What are specifications? Suppose you work for a building product manufacturer as a product manager, architectural representative, or marketing position, and you get a request for a specifications guide for your product. What do you do? At first, it may…
In the digital age, the right word processor can significantly impact professional sectors like architecture and construction. Two giants in this domain are Microsoft Word and Google Docs. While both offer robust features, they have distinct differences, particularly when handling…
Moisture Control in Building Moisture problems in building construction have become a pressing issue in the industry, often leading to costly disputes and structural damage. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve deep into the complexities of moisture control in…
Are you an architect or someone passionate about construction projects? Then you’ve likely heard the terms “Long Form” and “Short Form” when it comes to 3-Part Specifications. But what do they really mean, and how do they affect your projects?…
Simplifying Product Substitution Requirements for Everyone Product substitutions can be a confusing topic for many in the construction industry, including Design Professionals (DPs). Manufacturers often lack a deep understanding of how to specify product substitution requirements, and DPs may find…
Understanding and crafting Conditions of the Contract is crucial for design professionals. This comprehensive guide breaks down this complex topic into two essential components: General Conditions and Supplementary Conditions. General Conditions: The Foundation of Contractual Clarity General Conditions are standardized…
One subject that arises often is the coordination of drawings and specifications. A crucial issue but seemingly very misunderstood. Let’s start by looking at the definition of each. American Institute of Architects (AIA) Document A201-2017 – General Conditions of the…
In the world of commercial construction, clarity is king. CSI 3-part specifications serves as a blueprint, ensuring that every aspect of a building project is defined, from materials to execution methods. But what happens when this clarity is missing? Understanding…
Welcome to the “Comprehensive Guide to CSI Construction Documentation Standards.” Your essential resource for navigating and mastering the core standards developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). These standards—CSI Masterformat, PageFormat, SectionFormat, and 3-Part Specifications—serve as the backbone of professional…
Spring is here, and summer is just around the corner. It’s time to start thinking about preparing landscape specs and sharing some tips to consider on your upcoming commercial projects. Before you start creating specifications, let’s look at two things…
What is a project manual? It’s common in the construction industry for Design Professionals (DP’s) and building product manufacturers to refer to the project manual as “specs“, “project specs” or “spec book.” Unfortunately, “specifications” is an improper term. “Specifications” are traditionally…
