Podcast
Questions and Answers
What is the largest phase of the design process for an architect?
What is the largest phase of the design process for an architect?
The Construction Documents Phase is intended to be completed before seeking a building permit.
The Construction Documents Phase is intended to be completed before seeking a building permit.
True (A)
What is the primary role of the architect in the Construction Documents Phase?
What is the primary role of the architect in the Construction Documents Phase?
To produce detailed drawings and specifications for the construction project.
The Construction Documents Phase involves the coordination of all sub-consultants?
The Construction Documents Phase involves the coordination of all sub-consultants?
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What is the purpose of specifications in the construction industry?
What is the purpose of specifications in the construction industry?
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Specifications supersede drawings in the order of precedence?
Specifications supersede drawings in the order of precedence?
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What is the primary function of the MasterFormat specification system?
What is the primary function of the MasterFormat specification system?
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Which section of the MasterFormat system focuses on the installation methods for a chosen material?
Which section of the MasterFormat system focuses on the installation methods for a chosen material?
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Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a proprietary specification?
Which of the following is a defining characteristic of a proprietary specification?
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A prescriptive specification typically requires a detailed knowledge of construction practices and materials.
A prescriptive specification typically requires a detailed knowledge of construction practices and materials.
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Which type of specification emphasizes the desired performance outcome of a material or system?
Which type of specification emphasizes the desired performance outcome of a material or system?
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Effective specification writing relies heavily on using precise and technical language.
Effective specification writing relies heavily on using precise and technical language.
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What is the recommended spelling for the word 'catalog' in Canadian construction specifications?
What is the recommended spelling for the word 'catalog' in Canadian construction specifications?
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Abbreviations should be used cautiously in specifications, as they can sometimes hinder communication.
Abbreviations should be used cautiously in specifications, as they can sometimes hinder communication.
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Using both metric and imperial units within the same specification is generally discouraged.
Using both metric and imperial units within the same specification is generally discouraged.
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Grammar and punctuation have little impact on the meaning and clarity of construction specifications.
Grammar and punctuation have little impact on the meaning and clarity of construction specifications.
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It is recommended to use long, complex sentences in specification writing to convey a more professional and comprehensive tone.
It is recommended to use long, complex sentences in specification writing to convey a more professional and comprehensive tone.
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What is a common, but unnecessary word that should be avoided in specifications?
What is a common, but unnecessary word that should be avoided in specifications?
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Specifications should be ______ with the corresponding drawings to prevent any discrepancies or contradictions.
Specifications should be ______ with the corresponding drawings to prevent any discrepancies or contradictions.
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What is the Construction Documents Phase in architectural design?
What is the Construction Documents Phase in architectural design?
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What is approximately the percentage of the architect's work that is dedicated to the Construction Documents Phase?
What is approximately the percentage of the architect's work that is dedicated to the Construction Documents Phase?
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The Construction Documents Phase primarily involves the architect and interior designer, with minimal participation from engineers.
The Construction Documents Phase primarily involves the architect and interior designer, with minimal participation from engineers.
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What are the main purposes of specifications in the construction industry?
What are the main purposes of specifications in the construction industry?
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What aspect of a construction project do specifications typically NOT address?
What aspect of a construction project do specifications typically NOT address?
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Which of the following is a true statement regarding the relationship between specifications and drawings?
Which of the following is a true statement regarding the relationship between specifications and drawings?
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What is the MasterFormat specification system, and why is it significant in the construction industry?
What is the MasterFormat specification system, and why is it significant in the construction industry?
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What is the primary function of the 'General' section within the MasterFormat system?
What is the primary function of the 'General' section within the MasterFormat system?
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What are 'Proprietary Method' specifications typically characterized by?
What are 'Proprietary Method' specifications typically characterized by?
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Which type of specification emphasizes a detailed description of products, materials, and their installation requirements?
Which type of specification emphasizes a detailed description of products, materials, and their installation requirements?
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Which type of specification focuses on the desired outcome of materials and systems, prioritizing performance characteristics?
Which type of specification focuses on the desired outcome of materials and systems, prioritizing performance characteristics?
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Effective specification writing requires using a diverse vocabulary to showcase the writer's expertise.
Effective specification writing requires using a diverse vocabulary to showcase the writer's expertise.
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Which type of specification writing is most common?
Which type of specification writing is most common?
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Specifications should always include both metric and imperial measurements for clarity.
Specifications should always include both metric and imperial measurements for clarity.
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Specifications are only necessary for large construction projects, not smaller ones.
