Construction specifications are the detailed written instructions that support architectural drawings. Together, the “specs” and the drawings comprise the construction documents. The drawings explain the physical layout and appearance of the building, how it will be structured, and the choice of general construction materials. Specifications contain instructions that cannot be shown easily on the drawings. They indicate how materials are to be handled and installed, and prescribe brand names of products and performance requirements. Detailed specifications are not often included in the documents for residential construction. However, if you want to build a healthy home, detailed specifications are essential because many standard practices and materials are unacceptable.
The specifications in this book are designed as a guideline for homeowners, architects, and builders to use in building a healthy home. To organize the specifications, we use
the 16-division Master Format list, developed by the Construction Specification Institute and widely recognized as the standard for construction specifications. The Master Format covers all aspects of construction in a sequence familiar to architects and builders. Part II is therefore comprised of divisions rather than standard chapters. Although in 2004 CSI changed over to a 50-division format, we have kept the original 16 divisions in this new edition for the sake of simplicity.
Construction specifications contain information about performance standards that ensure the structural integrity and quality of construction. Our guidelines are not intended as a substitute for standard specifications but as an addition to them. For example, standard concrete specifications will specify the strength of concrete to be used, how it is to be mixed and poured, and procedures for testing its strength. The specifications in this book do not include such basic information. Instead, the information appearing in the following
іб divisions focuses on the health of home occupants as well as the health of home builders and subcontractors.
Where appropriate, the differences between healthy and standard construction are explained. Products, manufacturers, tradespeople, and consultants involved in healthy building are specified. Telephone numbers and websites are included in the Resource List in Appendix В so that you may conveniently locate the closest distributors.
