Specifiers may be one of the best kept secrets on the design team. Specifiers, especially independent specifiers, typically interact with the architectural team, only. Even then, the interaction may be limited to project architects and project managers...
Specifier Contractor Connections
by David Stutzman | Mar 30, 2015 | B2010, BIM, contract documents, Contractor, Design Considerations, Division 08, Estimate, PPD, Preliminary Project Descriptions (PPD), Quality Assurance, Specifications, subcontractor, UniFormat
Specifying Design-Assist - How?
by David Stutzman | Sep 15, 2014 | B2010, bidding, contract documents, Design Considerations, Division 08, Drawings, MasterFormat, PPD, Preliminary Project Descriptions (PPD), Professional Practice, Specifications, UniFormat
It's a process, not just technical requirements. During design-assist, the architect of record, asks the contractor (usually a specialty subcontractor) to help develop system details and confirm system performance to meet project requirements. Typically..
Insulation, MCM, and NFPA 285
by David Stutzman | Aug 19, 2014 | B2010, Design Considerations, Division 07, exterior wall, Insulation, MCM, Product Applications, publications, NFPA 285, Specifications, Tech Tips
Exterior Walls: so many components, so many materials - will the result really meet the code? NFPA 285 may govern and may limit available choices, so know what triggers the need to comply before the final wall assembly is designed.
Specifier Scope Search Identifies Risks
by David Stutzman | Jun 30, 2014 | B2010, Bad Specs, Cladding, Curtain Wall, Design Considerations, Division 07, Division 08, Envelope, Glazing, performance, Quality Assurance, Specifications
We were asked to submit a proposal, and ultimately were engaged, to provide architectural specifications services for a new seven story core and shell medical office building. The architect had already employed an exterior wall consultant to help with..
Plywood Structural Panels
by David Stutzman | May 27, 2014 | B2010, Construction Administration, Division 06, plywood, Product Applications, publications, B1010, B1020, Sheathing, Specifications, Tech Tips
Why does the code require trademarks to distinguish the various plywood types? All plywood is not the same. Panels may be suitable for specific applications. The trademarks give basic information about expected performance and allowable use. Know and..
Just What Are We Specifying?
by David Stutzman | Jul 29, 2013 | B2010, CONSTRUCT, contract documents, CSI, exterior wall, Master Specifications, Office Masters, Professional Practice, Specifications, specifying, work results
Exterior Walls and NFPA 285
by David Stutzman | Jun 18, 2013 | B2010, Division 07, Product Applications, publications, air barrier, NFPA 285, Specifications, Tech Tips, Thermal insulation, vapor retarder, weather barrier
Preservative Treated Wood
by David Stutzman | Apr 23, 2013 | B2010, Design Considerations, Division 06, Product Applications, publications, B1010, B1020, Specifications, Tech Tips, Wood, wood treatment
What are those Commodity Specifications referenced by the building codes? AWPA U1 referenced by the code specifies wood preservative treatments by application, exposure, and type of wood product. Know what the terms mean to be sure you get the intended..
Efficient Construction Documents
by David Stutzman | Dec 24, 2012 | B2010, B2050, C1010, C1030, Construction Administration, contract documents, CSI, Division 09, Drawings, Global Requirements, Professional Practice, Specifications
What is the best way to ensure consistency and high quality in your construction documents?
Fire Resistant CMU
by David Stutzman | Sep 18, 2012 | B2010, C1010, Design Considerations, Division 04, fire rating, Masonry, Partitions, Product Applications, Properties Sets, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips, Walls
Did you just severely restrict, or eliminate competition by including a UL design number for fire resistive masonry partitions? Unknowingly, perhaps. Learn what options are available to meet code requirements for fire resistive concrete masonry units. It..