Quick answer
At a glance
Reading construction specifications for bidding means reviewing the full project manual, identifying the sections that affect your scope, comparing specs with drawings, checking products and execution requirements, tracking submittals and quality requirements, and updating the estimate when addenda revise the specs.
AI summary
Key takeaways
- Specs define requirements that may not be obvious on drawings.
- Review scope, products, execution, submittals, quality, and closeout.
- Log conflicts between specifications and drawings before pricing.
Key takeaways
What you need to know
- Specifications and drawings must be read together.
- Product, execution, testing, submittal, and closeout requirements can affect price.
- Addenda can revise specifications as much as drawings.
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Start With the Table of Contents
Use the table of contents to identify:
- Divisions that affect your scope.
- General requirements.
- Alternates.
- Allowances.
- Product sections.
- Testing sections.
- Closeout requirements.
- Addenda revisions.
This helps you avoid skipping relevant sections.
Review the Parts of a Spec Section
Many spec sections are organized around:
| Part | What to Check |
|---|---|
| General | Scope, references, submittals, quality, coordination |
| Products | Materials, manufacturers, performance, substitutions |
| Execution | Installation, testing, protection, cleanup, closeout |
The exact format can vary by project.
Compare Specs With Drawings
Look for conflicts or gaps between:
- Drawings.
- Schedules.
- Details.
- Specifications.
- Addenda.
- Bid forms.
Record questions and assumptions before pricing.
Track Requirements That Affect Price
Watch for:
- Product restrictions.
- Testing.
- Mockups.
- Submittals.
- Warranty language.
- Cleaning and protection.
- Closeout documents.
- Owner-furnished items.
- Substitutions.
These items can affect labor, materials, schedule, and coordination.
Bottom Line
Reading construction specifications for bidding is a scope-control step. Review relevant sections, compare them with drawings, track addenda, and document conflicts or assumptions before final pricing.
Related Resources
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
What are construction specifications?
Construction specifications are written requirements that describe materials, products, execution, quality, testing, submittals, and other project requirements.
Should estimators read specs before drawings?
Estimators should use both. Start with the table of contents and relevant sections, then compare the specs with drawings and schedules.
What spec sections affect bidding most?
Relevant product, execution, testing, submittal, quality, allowance, alternate, and closeout requirements can affect scope and price.
How should drawing and spec conflicts be handled?
Log the conflict, follow the bid instructions, ask questions before the cutoff when appropriate, and document pricing assumptions.
How do addenda affect specifications?
Addenda may revise spec sections, product requirements, forms, deadlines, or scope. The bid team should track each change.
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