2 min read
How Perfect Must Specifications Be?
I would like to produce perfect documents every time. However, I remember Hal Barcus, one of my architecture professors saying, "Architecture is...
Specifications (15)
Chemical Masonry Cleaning
How can you make sure you get that "like new" look for the completed masonry? Detergent washing is only removing the surface dirt - not the right...
3 min read
Division 01 - It's not boilerplate!
Division 01 sets the basic rules for administrative procedures of a construction contract. You may think that once written for a particular firm,...
3 min read
What thickness is that gage?
If you find yourself caught between tradition and current industry practice for specifying sheet metal thicknesses you are not alone. It has been...
2 min read
What Should I Look for During Submittal Review?
An architect recently asked that I give an opinion about a shop drawing and what was actually installed on a project site. The installation was...
Portable Fire Extinguisher Selection
So many choices! What types and how many fire extinguishers do I really need? I don't have a copy of NFPA 10 that the code references. Isn't there a...
3 min read
What's so Important about Submittals?
An interesting question--no doubt about it! More than 90 Specifying Practice Group members, an attendance record, met last week to discuss it.
2 min read
Whose intent is this anyway?
David Bishton, RA, CSI, CCS, CCCA, as Southwest Region CSI Editor, asks: "But how the heck does a contractor or supplier or installer of materials...
1 min read
Honor our Veterans - Teach Your Children
Reflections I started this day like most others - coffee and newspaper. I make a point to read the editorial pages, mostly to keep in touch with what...
Defining Masonry Restoration Scope
When is the scope of work on a restoration project prepared? On what does the contractor base his bid? Too often, the scope of work on a restoration...