MODULE 1: SPECIFICATION WRITING Furnish: to supply and deliver to the project site,

ready to install.
1.1 DEFINITION AND TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS Install: to place in position for service or use.
SPECIFICATIONS Provide: to furnish and install, complete, ready for
The part of the contract documents consisting of a use.
detailed description of the technical nature of the  Avoid using abbreviations in the body of a
materials, standards, and quality of execution of the specification.
work to be placed under contract.  Every word in a specification is important. Do not
underline, bold, italicize, highlight.
TYPES OF SPECIFICATIONS
1. PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATION 1.3 UNIFORM SYSTEM
A specification that stipulates how a particular UNIFORM SYSTEM (MASTERFORMAT)
component or system must perform without A format developed by the Construction Specifications
giving the means to be employed to achieve the Institute for coordinating specifications, filing of
results. technical data and product literature, and construction
2. DESCRIPTIVE SPECIFICATION cost accounting, organized into 16 divisions based on an
A specification that stipulates the exact interrelationship of material, trade, or function.
quantities and qualities of materials to be
furnished and how they are to be assembled in 16-DIVISION UNIFORM CONSTRUCTION INDEX
a construction. Division 1: General Requirements
3. REFERENCE SPECIFICATION Division 2: Site Work
A specification that refers to a standard Division 3: Concrete
specification to indicate the properties desired Division 4: Masonry
in a material or component and the methods of Division 5: Metals
testing required to substantiate the Division 6: Wood and Plastics
performance of products. Division 7: Thermal and Moisture Protection
4. PROPRIETARY SPECIFICATION Division 8: Doors and Windows
A specification that stipulates the use of specific Division 9: Finishes
products, systems, or processes without Division 10: Specialties
provision for substitution. Division 11: Equipment
Division 12: Furnishings
1.2 SPECIFICATION WRITING TECHNIQUES Division 13: Special Construction
WRITING STYLE Division 14: Conveying Systems
 Be accurate, brief and clear. Division 15: Mechanical
 Avoid complex sentences and stilted Division 16: Electrical
(artificially formal) language.
 Use simple sentences and common words. ADVANTAGES OF 16-DIVISION FORMAT
 Provide a standard, fixed framework for
SENTENCE FORM organizing specifications.
 Form simple declarative sentences or  Serves as a sequencing guide for arranging
imperative statements. specification sections. Provides easy
EXAMPLE: “Place a label on the front of the retrieval of information.
data outlet face plate.”  Provides easy retrieval of information.
 Do not write in the indicative form.
EXAMPLE: “Contractor shall place a label on THREE-PART SECTION FORMAT
the front of the data outlet face plates.”
 Start with a verb. A word of action. Part 1: GENERAL
Defines the specific administrative and procedural
SPECIFICATION LANGUAGE requirements unique to this section.
 Words to avoid: ALL, ANY, EVERY, SHOULD,
COULD, PLEASE, MUST, IS TO. Scope
 Terms should be defined in the contract.  Related Work Specified
 Furnished by Others
  Furnished but not Installed  Storage of Equipment
 Furnished by Owner Environmental Conditions
 Temperature
Description of Systems  Humidity
 Water Supply System  Lighting
 Chilled Water System  Ventilation
 Wiring System
 Telephone System Protection
 Fire Detection System  Drop Cloths
 Integrated Ceiling System  Removal of Hardware
 Curtain Wall System  Removal of Flammable Rubbish
 Smoking
Requirements of Regulatory Agencies
 Permits Operating Instructions
 Codes For mechanical and electrical systems. To be given by
 Ordinances BUILDING ENGINEER
 U.L. Regulations
 Tests by Agencies Extra Stock
 Design Conditions  Spare Parts
 Extra Tile
Qualifications  Extra Wall Covering
 Qualification of Manufacturer  Resilient Flooring
 Qualification of Applicators  Extra Brick
 Qualification of Welders  Tools
 Qualification of Erectors  Maintenance Materials
 Qualification of Testing Agency
Alternates
Submittals
 Time and Sequence Schedules Measurement and Payment
 Shop Drawings
 Samples Part 2: PRODUCTS
 Manufacturer’s Literature Describes, in detail, the quality of items that are
 Lists required for incorporation into the project under this
 Parts Lists section.
 Certificates
 Guarantees Materials
 Bonds
Mixes
Mock-up  Plaster Mix
 Sample Panels  Concrete Mix
 Models  Asphalt Binder Mix
 Window Assembly  Asphalt Topping Mix
 Door Assembly  Terrazzo Mix
 Curtain Wall Assembly
 Panel Wall Assembly Equipment
 Integrated Ceiling Assembly
Fabrication
Product Handling  Fabrication of Structural Steel
 Delivery of Materials  Fabrication of Reinforcing Steel
 Delivery of Equipment  Fabrication of Doors
 Delivery of Fixtures  Fabrication of Windows
 Storage of Materials  Fabrication of Toilet Partitions
Source Quality Control

 Mill Tests
 Factory Tests
 Plant Tests
 Shop Test

Part 3: EXECUTION
Describes, in detail, preparatory actions and how the
products are incorporated into the project.

Condition of Surfaces

Preparations
 Fine Grading (to receive base course)
 Treatment of Formwork (to receive concrete)
 Treatment of Galvanized Surfaces (to receive
paint)
 Treatment of Wood Surfaces (to receive paint)
Installation

Placing Concrete
 Laying Bricks
 Framing Floors
 Applying Paint
 Clearing Site
 Erection of Trusses

Field Quality Control

Adjusting

Patching

Cleaning

Schedules
 Accessories Schedule
 Hardware Schedule
 Painting Schedule
 Plumbing Fixture Schedule
 Mechanical Equipment Schedule
 Lighting Fixture Schedule