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..
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
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..
Laminated Glass
by David Stutzman | Feb 20, 2014 | B2020, C1010, C1020, Design Considerations, Division 08, Glass, Product Applications, product selection, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips
Laminated glass construction is simple - glue two or more panes of glass together to form a composite single pane. Wait, nothing is ever that simple. What can be used as the glue? What benefits and limitations do the glues have? What considerations might..
Check the Limitations
by David Stutzman | Feb 3, 2014 | CSI, Design Considerations, ICC, Product Applications, Product Failures, Product Rep, product selection, Specifications, specifying
Product selection for construction projects is all about finding the right product at the right price to satisfy the owner's project requirements. Wading through all the choices and the product data can be daunting. Often designers (and specifiers)..
Fenestration Condensation
by David Stutzman | Jan 21, 2014 | B2020, Code Requirements, condensation, Design Considerations, Division 08, exterior windows, Product Applications, Product Failures, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips
Studs and Piping
by David Stutzman | Nov 19, 2013 | C1010, Construction Administration, D2020, Design Considerations, Division 09, Division 22, Metal Stud, Plumbing Piping, Product Applications, Product Failures, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips
Sustainable Design - What's the Strategy?
by David Stutzman | Nov 4, 2013 | Construction Administration, contract documents, Design Considerations, LEED, Professional Practice, Specifications, Sustainable Design
A program at the Philadelphia AIA Design on the Delaware annual conference last week, discussed the legal aspects of green building. The panelists used an outlandish hypothetical case to explore where the design pitfalls may lie. Issues ignored by the..
It's Not Your Father's Greenboard
by David Stutzman | Aug 27, 2013 | C1010, code, Code Requirements, Construction Administration, Design Considerations, Division 09, Greenboard, Gypsum Board, mold resistant, product selection, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips, water resistant
Warranty & Correction Period
by David Stutzman | Jul 23, 2013 | Contractor Warranty, Correction Period, Design Considerations, Division 01, Extended Warranty, Limited Warranty, Operation & Maintenance, Practice Guide, Professional Practice, publications, AIA A201, Specifications, specifying, submittals, Substantial Completion, Tech Tips, UCC, Uniform Commercial Code, Warranty, Z1070
Just because a manufacturer offers a warranty, are you certain the specifications should require the warranty? There are many factors to consider that affect the Owner's rights and remedies for correcting work completed under a construction contract...