*Specification Types & Formats Flashcards
(16 cards)
What does a closed specification mean?
No other product can be used on the project other than what was specified
Also called Prescriptive
“What it is”
What does an open specification mean?
Open specifications allow the contractor to suggest substitutes
Also called performance
“What it does”
What are two common variations of prescriptive specifications?
Proprietary and base-bid
What are three types of performance specifications?
Descriptive, reference standard, and pure performance
What are Master Specifications?
pre written specifications that cover nearly all types of products, methods of installation, and other variables that relate to a specific product or construction activity.
If price is the most important factor for the owner, which specification type should you suggest?
Performance
Performance specifications are most likely to give the owner the least expensive price overall, while these may create more work for the general contractor.
Describe ProprietaryProprietary specifications
Proprietary specifications prescribe or list precisely what product or material to use by brand name.
-The most restrictive
-Easiest to write
-Give the designer the most control
Describe Base-bid specifications
A base bid or equal specification calls out a proprietary product but allows for substituting other equal products.
Describe performance specifications
Performance specifications describe the expected performance of the specified items. Any item that meets the performance criteria can be used in the project, regardless of the brand name.
-often used for custom components
-More challenging to write
Describe descriptive specifications
When many similar products are available, descriptive specifications allow the designer to describe the exact standards required without selecting a particular manufacturer.
-in its purest form it is more difficult to write because you must write the requirements for construction and installation of the product
Describe Reference Specifications
Reference specifications are like descriptive specifications as they describe a material, finish, or other product based on the designer’s requirements rather than a trade name. But, reference specifications are generally based on standards set by an established authority or testing facility (ASTM or ANSI)
This system is divided into the following three parts: General/Products/Execution?
CSI Master Format
What is a part of part 1 General in the CSI Master Format?
-Submittals
What is in part 2, Products, in the CSI Master Format?
What is in part 3, Execution, of the CSI Master Format?
-installers
-Preparation
-Close out activities
What standardized system is generally used to organize technical specifications?
MasterFormat System
