Ch 15 Construction Specifications

Question 1

The technical specification describe . . .

Answer 1

the quality of materials and workmanship, along with the general requirments for the execution of the work, standards, and other items that are more appropriately described in written, rather than graphic form.

Question 2

When can specs be put on the drawings?

Answer 2

For small projects

Question 3

On most projects, the specifications are included in a _______ __________ and issued with the drawings and contract agreements as part of the complete package of contract documents.

Answer 3

Project Manual

Question 4

What does a project manual consist of?

Answer 4

A bound book containing all the contract and noncontract documents for a construction project EXCEPT the drawings and the agreement. It CONTAINS the technical specifications, and it includes several other types of documents.

Question 5

What (4) four parts is the project manual divided into?

Answer 5

(1) Bidding Requirements, if needed (2) Parts of the contract itself, which may contain the agreement between the owner and contractor, bond forms, and the like (3) General and supplementary conditions of the contract and (4) Technical Specifications

Question 6

What may be included in the Bidding Requirements?

Answer 6

Invitation to bid, prequalification forms, instructions to bidders, information available to bidders, and bid forms.

Question 7

What may be included in the Supplements to Bid Forms?

Answer 7

Bid Security Form, Subcontractor List, Substitution List

Question 8

What may be included in the Contract Forms?

Answer 8

Agreement (between contractor and owner), Performance Bond, Labor and Materials Payment Bond Certificates of Insurance

Question 9

What may be included in the General and Supplementary Conditions?

Answer 9

General Conditions of the Contract (e.g. AIA Form A201 or similar preprinted form), Supplementary Conditions (anything not covered in the general conditions), Technical Specifications

Question 10

What are the two broad categories of construction specifications?

Answer 10

Prescriptive and Performance

Question 11

Prescriptive (Closed) Specifications

Answer 11

Tell exactly what product or material the contractor must use by using brand names.

Question 12

Performance (Open) Specifications

Answer 12

Tell what results the final construction assembly must achieve, but they give the contractor some choice in how they will be achieved.

Question 13

Most interior design specifications . . .

Answer 13

fall between the two extremes of Prescriptive and Performance Specs.

Question 14

Public projects usually require what type of specs?

Answer 14

Open (to encourage competitive bidding)

Question 15

If a job is being bid . . .

Answer 15

the contractor should have as much choice as possible so he/she can find the lowest price within the context of the specification requirements.

Question 16

What are two common variations of of prescriptive specifications?

Answer 16

Proprietary and Base-Bid

Question 17

What are the common variations of of performance specifications?

Answer 17

Descriptive, Reference Standard, and Pure Performance

Question 18

Proprietary Specifications

Answer 18

The most RESTRICTIVE specifications that call out a specific manufacturer’s product, giving the designer COMPLETE CONTROL over what is installed. They are EASIER to write and are generally SHORTER. They DO NOT allow for competitive bidding and may force the contractor to use materials or products that may be difficult or expensive to procure or that require a long delivery time.

Question 19

Base-Bid (Equal ) Specifications

Answer 19

Call out a proprietary material/product but allows the substitution of other products that the contractor thinks are equal to the one stated. This is a RISKY method of specifying because the contractor may substitute a less expensive item that he thinks is equal, but isn’t.

Question 20

What are the two variations of Base-Bid specifications, to allow the designer more control over possible substitutions?

Answer 20

(1) Lists several approved manufacturers of a product. The contractor is free to bid on any one listed. This type satisfies the requirements for PUBLIC work where at least three different manufacturers must be listed, but puts the BURDEN on the designer to make sure every one is equal. (2) Uses “approved equal” language stating that one product or approved equal must be used. This means the contractor may submit a substitution, but the substitution would be SUBJECT TO REVIEW and APPROVAL by the designer before being incorporated into the bidding. Thsi gives the contractor some freedom to find lower-priced alternates and puts the burden of finding them on the contractor. The RESPONSIBILITY for fairly and accurately evaluating the alternates is PLACED ON THE INTERIOR DESIGNER. SPECIFICATIONS SHOULD CLEARLY STATE HOW MUCH LEAD TIME THE CONTRACTOR MUST GIVE THE INTERIOR DESIGNER AND HOW ALTERNATES WILL BE EVALUATED.

Question 21

Descriptive Specification

Answer 21

A type of performance spec that gives detailed written requirements for the material or product and the workmanship required for its fabrication and installation. IT DOES NOT MENTION TRADE NAMES. It is difficult to write because all the pertinent requirements for the construction and installation of the product must be included.