Specifications are only necessary for large construction projects, not smaller ones.
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The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) provides certification programs for specification writers.
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) provides certification programs for specification writers.
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What is the purpose of using a pre-formatted project manual, and who typically utilizes them?
What is the purpose of using a pre-formatted project manual, and who typically utilizes them?
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What are some common aspects included within the 'Execution' section of the MasterFormat system?
What are some common aspects included within the 'Execution' section of the MasterFormat system?
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The 'MasterFormat' system is only relevant for large-scale construction projects.
The 'MasterFormat' system is only relevant for large-scale construction projects.
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Which type of specification typically includes multiple acceptable alternatives to promote competition?
Which type of specification typically includes multiple acceptable alternatives to promote competition?
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Why are specifications considered a legal document and potentially a source of liability?
Why are specifications considered a legal document and potentially a source of liability?
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It is always recommended to have a certified specification writer create the specifications for a project.
It is always recommended to have a certified specification writer create the specifications for a project.
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Flashcards
Construction Documents Phase
Construction Documents Phase
The Construction Documents Phase is the most extensive phase for the architect, typically accounting for 40-45% of their work and fees.
Technical Drawings and Engineering Finalization
Technical Drawings and Engineering Finalization
The architect, interior designer, and engineers finalize all technical drawings and engineering details during this phase.
System Selection and Material Specification
System Selection and Material Specification
During this phase, heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, gas, and energy calculations are finalized, and all products and materials are selected or scheduled.
Multiple Drawing Sets
Multiple Drawing Sets
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Building Department Comments
Building Department Comments
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Specifications
Specifications
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Precise Description of Project Requirements
Precise Description of Project Requirements
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Quality and Environmental Conditions
Quality and Environmental Conditions
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Communicating Project Requirements
Communicating Project Requirements
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Order of Precedence
Order of Precedence
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Written Complement to Drawings
Written Complement to Drawings
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Legal Implications of Specifications
Legal Implications of Specifications
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Specification Format
Specification Format
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Pre-Formatted Project Manuals
Pre-Formatted Project Manuals
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Certified Spec Writers
Certified Spec Writers
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Drawings and Specifications Collaboration
Drawings and Specifications Collaboration
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Avoiding Contradictions
Avoiding Contradictions
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Distinction Between Drawings and Specifications
Distinction Between Drawings and Specifications
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Vendor-Provided Specifications
Vendor-Provided Specifications
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MasterFormat System
MasterFormat System
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MasterFormat Organization
MasterFormat Organization
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MasterFormat Division Sections
MasterFormat Division Sections
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General Section
General Section
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Product Sectio
Product Sectio
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Execution Section
Execution Section
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Proprietary Method
Proprietary Method
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Limited Competition in Proprietary Method
Limited Competition in Proprietary Method
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Prescriptive Specification
Prescriptive Specification
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Performance Specification
Performance Specification
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Effective Specification Writing
Effective Specification Writing
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Writing Style and Language
Writing Style and Language
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What is the most intensive phase for architects?
What is the most intensive phase for architects?
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What happens during the Construction Documents phase?
What happens during the Construction Documents phase?
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What important selections are made during the Construction Documents phase?
What important selections are made during the Construction Documents phase?
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What sets of drawings are created during the Construction Documents phase?
What sets of drawings are created during the Construction Documents phase?
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What happens with building department comments during the Construction Documents phase?
What happens with building department comments during the Construction Documents phase?
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What are specifications in the construction industry?
What are specifications in the construction industry?
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What is the purpose of specifications in construction?
What is the purpose of specifications in construction?
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What else do specifications cover in construction?
What else do specifications cover in construction?
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What is the role of specifications in communication during construction?
What is the role of specifications in communication during construction?
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How should specifications be adapted in construction?
How should specifications be adapted in construction?
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What is the order of precedence between drawings and specifications?
What is the order of precedence between drawings and specifications?
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Why is accuracy and clarity essential in specifications?
Why is accuracy and clarity essential in specifications?
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How are specifications typically presented in construction?
How are specifications typically presented in construction?
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What resource is available to help create project manuals?
What resource is available to help create project manuals?
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Who can help with writing complex specifications?
Who can help with writing complex specifications?
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What key requirement needs to be considered when combining drawings and specifications?
What key requirement needs to be considered when combining drawings and specifications?
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What is the difference between drawings and specifications?
What is the difference between drawings and specifications?
