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Acronymsaka: Construction Specifications Instituteaka: MasterFormat

CSI (Construction Specifications Institute)

In Plain English

The organization that created the standard numbering system used to organize construction specs and cost codes.

Definition

The Construction Specifications Institute is a professional association and standards body that developed MasterFormat, the numbering and organizational system used to structure construction specifications, cost codes, and project information across North America. CSI's MasterFormat divides construction work into divisions (e.g., Division 03 Concrete, Division 09 Finishes) and sections that are the backbone of project manuals and construction cost databases. CSI also publishes SpecGuide and SectionFormat guidelines for specification writers.

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