Understanding the Standard Format for Specification Document Sections

Understanding the General Section of Specifications

Discover the structure and format of specification documents, with an in-depth overview of Part 1, the general part. Learn how it sets the standard format across all sections, including summaries, references to codes, product submittals, quality assurance, pre-installation details, project conditions, sequencing, and warranties.

Key Insights

  • Specification documents are divided into three parts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3. This article focuses on Part 1, also known as the general part.
  • Part 1 contains various sections such as summaries, references to codes, details about product submittals, discussions of quality assurance, information on pre-installation meetings, project conditions, and sequencing.
  • Important components such as warranties, delivery, storage, and handling processes are also detailed in the general section of a specification document.

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In specifications, there are three parts: Part 1, Part 2, and Part 3 of each section. Part 1 is called the General part. So there's a standard format that applies to all sections within a specification document.

In the General area, we have a summary. We reference related sections elsewhere in the specifications. It includes references to applicable codes.

It includes information about product submittals, including items such as shop drawings. There are also provisions for quality assurance. It addresses pre-installation meetings, project conditions, and sequencing, which refers to the order in which systems are installed.

There will frequently also be discussions of warranties for the product being installed. So again, the standard format begins with a General section: a summary, related sections within the specifications, possible definitions, references to codes, a discussion of submittals, quality assurance provisions, pre-installation meeting requirements, delivery, storage and handling, project conditions, and sequencing.

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Please review the PDF, and then let’s proceed to our next video, which is Part 2: Products.

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Al Whitley

AutoCAD and Blueprint Reading Instructor

Al was the Founder and CEO of VDCI | cadteacher for over 20 years. Al passed away in August of 2020. Al’s vision was for the advancement and employment of aspiring young professionals in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction (AEC) industries.

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