Is your firm using a specification document that’s more than a year or two old?
CDA will refresh your firm’s specifications using its up-to-date specification software and customized research. You may be using MasterFormat 96, the 5-digit numbering system instead of the current 6-digit MasterFormat system. The former has been out-of-date since 2004 and is not supported by CSI or AIA. Your current specifications may be using out-of-date references that have been updated or completed replaced by newer testing procedures and requirements, such as requiring a ceramic floor tile to meet a Static Coefficient of Friction based on ASTM C 1028 which was withdrawn from use in 2014.
Do you use the same specification document over and over?
You can take advantage of an independent review of your firm’s construction documents to improve internal quality controls procedures. CDA can improve coordination between drawings and specifications that sometimes results in inconsistent or duplication of data, or conflicting information with the specifications.
Do you only need a specification once in a while?
Nearly every architectural firm needs a specification at one time or another. Most licensed architects have a basic understanding of how to write a specification, but if only called upon sporadically, their skills can get rusty. By specializing in the creation of specifications, CDA can create a high-quality document in much less time, freeing up your staff to concentrate on other construction documents.
Do your employees need training on basic skills and knowledge about the use and interrelationship of construction documents?
Such training is part of the expected basis of knowledge required for architects but is not typically covered in school or on-the-job training. CDA has been involved with the CSI Certification program locally and on the national level since 1994, and Gerard has been a professor of contracts and specifications to university students. We have provided this training to dozens of firms and can customize everything from a short lunch-n-learn to a series of workshops to fit your needs.
Have CDA update your specifications and save staff time
Specification writing is a specialized skill. The project manager who prepares his or her own specification does have a great deal of control and ability to customize the specification to suit their particular need, but this takes time away from dealing with client, staff and consultant coordination, and their own involvement in producing the construction documents.