Construction
Construction Specification
A written document that describes the materials, workmanship, and standards required for a construction project.
What is a Construction Specification?
A specification (or spec) is the written component of the contract documents that describes the materials, products, workmanship standards, and installation requirements for the project.
Specification Formats
- **MasterFormat** (CSI) — most common in the US, organized by division
- **UniFormat** — system-based, used for early-stage estimating
- **NRM** — UK quantity surveying standard
Key Divisions
- Division 01 — General Requirements
- Division 02 — Existing Conditions
- Division 03 — Concrete
- Division 04 — Masonry
- Division 05 — Metals
- Division 06 — Wood, Plastics, Composites
- Division 21 — Fire Suppression
- Division 22 — Plumbing
- Division 23 — HVAC
- Division 26 — Electrical
Specifications vs Drawings
Drawings show what to build; specifications describe how to build it. Both are contract documents and equally binding.
Related Terms
- Construction Blueprint
A detailed technical drawing that shows the design, dimensions, and specifications of a building or structure before construction begins.
- Shop Drawing
Detailed drawings prepared by a subcontractor, fabricator, or supplier showing how a specific component will be manufactured and installed.
- Submittal
Shop drawings, material data, samples, and product data. Submittals are required primarily for the architect and engineer to verify that the correct products will be installed.
Looking for software that helps your team capture these inspections in the field? See our field inspection software or construction inspection software.