specifications
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technical description of specifications :
"Mike Noll's Site ArchtoolBox is a great parallel resource and he has an excellent summary on Construction Specifications and the categories they fall into." book vs. sheet specifications - As the terms suggest the BOOK spec is exactly that, a separately bound book of specifications containing the various CSI divisions applicable to the project while the SHEET spec is a briefer version of the BOOK spec that is integrated into the drawings.
BOOK Specifications > Very Detailed > Typically associated with Larger Projects > May be a Client Requirement > May need to follow the Client's Requirements (such as the VA) SHEET Specifications > Abbreviated form of the BOOK spec structured more like notes. > Typically associated with Smaller Projects covering fewer CSI Div's strategies for identifying project relevant specification sections
One failing in the Contract Document preparation process is identifying which specification sections need to be written. When the specification writer is not preparing the contract drawings there is a disconnect that needs to be addressed to verify that all specification sections are covered. > BlueBeam Approach Create a non-terminating Revu Session which allows the project team to flag relevant spec sections as soon as they are integrated into the drawings by editing a PDF created from the CSI - Masterformat 2016 - Titles and Numbers > Revit Approaches + Keynotes can utilize a leading CSI-Spec number and help build a list of relevant sections identified on each sheet's keynote list. + A Shared Parameter assigned a CSI-Spec number can be associated to the various BIM components and families and be derived in the identifying schedules to build a list of relevant sections. > Software Approaches - Specifications derived directly from the Revit-BIM via software. + e-Specs + BDS Speclink + NBS Create + SPECedit w/ Model Probe (Must Read ! caveat on BIM-Specification software) strategies for writing specifications
Product manufacturer's and representatives can be helpful and provide you with a great starting point but be aware that the specs they provide will more than likely have a bias towards their product. If you are going to take this path in developing a specification it's probably a good practice to get spec sections from multiple manufacturer's and derive a non-proprietary spec that addresses the variations between the manufacturer's spec sections while still meeting the project requirements. This synthesizing process will help you: > identify the variations between the products, > exclude inferior products > compare and contrast the selected products > identify attributes requiring further research and > level the playing field so you can get competitive bids. |
resources
ARCAT and Sweets provide a CSI Division based breakdown of many of the nationally distributed building products with links to the manufacturer's website with pre-structured specification sections. ARCAT provides additional links to CAD and BIM resources. > ARCAT > Sweets CSI - Masterformat 2016 - Titles and Numbers CSI - Masterformat 2018 - Purchase 15 Reasons Specifications are Important to the Project education
If you are interested in getting experience in specification writing look into joining the local CSI chapter and then study for and pass the Construction Documents Technologist (CDT) exam CSI offers. This exam should also provide assistance with the Architectural Registration Exams if you are not currently registered. |
