SPECIFICATION TYPES PRESCRIPTIVE (closed): Specs outline exactly what product or material you want the contractor to use or owner/purchasing agent to buy PERFORMANCE (open): Specs tell what results you want from the final construction assembly to achieve (gives the contractor flexibility in the product they use) Types of Prescriptive Specs 1. Proprietary: Most restrictive in that they call out a specific manufacturer s product. Gives the interior designer complete control over what it installed. Does not allow for competitive bidding. 2. Base-Bid: or equal spec calls out a proprietary material or product but allows the substitution of an equal product by the contractor or manufacturer. The interior designer can control this by supplying a list of approved vendors, or state approved equal in the spec and the contractor must supply a sample to the designer for approval.
Types of Performance Specs 1. Descriptive: Gives detailed written requirements for the material or the product and the workmanship required for its fabrication, but does NOT mention trade names. 2. Reference Standard: Describes a material, product, or process based on requirements set by an accepted authority or test method. I.e. Must meet requirements of ASTM or ANSI 3. Performance: pure performance specs is a statement setting criteria and results required of the item being spec d. Diffi cult to write and rarely used for interior construction.
Master Specifi cations (Preamble) -Pre-written specs that cover nearly all types of products, methods of installation, and other variables that relate to a specific product or construction activity. -These separate specifications are called sections. - Sections are organized per the MasterFormat system; -Three-part format: -Part 1: General: scope of section, submittals required, quality assurance requirements, warranties, project conditions, and delivery, storage and handling of materials. -Part 2: Products: acceptable manufacturer, standards and test methods the materials must conform to, how items are manufactured, etc. -Part 3: Execution: how products and materials are to be installed, applied, or otherwise put in place; quality control, and adjusting, cleaning and protection of the fi nished work.
Spec Writing Guidelines *The language must be precise since specs are legal documents and are communicating technical information; must be complete, accurate, and unambiguous **If there is conflict between specs and drawings, the specs are more legally binding and take precedence over the drawings. -Know the standards and test methods that apply to the product/material -Be sure the product you spec meets the codes required -Do not include standards that cannot be measured. i.e. fi rst class manner is subject to wide interpretation -Avoid exculpatory clauses which shifts the responsibility to the contractor or someone else in a broad, general way -Avoid words or phrase that are ambiguous such as and/or, etc., any -Keep specs as short as possible -Describe only one major idea in each paragraph
Individual Spec Components -Type of Spec: FF&E or GC -Item Number with Prefi x (coordinates with number on drawing) -Project Name, Location, & Project Number -Issue Date / Revision Date -Item Type: Art & Accessories, Casegoods, Seating, etc. (refer to subheadings handout) -Description, Model Number, Finish, Dimensions, Quantity -Manufacturer Contact Info & Vendor Contact Info -Image of item -Fabric Reference (separate spec) where applicable -Notes -Firm Name & Contact Information
Typical Notes -Quantity to be verifi ed by Purchasing Agent -Fabricate for Contract Quality -Submit shop drawings/cutting for approval/fi nish sample to designer for approval. -Manufacturer to verify yardage requirements (for upholstered goods) -To be flameproofed to meet all local code requirements -Manufacturer to verify weights and wattage (for lighting) -Refer to elevations/ceiling plan for mounting location (lighting/artwork/mirrors) -Owner to verify additional quantity for attic stock and add to final order -Manufacturer to provide security hardware and all tools required for installation (art, accessories, & mirror)