Chapter 8 Construction Specifications Introduction Building plans Contain

Chapter 8 Construction Specifications

Introduction • Building plans – Contain general and specific information – Schedules • Contain specific information about items and applications – Specifications • Written descriptions of materials, equipment, construction systems, standards, and work quality

Introduction (cont’d. ) • Construction specifications – Often follow guidelines of individual architect or engineering firm – Can be as basic as a description of materials or as in-depth as Master. Format

Residential Descriptions of Materials • Most lenders have a format for providing residential construction specifications – Federal Housing Administration and Federal Home Loan Mortgage Corporation • Description of Materials

Residential Descriptions of Materials (cont’d. ) • Plans, construction specifications, and building contract – Together become legal documents – Should be prepared carefully in cooperation with the architect, client, and contractor • Any variation should be approved by all parties

General Construction Specifications • Describe in detail requirements for products, materials, and workmanship – Exact statement describing characteristics of a particular aspect – Communicate information about required products to be used • Basis for competitive construction bidding, and to measure compliance with contracts

General Construction Specifications (cont’d. ) • Types of performance specifications: – Proprietary product specifications • Provide specific product names and models for desired applications – Method specifications • Outline material selection and construction operation process – End-result specifications • Describe final characteristics

Specifications for Residential Design • Minimum construction specifications: – Established by local building officials – Vary from one location to the next – Contents are dependent on: • • Specific local requirements Climate Codes used Extent of coverage

Specifications for Commercial Construction • Often more complex and comprehensive than residential construction – May provide very detailed instructions for each construction phase • Time schedules for project completion • Inspections in conjunction with or in addition to those required by a local jurisdiction

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Often follow guidelines of individual architect or engineering firm • Common format has been established – Master. Format • Master list of numbers and subject titles • Organizes information about construction work results, requirements, products, and activities into a standard sequence

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. )

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Master. Format has two main groups: – Procurement and Contracting Requirements • Establish relationships, processes, and responsibilities – Specifications • Contain construction specifications subgroups and related divisions

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Uni. Format uniform classification system – Organizes preliminary construction information into a standard order on basis of functional elements • Functional elements (i. e. , systems or assemblies) are common major components that perform a known function

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Uni. Format uniform classification system (cont’d. ) – Provides consistent comparable data across an entire building life cycle • Considers everything about the building

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Uni. Format uniform classification system (cont’d. ): – Purposes: • Achieve consistency in economic evaluation of projects • Enhance reporting of design program information • Consistency in filing information

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Uni. Format categories: – A-Substructure, B-Shell, C-Interiors, DServices, E-Equipment and Finishings, FSpecial Construction and Demolition, GBuilding Site Work, Z-General

Specifications for Commercial Construction (cont’d. ) • Uni. Format numbering system: – Divides each level-one category into level-two, level-three, level-four, and level-five titles • Set alphanumeric labels

Construction Documents • Documents – All drawings and written information • Construction documents – Drawings and written specifications • Prepared by architects and engineers • Communicates project design and for administering construction contract

Construction Documents (cont’d. ) • Bidding requirements – Used to attract bidders and explain procedures for submitting bids • Contract documents – Legal requirements – Become part of construction contract

Construction Documents (cont’d. ) • Construction drawings – Show lines and text to provide information – Depend on specific requirements – Vary in how much information is shown • Coordinating drawings and specifications – Combined drawings and specifications are referred to as plans