TOPICS

General Description
Basic Procedure of Specs Writing
Three-part Section Format
GENERAL DESCRIPTION

Specification – is one part of the Contract

Documents (the others: contract agreement,
general conditions, contract drawings,
biddocs, etc)
Should be written in accurate, concise yet
clear words
Should indicate information that cannot be
expressed through illustrations or drawings
Should avoid duplicating the information
shown in the working drawings
Should enable to guide bidders/contractors
well to having the least queries possible during
tender
Should provide effective competition
between bidders: contractors, sub-contractors
and suppliers
All specified works, materials, equipment
should be subject to Client’s approval
(CSI Masterformat follows)
SAMPLE FORMAT specs
Division writer
information

Section #
Title

specifications

e-file info page

number
SAMPLE FORMAT
HEADER:
• Division No: NAME (use Calibri 9)
• Specs writer (use Calibri 9)
BODY:
• Section Number / Title (use ARIAL 12, 1.15 spacing)
• Specification (use ARIAL 11, 1.0 spacing)
FOOTER:
• e-file/date (use Calibri 9)
• Section page (use Calibri 9)
MARGIN:
• L= 1.5”; T,R,B = 1”
BASIC PROCEDURE
1.List all scope of works for the project inclusive
of all labor, materials and equipment necessary
to complete the project regardless of who will
execute the work or supply materials (reference
to Master Format)
2. Group scope of works into relevant sections.
3. Prepare an outline (ref. 3-part format)
4. Refer to brochures or product literature and
other references for the detailed specs.
5. Finalize specification after Owner approval of
materials.
THREE PART SECTION FORMAT
(per MasterFormat)
• Part 1 – GENERAL
includes general areas which precede and follow
the work; defines scope of Works
• Part 2 – PRODUCTS
describes in details the materials and equipment
(instruments, devices, fixtures) that will be used
in the Works
• Part 3 – EXECUTION
details the manner of which the products will be
incorporated into the Works
Part 1: GENERAL
• Scope - related works;
- Related works specified elsewhere
- Furnished by Others
- Furnished but not installed
- Not furnished but installed
- Furnished by Owner
• Description of systems – water supply system; storm
water drainage; soil and waste; cooling; fire
protection; electrical distribution; telephone; cctv;
curtain wall; panel wall; passenger elevator
• Reference or Requirements of Regulatory Agencies –
permits; codes; ordinances; design conditions
• Qualifications – of manufacturers; applicators; testing
agencies
• Submittals – time schedules; shop drawings; samples;
manufacturer’s literature; certificates; lists; guarantees
and bonds
• Mock-up – sample panels; models; window assembly;
door assembly; curtain wall assembly; panel wall
assembly; integrated ceiling assembly;
• Product handling – delivery, storage and handling of
materials and equipment
• Environmental conditions – temperature; humidity;
lighting and ventilation
• Protection – smoking; removal of flammable rubbish;
• Operating Instructions - elevator; water
heating system; centralized air-conditioning
systems;
• Extra stock – spare parts; extra tile; extra wall
covering ; tools; maintenance materials
• Alternates
• Measurement and payment – (civil works)
Part 2: PRODUCTS
• Materials - describe in detail
• Mixes – plaster mixes; adhesives and additives
• Equipment - describe in detail
• Fabrication – includes requirement of fabrication
of doors, windows, partitions, cabinets
• Quality control source – factory tests; plant tests;
shop tests
• Schedules – (more often, this is placed under
specifications rather than in the drawings);
hardware; plumbing fixtures & accessories
lighting fixtures and accessories
Part 3: EXECUTION
• Condition of surfaces - includes requiring
inspection of surfaces to receive materials (for
painting, roofing , resilient flooring, vinyl
wallpapers, etc)
• Preparation – treatment of formwork (to receive
concrete); treatment of galvanized surfaces (to
receive paint); treatment of wood surfaces ( to
receive paint)
• Installation, Application or Workmanship - placing of
chb; placing of roofing materials; applcation of
waterproofing membrane; installation of ceiling
frames; roofing frame or trusses
• Field Quality Control – concrete slump test; soil
compaction test
• Adjusting – (normally found in mechanical conveyors,
mechl or elecl specs)
• Patching – repair of defects as in concreting and
plastering works
• Cleaning – normally found in the general conditions but
highly recommended to have this to enable the general
contractor to subcontract this to janitorial services