SAMPLE CONSTRUCTION SPECIFICATIONS

This set of Specifications shall govern the methods of construction and the kinds of materials to
be used for the proposed building shown in the plans and detail drawings.

The plans,detail drawings and these specifications shall be considered as complementing each
other,so that what is mentioned or shown in one,although not mentioned or shown in the other,shall be
considered as appearing on both.In case of conflict between the two,the same should be referred to the
designing Architect/Engineer for resolution.

GENERAL CONDITIONS-
All parts of the construction shall be finished with first class workmanship,to the fullest talent and
meaning of the plans and these specifications,and to the entire satisfaction of the Architect/Engineer
and the owner.

The construction shall conform to all requirements of the National Building Code,as well as the
local rules and regulations of the municipality/city of ,Philippines.

CLEARING THE SITE-

The building site shall be levelled according to the plans and cleared of rubbish,roots and other
perishable and objectionable matters to a suitable subgrade.

All such unsuitable materials shall be removed from the building site and spread uniformly over
the areas adjacent to the proposed building, or otherwise disposed of as may be directed by the
Architect or Engineer in charge of the construction.

STAKING OUT THE BUILDING LINES-

The building lines shall be staked out and all lines and grades shown in the drawing established
before any excavation is started. Batterboards and reference marks shall be erected at such places
where they will not be disturbed during the excavation of the building .

EXCAVATION-
All the excavations shall be made to grade indicated in the drawings. Where the building site is
covered with any kind of fill,the excavation for footings should be made deeper until the stratum for
safe bearing capacity of the soil is reached.

Whenever water is encountered in the excavation process ,it shall be removed by bailing or
pumping,care being taken that the surrounding soil particles are not disturbed or removed .
BACKFILLS-
After concrete for foundations is hard enough to withstand pressure resulting from fills,the
materials removed from excavations shall be used for backfill around them.

Backfill and fills shall be placed in layers not exceeding 150mm in thickness,and each layer shall be
thoroughly compacted by wetting,tamping and rolling.

CONCRETE WORKS-
All concrete shall be mixed thoroughly until there is a uniform distribution of the cement and
aggregates,and should be deposited as nearly as practicable in its final position,care being taken to avoid
segregation of the aggregates.

Water to be used for mixing concrete shall be clean and free from injurious amount of
oil,acids,alkalis,salts and other organic materials.

PROPORTIONING OF CONCRETE-
All concrete works shall be done in accordance with the standard specifications for plain and
reinforced concrete as adopted by the Government.Cement to be used shall be (specify brand)
Portland cement, (specify brand) pozzolan cement or any other equivalent brands more readily
available in the locality.Alternative cements so selected must meet the requirements of Portland and
pozzolan cements,and approved by the Architect or Engineer in charge of construction.

The following proportions of concrete mixtures shall be used for the various parts of the building:

Collumns and footings -Class A (1:2:4)

Conc.Holl.Blk.footings -Class B (1:2-1/2:5)

Reinf.Conc.Beams and Slabs -Class A (1:2:4)

Concrete slab floor on fill -Class C (1:3:6)

Septic vault cover -Class A (1:2:4)

Class A concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part cement,2 parts fine aggregate and 4 parts coarse
aggregate by volume,plus enough clean water to make the mixture into a pliable paste.

Class B concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part cement, 2-1/2 parts fine aggregate and 5 parts coarse
aggregate by volume,plus enough clean water to make the mixture into a pliable paste.

Class C concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part cement, 3 parts fine aggregate and 6 parts coarse
aggregate by volume,plus enough clean water to make the mixture into a paliable paste.
 The fine aggregate for concrete shall consist of natural sand, or of inert maaterials with similar
characteristics,having clean,hard and durable grains, free from organic matter or loam

The coarse aggregate for concrete shall consist of crushed rock of durable and strong qualities,
or clean and hard gravel. Size of the coarse aggregate to be used shall vary from 20mm to 40mm (3/4”
to 1-1/2”).

FORMS FOR CONCRETE WORKS-

All forms for concrete works shall be properly braced or connected together so as to maintain the
correct position and shape of the concrete members. Forms shall be constructed sufficiently tight to
prevent bulging and seepage of water.

Forms shall not be removed until the concrete has attained sufficient strength to support its own
weight and any loads that maybe placed on it. Side forms of beams and girders may be removed earlier
than the bottoms forms but additional post or shoring must be placed under the beams or girders until
they have attained their strength.

CONCRETE SLAB FLOORS ON FILL-

Concrete slabs on fill shall be poured on a gravel bed of not less than 100m thick. Each concrete
slab course to be poured shall not be more than one meter wide, and each course shall be poured
alternately to the indicated floor finish.

SECOND FLOOR TOILET-BATH AND BALCONY CONCRETE

FLOOR SLABS-
When preparing the concrete for upper floor slabs of Toilet-Bath and balcony it shall be made
waterproof by adding (specify brand) waterproofing compound to the mixture.

The proportion of the waterproofing compound to a given volume of concrete mixture shall be as
recommended by the product manufacturer.

