Construction specifications define work results. The results are divided among Divisions and Sections according to CSI's MasterFormat, the industry's organizational standard. Complying with MasterFormat allows specification readers to find information..
Single Source Responsibility
by David Stutzman | Aug 17, 2015 | Construction Administration, Design Considerations, Division 07, Division 08, Division 11, Envelope, MasterFormat, Quality Assurance, Specifications
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
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...
Door Security
by David Stutzman | Nov 28, 2014 | B2050, C1030, Design Considerations, Division 08, hardware, Locks, Product Applications, publications, security, Specifications, Tech Tips
When is an electric strike not an electric strike? When it is a euphemism for a secure door. Knowing what function is required is paramount. Function will dictate what devices are needed. So what should be considered when specifying a secure door?
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..
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..
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
Wood Finishing Standards
by David Stutzman | Jan 22, 2013 | C1030, C1090, C20, C2010, C2030, C2040, C2050, Design Considerations, Division 06, Division 08, Division 09, Division 12, E2010, E2050, Product Applications, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips, Wood, wood flooring, woodwork
What finishing product should I specify for casework? Wood flooring? There are so many choices. How do I know which product is best?
Wood Door Veneer Faces
by David Stutzman | Dec 18, 2012 | C1030, Design Considerations, Division 08, Door, Product Failures, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips, Wood, Wood veneer
Avoid surprises! Is this what you expect doors to look like?
Sound Transmission through Glass
by David Stutzman | Aug 21, 2012 | acoustics, B2010, B2020, Design Considerations, Division 08, Glass, Product Applications, publications, Specifications, Tech Tips
You are designing a residential facility near an airport or a busy highway with large expanses of glass. How do you prevent the noise from nearby sources from adversely impacting its tenants? How is sound measured? Which glazing configurations best..