:
Definition
Been established for the expanding technologies & specialized nature of security systems including intrusion detection, security access, video surveillance, & related topics
Term
2 main areas of a project's specifications where sustainability issues are addressed:
Definition
Division 01, General Requirements & In all the individual technical sections that cover specific materials & construction elements
Term
Sustainability issues addressed in Division 01:
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
Term
Some of the specification articles in the general Division 01 specification section may include the following:
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
Term
What are the three areas that a summary of environmental goals addresses:
Definition
1)Resource efficient materials & systems 2) energy conservation 3)Indoor air quality
Term
What are examples of submittals that may be required for sustainability concerns?
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
Term
What should an interior designer request contractor submit concerning hazardous materials:
Definition
material safety data sheets for all products that may contain hazardous materials
Term
Material safety data sheet:
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
Term
How can the individual technical sections of the specification contain sustainability requirements unique to each product:
Definition
Include info such as use of local products, recyled content, requirements for VOCs, energy efficiency, cleaning & maintenance requirements, certification by a 3rd party
Term
what technical sections will generally be included in sections that should contain sustainability requirements?
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
Term
How can interior designer actually go about specifying sustainability?
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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