Question 22

Reference Standard Specification

Answer 22

A variation of the descriptive spec that describes a material, product or process based on requirements (reference standards) set by an acceptable authority or test method, or trade association. These specs are fairly easy to write and are generally short. Chances for errors are REDUCED and liability is minimized because industry standards and generally recognized methods of building are being used.

Question 23

Pure Performance Specifications

Answer 23

A statement setting criteria and results required of the item being specified. The results can be verified by measurement, tests, or other types of evaluation. THE MEANS OF ACHIEVING THE REQUIRED RESULTS ARE NOT SPECIFIED; this is left up to the vendor or contractor. THEY ARE DIFFICULT TO WRITE because the specifier must know all the criteria, state the methods for testing compliance, and write an unambiguous document. THESE ARE RARELY USED FOR INTERIOR CONSTRUCTION.

Question 24

When is a true performance specification used?

Answer 24

For construction components when the specifier wants to encourage new ways of achieving a particular results.

Question 25

Master (Guide) Specifications

Answer 25

Prewritten specifications that cover nearly all types of products, methods of installation, and other variables that relate to a specific product or construction activity.

Question 26

Guide Specifications

Answer 26

Similar to master specifications, except they are usually NOT AS COMPLETE. They simply assist the spec writer in organizing the information and showing what decisions need to be made and where things should be placed in the correct location in the document.

Question 27

What is the danger in using a "Cut and Paste" method of writing specifications?

Answer 27

Important clauses or conditions may be lost or inappropriately used, especially by an inexperienced designer.

Question 28

What are the three ways master specifications are produced?

Answer 28

(1) Use one of several commercial products that can be bought/subscribed to and that enable them to simply select and edit the required sections to fit the needs of each product. The company providing the spec performs the task of WRITING AND COORDINATING AND KEEPING EACH SECTION CURRENT. (2) Large offices can write and maintain their own master specifications and may have a spec writer (3) Hire a spec consultant who uses their own commercial product. The ADVANTAGE is that this person is experienced and knows what questions to ask, how to select and evaluate materials, how to coordinate all the sections, and how to customize each section for a specific project. THE DESIGN OFFICE IS STILL RESPONSIBLE FOR ERRORS AND OMISSIONS IN THE SPECS, as they are for any consulting working under an agreement with the designer.

Question 29

MasterFormat System (CSI)

Answer 29

The organization of the technical sections has be standardized through this syems to standardize the numbering and format of project-related information for use in specifying, cost estimating, and data filing.

Question 30

Instead of the previous 5 digit number, how many numbers does the new MasterFormat system have?

Answer 30

6 (First 2 numbers represent the division numbers, with a leading zero used for the single-digit versions. The next two numbers represents the level-two hierarchy, and the last two represent level three in the hierarchy. This allows for flexibility and room for expansion)

Question 31

What questions may the exam ask regarding specifications?

Answer 31

Questions sometimes ask in which CSI MasterFormat section information on a particular material will be found. The candidate should know the names of the divisions, or at least those in the facility construction subgroup and the facility service subgroup, and generally whar is included in each subdivision.

Question 32

What should be studied of the CSI MasterSpec divisions?

Answer 32

Study the list of each division with the more detailed level-two divisions, to be thoroughly familiar with the correct locations in the specifications for particular construction elements.

Question 33

Division 00, Procurement and Contracting Requirements

Answer 33

This division covers requirements for bidding and contracting, including bid solicitation, instructions to bidders, information available to bidders, bid forms, the agreement (contract), bonds and certificates, general conditions of the contract, supplementary conditions, addenda, and modifications. These are part of the CONTRACT DOCUMENTS.

Question 34

Division 01, General Requirements

Answer 34

This division includes requirements that are applicable to the entire project or all the individual technical sections. These include a summary of the work, how pricing and payment will be handled, alternates, value analysis, contract modification procedures, unit prices, construction progress documentation, submittal procedures (samples, shop drawings), quality control, temporary facilities and the job site, product substitution procedures, owner-furnished items, special execution requirements, and final cleaning and protection of work.

Question 35

What spec section is included in: Procurement and Contracting Requirements Group?

Answer 35

Division 00

Question 36

What spec section is included in: General Requirements Subgroup?

Answer 36

Division 01

Question 37

What spec sections are included in: Construction Subgroup?

Answer 37

Divisions 02-19

Question 38

What spec sections are included in: Sevices Subgroup?

Answer 38

Divisions 20-29

Question 39

What spec sections are included in: Site and Infrastructure Subgroup?

