Specifications Quick Reference
This cheat sheet covers CSI specifications format and content tested on the ARE 5.0 PDD and CE divisions. See the Specifications & CSI topic guide for comprehensive study.
CSI MasterFormat Divisions
| Division | Title | Examples |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Procurement and Contracting Requirements | Bidding documents, contracts, bonds (NOT specifications) |
| 01 | General Requirements | Summary, price/payment procedures, submittals, quality requirements, temporary facilities |
| 02 | Existing Conditions | Demolition, site assessment, hazmat abatement |
| 03 | Concrete | Cast-in-place, precast, reinforcing |
| 04 | Masonry | Unit masonry, stone, glass block |
| 05 | Metals | Structural steel, metal joists, metal decking, miscellaneous metals |
| 06 | Wood, Plastics, Composites | Rough carpentry, finish carpentry, millwork, structural plastics |
| 07 | Thermal and Moisture Protection | Insulation, waterproofing, roofing, sealants, fireproofing |
| 08 | Openings | Doors, windows, hardware, glazing, skylights |
| 09 | Finishes | Plaster, gypsum board, tile, flooring, painting |
| 10 | Specialties | Signage, lockers, toilet partitions, fire extinguishers |
| 11 | Equipment | Kitchen equipment, athletic equipment, lab equipment |
| 12 | Furnishings | Furniture, window treatments, casework |
| 13 | Special Construction | Pre-engineered structures, pools, clean rooms |
| 14 | Conveying Equipment | Elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters |
| 21 | Fire Suppression | Sprinkler systems, standpipes |
| 22 | Plumbing | Piping, fixtures, domestic water, sanitary waste |
| 23 | HVAC | Ductwork, air handling, chillers, boilers |
| 25 | Integrated Automation | Building automation systems (BAS) |
| 26 | Electrical | Wiring, lighting, power distribution, generators |
| 27 | Communications | Data, voice, audio-visual systems |
| 28 | Electronic Safety and Security | Fire alarm, access control, surveillance |
| 31 | Earthwork | Grading, excavation, fill |
| 32 | Exterior Improvements | Paving, landscaping, fencing, irrigation |
| 33 | Utilities | Water, sewer, storm drainage, gas |
Key note: Division 00 is procurement, NOT specifications. Division 01 is administrative/procedural. Divisions 02–49 are technical specifications.
SectionFormat (3-Part Spec Section)
| Part | Title | Content |
|---|---|---|
| Part 1 | General | References, submittals, quality assurance, delivery/storage, warranty, system description |
| Part 2 | Products | Materials, manufacturers, fabrication, finishes, source quality control |
| Part 3 | Execution | Preparation, installation, field quality control, cleaning, protection, schedules |
Specification Types
| Type | Description | When to Use | Risk |
|---|---|---|---|
| Prescriptive (descriptive) | Describes physical/chemical properties and methods | When exact properties are known and critical | Specifier assumes performance risk |
| Performance | States required results/outcomes, not how to achieve | When outcome matters more than method | Contractor assumes performance risk |
| Proprietary (brand name) | Names specific manufacturers and model numbers | When only one product is acceptable | Limits competition; may increase cost |
| Reference standard | Cites published standards (ASTM, ANSI, UL) | When industry standards define requirements | Must verify standard is current edition |
"Or equal" clause: Allows substitution of products meeting same performance criteria. Architect reviews and approves substitutions.
Project Manual Organization
| Section | Contents |
|---|---|
| Bidding requirements | Advertisement/invitation to bid, instructions to bidders, bid forms |
| Contracting requirements | Agreement, bonds, certificates, conditions (general + supplementary) |
| Specifications | Division 01–49 technical sections |
Project manual vs construction documents: Project manual = specifications + procurement/contracting. Construction documents = drawings + specifications. Drawings show location, size, and relationship. Specifications describe quality, standards, and methods.
Drawings vs Specifications Coordination
| Drawings Show | Specifications Describe |
|---|---|
| Location and arrangement | Quality of materials |
| Dimensions and sizes | Standards and test methods |
| Spatial relationships | Installation procedures |
| Quantities (by implication) | Manufacturer requirements |
| Configuration and details | Workmanship standards |
Conflict rule (AIA A201 §1.2.1): In case of conflict between drawings and specifications, the architect interprets. Neither takes automatic precedence (unlike older conventions).
Key Specification Concepts
- Closed spec: Names specific product(s) only; no substitutions
- Open spec: Allows substitutions that meet performance criteria
- Base bid spec: Names one product as standard with "or approved equal"
- Addenda: Changes to bidding documents issued BEFORE bid opening
- Modifications: Changes AFTER contract execution (change orders, ASIs)
- Supplementary conditions: Modify or supplement AIA A201 General Conditions for project-specific requirements
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