Chapter 25: Construction Specifications

Question 1

What is MasterFormat used for?

Answer 1

A standardized system for organizing construction specifications into divisions and sections.

Question 2

Who developed MasterFormat?

Answer 2

The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC).

Question 3

Why is MasterFormat important?

Answer 3

It provides a consistent organizational structure across disciplines, improving coordination and bidding.

Question 4

How are MasterFormat divisions numbered?

Answer 4

Using a six-digit section number (e.g., 09 90 00).

Question 5

What do the digits of a MasterFormat number represent?

Answer 5

first - The division
second - The level-two subdivision.
third - The specific section.

Question 6

What are the three parts of a MasterFormat specification section?

Answer 6

Part 1 – General
Part 2 – Products
Part 3 – Execution

Question 7

What is included in Part 1 – General of the MasterFormat?

Answer 7

Administrative requirements, submittals, quality assurance, references.

Question 8

What is included in Part 2 – Products of the MasterFormat?

Answer 8

Materials, manufacturers, fabrication requirements.

Question 9

What is included in Part 3 – Execution of the MasterFormat?

Answer 9

Installation, preparation, cleaning, field quality control.

Question 10

What is a descriptive specification?

Answer 10

Describes exact materials and installation methods in detail to be used by a contractor

Question 11

What is a reference standard specification?

Answer 11

Refers to published standards (ASTM, ANSI, etc.) for products to be specified by contractor

Question 12

What is a performance specification?

Answer 12

States required results, not specific materials to be done by a contractor

Question 13

What is a proprietary specification?

Answer 13

Names a specific manufacturer or product to be used by a contractor

Question 14

What is a base-bid specification?

Answer 14

Lists a specific product with approved equals allowed to be suggested by a contractor.

Question 15

Why must specifications avoid vague language?

Answer 15

to prevent ambiguity and disputes.

Question 16

Why should specifications avoid using the verbiage “or equal,” “etc” or “any” without clear criteria?

Answer 16

It can create bidding confusion and liability.

Question 17

Where are sustainability requirements typically included?

Answer 17

Division 01 (General Requirements).

Question 18

What environmental documentation may be required in sustainability specs?

Answer 18

LEED documentation, VOC limits, recycled content, SDS information.

Question 19

What is included in the project manual?

Answer 19

💸Procurement requirements
📋contract forms
📋general conditions
💻Technical specifications.

Question 20

Are drawings included in the project manual?

Answer 20

No — drawings are separate but part of contract documents.

Question 21

In CSI MasterFormat, what is Division 00 and what does it include?

Answer 21

Procurement and Contracting Requirements

Question 22

In CSI MasterFormat, what is Division 12 and what does it include?

Answer 22

Furnishings
* Casework
* Window treatments
* Furniture
* Acoustic panels

Question 23

What is a manufacturer’s representative?

Answer 23

A representative who promotes and sells products but does not manufacture them.

Question 24

What is competitive bidding?

Answer 24

Contractors submit bids and the lowest qualified bid is typically selected.

Question 25

What is negotiated procurement?

Answer 25

Owner selects contractor based on qualifications and negotiates price.

Question 26

What is a substitution?

Answer 26

A contractor’s request to use a different product than specified.

Question 27

Where are substitution procedures typically defined in MasterFormat?

Answer 27

Division 01 – General Requirements.

Question 28

What is a Safety Data Sheet (SDS)?

Answer 28

A standardized document detailing hazards, handling, storage, and emergency procedures for chemical products.

Question 29

Where are safety and environmental requirements typically addressed in specifications within MasterFormat?

Answer 29

Division 01 and within individual technical sections.

Question 30

If a dimension is clearly shown on the floor plan and specs do not contradict it, what governs?

Answer 30

The drawing governs.

Question 31

What type of specification gives a designer complete control over what is installed?

Answer 31

proprietary specification

Question 32

How are composite wood veneers used?

Answer 32

As a "green" alternative to standard wood veneers

Question 33

How is CAL TB117-2013 different from the previous CAL TB-117?

Answer 33

the newer version uses a smolder test instead of an open flame test to allow manufactures a choice in using flame retardant chemicals in filling materials

Question 34

Typically what are the first items of FF&E that an interior designer should research?

Answer 34

furniture or accessory items

Question 35

A window covering that is made from fabric and generally not intended to be opened is called what?

Answer 35

a curtain

Question 36

Critical Radiant Flux refers to what?

Answer 36

ASTM E-648/NFPA253 measures a horizontal floor covering's ability to resist supporting a flame, assigning a rating of Class I or II.

Question 37

Which carpet type allows a complex, custom-patterned carpet with varying pile heights?

Answer 37

Wilton

Question 38

What is ASTM E84, and what does it measure?

Answer 38

Steiner tunnel test - flame spread of interior wall and ceiling finishes

Question 39

Which common test standard would address the ability of a floor material to spread a fire?

Answer 39

Radiant Panel Test (NFPA 253)

Question 40

Due to concerns about moisture, what kinds of flooring are usually installed only on wooden subfloors at or above grade level over a plywood subfloor or on wooden sleepers.

Answer 40

solid wood strip and plank floors

Question 41

__ flooring is prefabricated as panels with square edges, tongue-and-groove joints, or splines, and can be installed as a floating floor or nailed. Optional backings are available for moisture protection and insulation.

Answer 41

Parquet

Question 42

What is the CSI Master Format order from 01-14?

Answer 42

01 - general requirements 02 - existing conditions 03 - concrete 04 - masonry 05 - metals 06 - wood, plastic, composites 07 - thermal & moisture protection 08 - openings 09 - finishes 10 - specialties 11 - equipment 12 - furnishings 13 - special construction 14 - conveying equipment

Question 43

What does ANSI/ASHRAE/IES 90.1 address?

Answer 43

Energy standard for buildings except low rise residential buildings

Question 44

When using wood flooring, what could be done during installation to provide a more resilient floor that is more comfortable underfoot and allows for extra moisture to escape?

Answer 44

lay the floor on wood sleepers

Question 45

All outlets within __" of a sink and any other water sources is required

Answer 45

72"

Question 46

In a slab on grade project which fixtures require a trench extension to reach the main plumbing line, and which do not?

Answer 46

Toilets - yes (3” waistline, and flange set directly into slab) Showers/tubs - yes (require requires P-trap and slope drain to be buried below floor surface) Floor drains - yes (drain assembly must be recessed into concrete to create a slope) Sinks - no (waist flows into wall first and pipes can be round horizontally inside wall to maintain stack)

Question 47

When do sinks avoid trenches?

Answer 47

If they are on a plumbing chase/wall that eventually crosses a trench. If a sink is on an island with no wall, it will need a trench extension.