Answer 39

Divisions 30-39

Question 40

What spec sections are included in: PWhat spec sections are included in: Process Equipment Subgroup?rocess Equipment Subgroup?

Answer 40

Divisions 40-49

Question 41

The term General Requirements should not be confused with what term?

Answer 41

General Conditions of the Contract for Construction

Question 42

Division 02, Existing ConditionsDivision 02, Existing Conditions

Answer 42

Spec section used to specify site remediation, site decontamination, subsurface investigation, surveying, and selective demolition, among other items related to existing conditions on a job site.

Question 43

Division 03, Concrete

Answer 43

This division covers all aspects of concrete including forms, reinforcement, cast-in-place concrete, precast concrete, cementitious decks and underlayments, grouts, and concrete restoration and cleaning.

Question 44

Division 04, Masonry

Answer 44

Covers all aspects of masonry including: brick, concrete block, stone, terra cotta, simulated masonry, glass block, and masonry restoration and cleaning.

Question 45

Division 05, Metals

Answer 45

Includes all types of structural steel and other structural metals, ornamental metals, and metal fabrications as well as expansion joint covers and metal restoration and cleaning. LIGHT GAUGE METAL FRAMING FOR PARTITIONS IS LOCATED IN DIVISION 9.

Question 46

Division 06, Wood, Plastics and Composites

Answer 46

Covers the typical structural wood framing, rough carpentry, finish carpentry, and architectural woodwork. It also includes structural plastics, plastic fabrications, wood and plastic restoration and cleaning, and the newer plastic wood and other specialty composite materials. MANUFACTURED CASEWORK IS IN DIVISION 12.

Question 47

Division 07, Thermal and Moisture Protection

Answer 47

Includes damproofing and waterproofing, insulation, vapor retarders, air barriers, shingles, roof tiles, siding, membrane roofing, flashing, joint sealers, fire and smoke protection, and roofing specialties.

Question 48

Division 08, Openings

Answer 48

Includes metal doors and frames, wood doors and frames, specialty doors, store fronts, all types of windows, skylights, hardware, curtain walls, and glazing.

Question 49

Division 09, Finishes

Answer 49

Covers all types of finish materials, including plaster, GWB (including metal framing), all types of flooring materials, acoustical ceilings and other decorative ceilings, wall coverings, acoustical treatments, paints, and other coatings.

Question 50

Division 10, Specialties

Answer 50

Covers things such as visual display boards, toilet compartments, louvers, grilles, wall and corner guards, access flooring, pre-built fireplaces, flagpoles, signage, lockers, awnings, demountable partitions, storage shelving, exterior protection, and toilet and both accessories.

Question 51

Division 11, Equipment

Answer 51

Contains information for architectural equipment including vaults and security items, teller and security equipment, library equipment, chuch-related equipment, theatre and stage equipment, musical equipment, mercantile equipment, checkroom equipment, vending machines, a/v equipment, loading dock equipment, detention equipment, athletic equipment, medical equipment, mortuary equipment, and equipment for laboratories, planetariums, observatories and offices.

Question 52

Division 12, Furnishings

Answer 52

Includes furniture, systems furniture, art, window treatments, accessories, multiple seating, and interior plants. INCLUDES MANUFACTURED CASEWORK (Custom casework is in Division 06!!!)

Question 53

Division 13, Special Construction

Answer 53

Includes air-supported structures, special-purpose rooms (clean rooms, saunas, planetariums, etc.), seimic control, radiation protection, lightning protection, pre-engineered structures, hot tubs, and kennels.

Question 54

Division 14, Conveying Equipment

Answer 54

Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, moving walks and lifts.

Question 55

Division 21, Fire Suppression

Answer 55

Contains specifications that include detection and alarms, and all types of fire suppression systems, such as wet-pipe, dry-pipe, deluge, carbon dioxide, foam, pre-action, and dry chemical systems as well as standpipes and hoses. (Fire-related materials such as doors and fire-stopping are in their respective divisions!!)

Question 56

Division 22, Plumbing

Answer 56

Plumbing Related Specifications

Question 57

Division 23, HVAC

Answer 57

HVAC Related Specifications

Question 58

Division 25, Integrated Automation

Answer 58

Contains specifications for this expanding technology, including energy monitoring and control, environmental control, lighting control, and similar topics.

Question 59

Division 26, Electrical

Answer 59

Electrical Related Specifications

Question 60

Division 27, Communications

Answer 60

Spec section for the expanding technologies and specialized nature of computer networks and all types of communications systems (cable, telephone, internet, sound systems, etc.)

