Specifications must be written following the "Four C's" of effective communication: Clear, Concise, Correct and Complete. Getting each "C" done right presents its own challenges. To be correct, a spec must avoid errors and properly describe the scope..
Better Specifications Language
by Elias Saltz | Sep 4, 2018 | contract documents, MasterSpec, Specifications
Maintaining Office Master Guide Specifications
by Elias Saltz | Apr 24, 2018 | contract documents, Master Specifications, MasterSpec, Professional Practice, Specifications
Almost all architectural firms and specifications consultants maintain full sets of office master guide specifications, which, among their many benefits, serve to streamline the development of project specifications. Development and maintenance of..
Office Master Guide Specifications - An Investment
by David Stutzman | Apr 29, 2013 | Construction Administration, Guide Spec, MasterSpec, Office Masters, Professional Practice, Specifications, Speclink, SpecText
Many may consider office master guide specifications an expense. Developing and maintaining guide specifications requires a considerable amount of time and many resources. Specifiers rely on commercial masters such as MasterSpec, SpecText, and Speclink..
Communication - The Heart of Specifications
by David Stutzman | Apr 15, 2013 | Communication, Construction Administration, CSI, Master Specifications, MasterSpec, Processes, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, Specifier, specifying
Just who are specifications written for? The Architect? The Owner? Neither! In order of importance, I profess that specifications are written for the benefit of:
Why are Specs So Long?
by David Stutzman | Jan 14, 2013 | Construction Administration, CSI, Master Specifications, MasterSpec, Professional Practice, Architect, Specifications, Specifier, Speclink, SpecText
It seems a relatively simple building. There are only 50 drawings. So why are the specifications 800 pages? It does seem absurd. Let's take a critical look to see if there is a better way.
Ensuring Specifications Consistency & Quality
by David Stutzman | Dec 10, 2012 | BIM, Construction Administration, CSI, Master Specifications, MasterSpec, Professional Practice, Automation, Specifications, Speclink, SpecText
How can architects ensure their specifications are consistent from one project to the next or one project architect to the next? How can architects ensure that their specifications will deliver the intended quality for every project?
What's so Important about Submittals?
by David Stutzman | Jun 12, 2012 | Construction Administration, CSI, Division 01, MasterSpec, Practice Group, Professional Practice, SectionFormat, Specifications, Specifying Practice Group, submittals
An interesting question--no doubt about it! More than 90 Specifying Practice Group members, an attendance record, met last week to discuss it.
I Hate Specs!
by David Stutzman | Dec 12, 2011 | Bad Specs, MasterSpec, Professional Practice, Specifications, Specifier, specifying, Speclink, SpecText
Have you found yourself thinking or possibly yelling, "I hate specs!" as though you have been cursed by the task? Then think about this:
SectionFormat and PageFormat 2008
by David Stutzman | Aug 8, 2010 | CSI, MasterSpec, PageFormat, Practice Group, SectionFormat, Specifications, Specifying Practice Group, SpecText
Fifty-three members of CSI's Specifying Practice Group met August 5 to discuss the updates for two of CSI's formatting documents: SectionFormat and PageFormat. The meeting included wonderful discussion and interaction among the members while reviewing..