Specifications are the part of the contract documents consisting of a detailed description of the

technical nature of the materials, standards, and quality of execution of the work to be placed under
contract. (Ching)

SPECIFICATIONS GROUP

General Requirements Subgroup Division 26 – Electrical

Division 01 – General Requirements Division 27 – Communications
Division 28 – Electronic Safety and Security
Facility Construction Subgroup Division 29 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
Division 02 – Existing Conditions EXPANSION
Division 03 – Concrete
Division 04 – Masonry Site and Infrastructure Subgroup
Division 05 – Metals Division 30 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
Division 06 – Wood, Plastics, and Composites EXPANSION
Divisions 07 – Thermal and Moisture Protection Division 31 – Earthwork
Division 08 – Openings Division 32 – Exterior Improvements
Division 09 – Finishes Division 33 – Utilities
Division 10 – Specialties Division 34 – Transportation
Division 11 – Equipment Division 35 – Waterway and Marine
Division 12 – Furnishings Division 36 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
Division 13 – Special Construction EXPANSION
Division 14 – Conveying Equipment Division 37 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
Division 15 – Mechanical EXPANSION
Division 16 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE Division 38 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
EXPANSION EXPANSION
Division 17 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE Division 39 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
EXPANSION EXPANSION
Division 18 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
EXPANSION Process Equipment Subgroup
Division 19 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
EXPANSION Division 40 – Process Integration
Division 41 – Material Processing and Handling
Facility Services Subgroup Equipment
Division 20 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE Division 42 – Process Heating, Cooling, and
EXPANSION Drying Equipment
Division 21 – Fire Suppression Division 43 – Process Gas and Liquid Handling,
Division 22 – Plumbing Purification and Storage Equipment
Division 23 – Heating Ventilating and Air Division 44 – Pollution Control Equipment
Conditioning Division 45 – Industry Specific Manufacturing
Division 24 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE Equipment
EXPANSION Division 46 – Water and Wastewater Equipment
Division 25 – Integrated Automation
Division 47 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE Division 49 – RESERVED FOR FUTURE
EXPANSION EXPANSION
Division 48 – Electrical Power Generation

Specifications are written documents that describe procedural requirements, quality control, products
and materials, fabrication, and installation. By using consistent format, language, and organization,
specifications provide a repeatable way of presenting and retrieving project information. If designers
and consultants understand how information is formatted and located in the specifications, they gain a
powerful coordination tool to minimize omissions and conflicts that usually diminish project quality and
negatively impact the design intent. (Chambers)
References:
A Visual Dictionary of Architecture
Ching, Francis D.K.

Why Specifications?
Michael D. Chambers FAIA FCSI CCS
http://www.mcaspecs.com/all_articles.php?action=view&id=47