If you’re an architect, designer, or builder, you’ve likely heard of Masterformat. Masterformat is a standard used to organize the specifications of construction documents.
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Masterformat® is one of the standards developed by CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) and is the one you’ve most likely heard of. Itwas created to help make sure that designers, manufacturers, and contractors are “speaking the same language.” It does this by creating an organizational structure that is consistent for all involved parties across any project. Masterformat® standardizes the organization numbering system (think Dewey decimal system) and written format of the project specifications. This helps spec writers avoid overlaps and gaps in the information. It also helps spec readers to easily recognize the format of a specification and find information quickly.
CSI stands for Construction Specifications Institute and is a non-profit organization that is focused on creating standards, a certification program, and providing education to professionals in the construction and design industry. According to its website, its mission is to “advance building information management and education of project teams to improve facility performance”.
Masterformat® organizes the specifications into divisions based on material or type of work. Within each division are subdivisions. Each specification has an associated 6-digit number, the first two numbers of which consist of the division.
We often think of specifications for products. For example, section 073113 is Asphalt Shingles. This falls under Division 07 thermal and moisture protection.
But they can also include how to do a particular task. For example, section 040120.64 is Brick Masonry – Repointing for non-historic applications for clay brick masonry. This falls under Division 04, masonry.
Specifications also include administrative procedures. For example, 013300 Submittal Procedures – Procedures for Action and Informational Submittals including Delegated-Design Submittals and Submittals Schedule. Division 01 is the general requirements.
Masterformat was originally designed with 16 divisions. As buildings become more advanced and building information modeling (BIM) became more typically, it was realized that an expansion of the divisions was needed. In 2004 Masterformat was expanded to 50 divisions, several of which are reserved for future use knowing that how we build and operate buildings will continue to change. The numbering format also changed from 5 digits to 6 digits in this update. The 16 division format, or Masterformat 95, is no longer supported and the 50 division format is the current version.
Masterformat does require a license to use and is copyrighted. Licenses can be purchased here.
Masterformat ends up being used by just about all parties involved in the building process.
Masterformat isn’t used by everyone. Generally, for houses, duplexes, or smaller jobs, less documentation is needed and shorter specifications can be written, often within the drawings. In addition, Masterformat is not free and may not be desired as an added expense for smaller design firms.
SPECIFICATIONS GROUP
The specs generally take precedence over the drawings, but if it’s unclear, the contractor should seek clarification from the architect.
