What Architects and Engineers Should Know About CSI 3-Part Construction Specifications

What are Construction Project Specifications?

CSI 3-Part Specifications are contract documents that define the quality of Work Results for a construction project. When executed correctly they define the minimal level of acceptable features, attributes, choices, and values required to meet the performance requirements of a given Work Result for a specific project.

What are Different Kinds of Specifications?

Proprietary Guide Specifications

ARCAT product specs are proprietary Guide Specifications. Contract documents written for a specific product or products from a specific manufacturer. They are proprietary in nature due to the fact no other product or products are in the specifications except for the specific Manufacturer the specification was written for. Every feature, attribute, choice, and value for a specific product defines only that product or a version of that product. If the note to specifier instructions are followed, it is almost impossible to specify something that does not exist.

Generic Master Guide Specifications

These specs are not truly "generic" as they are written for (usually) three or more manufacturers. The features, attributes choices and values are supposed to apply to all the products supplied by the listed manufacturers for a given work result. However this isn't always the case. At times, 'comparable' manufacturers may be listed without verification of their features, attributes, choices, and values. Regardless there is no safeguards which would prevent you from specifying something that does not exist; a not uncommon occurrence. In order to determine which attribute goes with which products or manufacturers, additional time and research is needed.

What is the Basis of Design

Often Design Professionals will choose a "Basis of Design" in a specification. This is the specific product that is used in the design process. The Basis of Design establishes the acceptable quality for a work result. Then if the situation requires it, they will list comparable manufacturers. However, for another product to be used, it will have to ultimately be approved by the Design Professional or Owner. The Contractor will have to show their substitution meets or beats the Basis of Design.

The Office Master

Most A/E firms have what are called Office Master Guide Specifications. These are usually guide specifications which were originally generic guide specifications. They have been customized, pre-edited, revised and updated over time to reflect the type of Projects the A/E firm performs. The shortcomings of the generic version have been overcome by having to make corrections to various projects over time.

Find the Right Product and Spec

The ARCAT website is used primarily for product research for construction documentation. More often than not products with ARCAT specifications get chosen. The ARCAT spec data can be used to update features attributes choices and values in Guide Specs, Office Masters and Generic Master Guide Specifications. Often the specification data for a given product is cut and pasted directly from the ARCAT specification into an office master or project specification. Even though there may be comparable manufacturers listed only that product will truly meat the spec if the specification data is well written.

To the design professionals ARCAT specifications are free. Manufacturers under contract with ARCAT can update their specifications at any time for no additional cost. Small changes are usually turned around very quickly while larger changes may take a few weeks.

Construction Product Comparison

Unless the manufacturer insists otherwise, the features, attributes, choices, and values for products are written in a bulleted concise format instead of narrative paragraphs with choices in bracketed. The ARCAT specification is easier to read and easier to understand when evaluating and comparing products. This time can be improved if ARCAT’s change instructions are followed.

Conclusion

In closing, people have a high level of confidence in ARCAT specifications. They know the specifications are written by experienced spec writers, most of which work for one of the most highly respected independent spec writing firms in the industry.


written by:
Ken Chappell SCIP, CSI, CDT, LEED AP, ASHRAE, Assoc. AIA
Sr. ARCAT Specifier
Sr. Specifications / BIM Consultant
Kalin Associates