Construction Documents

Construction documents are the files that have writings and graphics to explain the project´s design for construction and administering contracts. Because they have various elements, such as specifications, general requirements, drawings, modifications, contracting requirements, and addenda, they need to be prepared meticulously. Therefore, you should be aware of every aspect of the construction documents.

Common Problems on the Construction Documents

Before adverting the common problems that the documents usually have, you should know about the basic elements that every construction documents must have, which are the specifications, plans, sections, elevations, and construction details. The first problem with the documents is that they might not follow the CSI´s standards. CSI (The Construction Specifications Institute) sets some regulations and specifications must follow them.

Lack of proper specification language is also a common issue. In addition, the specification language should be up-to-date. You should not reuse it from an old project. To prepare construction documents properly, you should search for the latest version of the master guide specifications. By educating yourself on CSI´s Construction Specifications Practice Guide, your documents can be error-free.

Basics of Sheet Specifications

Sheet specifications is a great idea for small projects. Since communication is easier in small projects, sheet specifications are useful. In this type of document, the construction specifications are written on a few sheets. For a properly prepared sheet specification, you should be aware of Master guide specifications.

The titles that the sheet specifications might need to have are general, hazardous materials, survey and mapping, geotechnical, civil, landscape, structural, architectural, interiors, equipment, fire protection, plumbing, process, mechanical, electrical, distributed energy, telecommunications, and shop drawings, depending on the scope of work.

Sheet specifications should be well-defined. Their format should include division titles, section titles, article titles, paragraphs, subparagraphs, end of specifications, and table of contents. You should also consider the font. According to the standards you are following, the greatness of the font varies. So, you should search for that.

The Differences Between General Notes and Other Notes Documents

Apart from general notes, there are other notes. Usually, general notes are longer than other documents. Because they include more elements. The purpose of general notes is to address the general conditions of the contract and the specifications. The notes are particularly specific to the architectural sheets. The basic information that the notes provide is dimensional requirements, location requirements, material/product characteristics, performance requirements, and installation requirements.

General notes have two folds, which are general discipline notes and general sheet notes. General discipline notes are the files that have applicable discipline, for instance, architectural, structural, mechanical, electrical, and so on. On the other hand, general sheet notes are the notes that are specific to the information shown on sheets.

Construction documents are detailed and comprehensive files that represent every aspect of the project. When they are prepared according to the standards, they are highly beneficial. Thus, it is important to search for every element of the document. In this way, well-prepared construction documents can be obtained.