Question 61

Division 28, Electronic Safety and Security

Answer 61

Division of specifications established for the expanding technologies and specialized nature of security systems, including intrusion detection, security access, video surveillance, and related topics.

Question 62

What spec sections have the most difficult questions on the exam?

Answer 62

10, 11, 13

Question 63

What is a tip for what is including in Division 10, Specialties?

Answer 63

This section includes items that are not standard materials (wallboard, flooring, finishes, and ceilings, are typically small scale, and are usually placed in a building in multiples. Things such as visual display boards, lockers, wall and corner guards, and access flooring are typically not found in every building (they are "special"). They are small relative to the building and spaces in the building. There is also multiple items used.

Question 64

What is a tip for what is including in Division 11, Equipment?

Answer 64

Includes items that are generally LARGER and more expensive than those in Division 10, Specialties.

Question 65

What is a tip for what is including in Division 13, Special Construction?

Answer 65

Includes much larger elements than can almost be thought of as a building within a building.

Question 66

What is the first level of division within a section?

Answer 66

Three-Part Format (Includes Part 1, General; Part 2, Products; and Part 3, Execution) All sections include three parts, while the specific articles within the parts vary with the type of material or product being specified.

Question 67

Part 1 (of 3-Part Format)

Answer 67

Gives the general requirements for the section, such as the scope of the section, submittal requirements, quality assurance requirements, warranties, project conditions, and specifications for the delivery, storage, and handling of materials.

Question 68

Part 2 (of 3-Part Format)

Answer 68

Details the specifications for the materials and products themselves, including acceptable manufacturer (if applicable), what standards and test methods the materials must conform to, how items are to be fabricated, and similar concerns.

Question 69

Part 3 (of 3-Part Format)

Answer 69

Tells how the products and materials are to be installed, applied, or otherwise put into place. This part also describes the examination and preparation required before installation, how quality control should be maintained in the field, and the requirements for the adjusting, cleaning, and protection of the finishes work.

Question 70

Specifications are . . .

Answer 70

Legal documents as well as a way of communicating technical information, and must be complete, accurate, and unambiguous.

Question 71

Some important things to remember when writing specifications are . . .

Answer 71

Know what the standards and test methods referred to include and what parts of them are applicable to the project. Do not specify together the results and the methods proposed the achieve those results, as the two may conflict. Do not include standards that cannot be measured. Avoide exculpatory clauses, which are phrases that try to shift responsibility to the contractor or someone else in a very broad, general way. Avoid words or phrase that are ambiguous, like "and/or", keep specifications as short as possible, and describe only one major idea in each paragraph.

Question 72

What two main areas of specifications are sustainability issues addressed?

Answer 72

Division 01, General Requirements and in all the individual technical sections that cover specific materials and construction elements.

Question 73

In what section should contractors be advised of the design requirements used by the architect and the rest of the design team in the preparation of the contract documents.

Answer 73

Division 01, General Requirements

Question 74

What articles may be included in Division 01, General Requirements in relation to sustainability?

Answer 74

A summary of the environmental goals of the project and the special requirements required of the contractor, including requirements in the areas of resource efficient materials and systems, energy conservation, and indoor air quality. If LEED certification is sought, the individual credits required by LEED may be used to develop a list of requirements. Required submittals from the contractor. Also request from the contract the MSDS for all materials containing hazardous materials. Required tests and procedures for testing materials to verify that they comply with the requirements. A list of hazardous materials and chemicals. A list of definitions with which the contractor may not be familiar. A list of sources of information for product certification or sustainability that the contractor can use. Requirements for the packaging of materials with recycled products. Requirements for construction activities to minimize pollutions, dust erosion, etc.

Question 75

What articles may be included in individual spec sections in relation to sustainability?

Answer 75

Should contain the sustainability requirements unique to each product, such as VOC limits, energy efficiency, cleaning and maintenance, certification by a third party, etc. The sections affected generally are: concrete, rough carpentry, architectural woodwork, plastic products, doors, windows, GWB, acoustical ceilings, carpeting, resilient flooring, paints and coatings, and toilet partitions.

Question 76

For specifying in Part 2, Products, of each spec section, the interior designer can do what in relation to sustainability?

Answer 76

(1) Write a performance spec giving the requirements for recycled content, maximum emissions of chemicals,etc. (difficult to write) (2) Give a list of three to five approaches that the interior designer knows will satisfy the requirements of the specification section. A provision can allow the contractor to submit a proposed substitution if the contractor can prove it meets all the requirements. (3) If there is only one product that meets the requirements, a proprietary spec can be written. The number of proprietary specs should be limited, and may not be able to be used in public work.