STEEL REINFORCING BARS-

All steel reinforcing bars to be used in this construction shall consist of round deformed bars with
lugs or projections on their sides to provide a greater bond between theconcrete and the steel. All steel
reinforcing bars to beused shall be (specify brand) .

All steel reinforcing bars shall be accurately placed and secured against displacement by lying them
together at each bar intersection with Gauge No. 16 galvanized iron wire.
 The steel reinforcing bars indicated for footings,columns,slabs,beams,girders,and other concrete
members shall all conform to the number,size and spacing as indicated in the drawing or schedule of
steel reinforcements.

No metal reinforcement shall be installed in place unless it is free from rust,scale,or other
coating,which will destroy or reduce the bond with concrete.

CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS-

Concrete hollow blocks to be used in this project shall be (specify brand) .

All exterior concrete hallow blocks to be used for first floor walls shall be at least 150mm
thick,while concrete hollow blocks for interior walls unless otherwise indicated,shall be 100mm thick.
For interior CHB walls where plumbing pipes and fittings shall be located,the thickness shall be at least
150mm.

Concrete hollow block to be used for walls above the first floor,shall be 100mm thick.

The concrete hollow block walls shall be laid, and the cells filled with cement mortar consisting of 1
part Portland cement and 3 parts sand by volume.They shall e reinforced with round deformed bars
10mm diameter,spaced not more than 0.80m on centers,bothways.

All exposed surfaces of concrete hollow block walls shall be finished with the specified materials
indicated on the elevation dawings.

The mixture of cement plaster for concrete hallow block wall finishes indicated in the drawing
shall be 1 part cement,1part lime and 3 parts sand.

FLOOR FINISHES-
The materials to be used as floor finishes for the rooms of the building shall be as follows:

Entrance Porch...................................(Specify)

Living Room................................... ( Specify)

Dining Room ................................... ( Specify)

Kitchen................................... ( Specify)

Maid’s Room ................................... ( Specify)

Bedroom (First Floor) ................................... ( Specify)

Carport...................................( Specify)

Bedrooms (Second Floor) and Hall ................................... ( Specify)

Balcony (Second Floor) ................................... ( Specify)

TILE WALL AND FLOOR FINISHES-
The toilet and bathroom floors shall be finished with (specify brand) ceramic tiles carrying
the brand, (specify brand) Tiles.

The walls of the toilets,bathrooms,top of kitchen cabinets,and laundry tub,and their adjacent walls
shall be wainscoted with 200mm x 200mm (8” x 8”) ceramic tiles.

Interior and exterior comers of tiled floors and walls shall be provided with the necessary tile
mouldings.

All tiles for floor, walls and mouldings shall be free from laminations, serrated edges, chipped-off
corners and other defects, which would adversely affect their appearance and strength. All joints
between tiles and mouldings shall be filled with (specify brand) white cement and then carefully
wiped.

Before the tiles and mouldings are laid in place,they shall be thoroughly soaked in water if
recommended by the manufacturer.mortar to be used in setting the tiles and moldings shall be a
mixture of 1 part cement and 2 parts sand by volume.

LUMBER-
Lumber to be used in this project shall be well seasoned, thoroughly dry and free from loose or
unsound knots, shakes or other imperfections impairing their strength or appearances.

The kind of lumber to be used for the various parts of the building shall be as follows:

Exterior door frames................................... ( Specify)

Interior door frames................................... ( Specify)

Purslins,Wall Studs, Ceiling Joists, Cleats................................... ( Specify)

Fascia Boards,Cabinets/Closet Shelves................................... ( Specify)

Stair Threads,Stringers, Risers and Handrails................................... ( Specify)

FRAMES-
All wood frames for windows, door, cabinets and closets shall be done as much as possible,with
carefully fitted mortise and tenon joints. All door and window frames to be installed on concrete hollow
block and other masonry walls shall be anchoredwith 76mm(3”)common wire nails all around the
contract surfaces.And all such contact surfaces shall first be painted with (specify brand) wood
preservative before the frames are installed in place.

All unexposed lumber such as posts,plates,floor and roof beams,trusses or rafters, floor joists and
bridgings, purlins,cleats,ceiling joists,wall stud,etch. Shall likewise be treated with (secify brand)
Wood preservative after they been installed in place.
ROOFING-
The roof shall be covered with (specify brand) pre-pointed roofing sheets as shown on the
plans.The roofing sheets shall be secured to the purlins with 6mm dia. (1/4” dia.) GI rivets and Gauge
No. 26 plain GI straps cut long enough for bending around the specified size or purlins. The straps shall
each be at least 25mm wide with corners chipped off at the riveting ends.

Ridge rolls, hip rolls and valleys to be used shall be those compatible with the (specify brand)
pre-painted long-span roofing sheets. They shall lap the roofing sheets at least 250mm. The ridge rolls,
hip rolls and valleys shall be riveted to the roofing sheets, in addition to the rivets engaging the GI straps
in securing the roofing sheets to the purlins.

All roofing sheets adjacent to concrete hallow block and other mansory walls such as at property
line firewalls, shall be provided with Gauge No. 26 plain GI flashing to extend up to the top and over to
the other side of the wall. All rivets shall be placed at the top of the corrugations of the roofing sheets to
prevent water from standing around the rivets.