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How can vendors help with specifications?,
How can vendors help with specifications?,
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What is the MasterFormat system in construction?
What is the MasterFormat system in construction?
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How is the MasterFormat organized?
How is the MasterFormat organized?
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How are divisions structured in the MasterFormat?
How are divisions structured in the MasterFormat?
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What is covered in the General section of the MasterFormat?
What is covered in the General section of the MasterFormat?
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What is covered in the Product section of the MasterFormat?
What is covered in the Product section of the MasterFormat?
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What is covered in the Execution section of the MasterFormat?
What is covered in the Execution section of the MasterFormat?
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What is the Proprietary method for specifications?
What is the Proprietary method for specifications?
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What is the downside of the Proprietary method?
What is the downside of the Proprietary method?
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What is the Prescriptive specification method?
What is the Prescriptive specification method?
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What is the Performance specification method?
What is the Performance specification method?
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Study Notes
Construction Documents Phase
- Architect/interior designer creates drawings and specifications for building demolition/construction.
- Coordinates with sub-consultants for complete set of documents aligned with client's program requirements and budget.
- This phase is largest (40-45% of architect/designer's work and fees), with project-specific variations.
- Architects, interior designers, and engineers finalize technical drawings and engineering details (heating, ventilation, plumbing, electrical, gas, energy calculations).
- Materials and products selected/scheduled.
- Multiple drawing sets produced: Building Department approval, General Contractor.
- Building/Planning Department comments addressed (unless otherwise noted) during this phase.
- Client approval triggers next design phase.
- Documents issued for tender or building permit.
Specifications
- Specifications are detailed written descriptions of project work.
- Precise descriptions of products, materials, standards, equipment, services, construction systems, methods, and workmanship.
- Define performance quality.
- Outline environmental conditions (on-site, adjacent, off-site).
- Detail contract administration for quality control.
- Specifications act as written counterpart to drawings, offering more detailed information.
- Communicate project requirements.
- Tailored to the specific project.
- Supersedes drawings (in case of conflicts).
- Poorly-written specifications can lead to liability and legal complications.
- Specifications must be unambiguous, well-coordinated with drawings, and reflect design intent.
- Use of vendor/supplier product specifications.
- Written version of drawings, offering more specific detail.
Specification Format
- Specifications usually presented in a bound book (part of project manual).
- For smaller projects, specifications integrated into drawings.
- Pre-formatted project manuals common for standard projects.
- Certified spec writers (Construction Specifications Institute, CSI) recommended.
- Vendor specifications available to avoid ambiguities.
- MasterFormat is industry-standard system developed by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
- Organizes project aspects by division, section numbers, and titles.
- Only relevant MasterFormat sections used for the project.
Specification Sections
- General: administrative matters, cash allowances, warranties, shop drawings, submittals, mock-ups (if needed), LEED credits, material handling.
- Product: specifies material selection, installation, required tests, manufacturers, and storage.
- Execution: outlines installation methods, environmental conditions, inspections, sub-trade qualifications, and certifications (if needed).
- Proprietary specs describe specific products by trade name (potentially limiting choices).
- Consider alternatives, fostering competition.
Specification Types
- Prescriptive: detailed statement of products, materials, or systems and their installation.
- Includes generic descriptions, avoiding product names.
- Step-by-step procedures for achieving the desired result.
- Performance-based: describes desired outcome of materials' and systems' performance.
- Outlines performance criteria (appearance, strength, durability).
- Contractor responsible when product details part of performance statement.
- Consider performance.
Specification Writing
- Clear, consistent, concise, and accurate writing required.
- Proper vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure essential.
Specification Language and Formatting
- Use standard Canadian spelling (e.g., "caulk," "catalogue," "data base," "gauge," "light," "moulding").
- Use abbreviations cautiously, explaining unclear ones.
- Use symbols (e.g., # for numbers, % for percentages, ' and " for feet and inches, X for by, mm for millimeters).
- Maintain consistent capitalization conventions.
- Avoid unnecessary words and use words in the correct order.
- Construct clear, concise sentences.
- Use precise punctuation to avoid unintended meanings.
- Ensure proper use of singular/plural and verb tenses.
- Use standard metric/imperial units.
- Clearly identify primary unit system (metric or imperial).
- Use 24-hour clock for time.
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Description
Test your knowledge on the Construction Documents Phase, where architects and interior designers create vital drawings and specifications for building projects. This includes coordinating with sub-consultants, aligning with client needs, and addressing technical details. Assess your understanding of this essential phase of the design process.