ELECTRICAL WORKS-
The electrical installation shall be done in accordance with the approved plans and under the
direct supervisionand control of a licensed professional Electrical Engineer or Master Electrician.

All electric works and materials shall conform to the provisions of the latest edition of the
Philippine or National Electric Code.

The electrical wiring shall be installed thru (Specify brand) coilable PVC electrical conduit,
fittings and appurtenances that conform with ISO dimensions.

The type of electrical services to be supplied to the building shall be 220V, AC, single phase.

There shall be only one service drop from the nearest (specify Electrical Company) pole to the
proposed building. Electric wires for lights and power shall not be smaller than 13.5m m² (AWG NO. 12),
600V insulation.

Electrical materials to be used for the electric installation shall be as follows:

Automatic Circuit Breaker................................... ( Specify)

Flush wall switches, Convenience outlets other wiring devices................................... ( Specify)

Wires/Conductors................................... ( Specify)

(List other materials, if necessary)

The spare circuit shall be provided with an empty PVC pipe, size 19mm which should extend at
least 300mm above the ceiling line. The grounding wires shall be identified and all wires shall be color-
coded for easy identification.

The panelboard shall be provided with a circuit directory.

PLUMBING WORKS-
All plumbing works for this project shall be done in accordance with the approved plans and under
the direct supervision and control of a licensed Sanitary Engineer or Master Plumber.

Piping shall be properly graded or pitched to ensure easy circulation, drainage and prevent water
hammer and noise.

The plumbing installation shall conform with the provisions of the National Plumbing Code and the
rules and regulations enforced in the locality.

Piping for drain, Waste and vent shall be done using (specify brand) uPVC push-on system. For
the in-house water supply installation, (specify brand) uPVC pipes and fittings shall be used.

The plumbing fixtures and accessories to be provided and installed shall be as follows:

Water Closets................................... ( Specify brand and model)

Lavatories................................... ( Specify brand and model)

Kitchen Sinks................................... ( Specify brand and model)

Shower Heads................................... ( Specify brand and model)

Soap Holder................................... ( Specify brand)

Toil.Paper Holder................................... ( Specify brand )

Floor Drain...................................Size 100mm x 100mm (4” x 4”) stainless steel

(List other materials,if necessary)

Where a sanitary sewer system of sewage disposal is not in operation in the locality, a standard
septic vault shall be constructed as shown in the drawings.

DOORS AND DOOR FRAMES-

Doors and door frames shall conform to the sizes, designs and kind of materials shown in the details of
doors,schedule of doors or as per the bill of materials.

All wooden doors shall be hung on at least 3 pieces of 102mm x 102mm (4”x 4”) loose-pin bearing
template hinges.

Door locksets to be used shall be (specify brand) brand to be installed 1024mm from the finished
floor line.

Rails and rollers for sliding doors shall be (specify brand) .

STEEL WINDOWS-
Steel windows to be used in this project shall conform to the size and design shown in the detail
drawings or schedule of steel windows,or as per the bill of materials.

JALOUSIE WINDOWS-
Jalousie windows to be installed shall conform to the detail drawings or schedule of jalousie
windows, or as shown in the bill of materials. Hardwares and fittings for louver windows shall be
galvanized-plated steel with rotor-operators.

Glass jalousie slats shall be 5.5mm thick x 100mm wide. Use frosted glass blades for all bedroom
areas and clear glass slats for all other rooms.

Glass jalousie windows shall be provided with aluminum screens. Wrought iron grilles using at least
12mm square steel bars shall be installed on all jalousie windows.

STORM DRAINAGE-
All downspouts from the roof gutters shall end in concrete catch basins, to which 6” reinforced
concrete drainage pipes shall be connected leading to the street gutter fronting the building.

PAINTING-
All painting work for this project, except as hereinafter specified, shall be done with the use of
(specify brand) paint products.

The painting contractor shall supply all tabor, paint materials, tools, staging and equipment
necessary, and shall perform all painting and finishing work as shown in the schedule of painting and
finishing work for this project.

The pinting contractor shall store his materials in one place in the building to be kept neat and
clean, care being taken in the storage of paints, oils, etc. To prevent danger of fire. Oily rags shall be kept
in metal containers and shall be removed from the building every end of the working day.

Upon completion of the painting works, the painting contractor shall remove any paint spots from
all finished work. He shall present his work to the Project owner or Architect/Engineer in-charge of
construction, free from blemishes and rubbish generated by his workers.

It shall be the painting contractor’s responsibility to protect his work and those of other contractors
during the time his work is underway. He shall be responsible for any damage to the work or property of
others caused by his employees or by himself.
 Before any painting is done, all surface shall be cleaned, smoothed and freed from dust, dirt,
grease, mortar, rust and other foreign subtances. All parts where paint remover has been used shall be
washed off with paint or lacquer thinner. All paints shall be spread evenly and carefully.

All paint and paint materials shall be delivered to the building site in unbroken packages, bearing
the marks of the specified brand. No adulteration of specified paints with other brands shall be allowed.

PROJECT
OWNER