18
3–1 Introduction
The project manual, often referred to as the specifications, is
a document that accompanies the drawings and includes
information on how to bid the project, the contractual oblig-
ations of the successful contractor, and the specifications for
the materials used in the construction. In this book, the term
“project manual” is used when referring to the complete
written document or a set of documents that accompanies
the plans. The term “specifications” is used when referring to
the material or technical specifications.
The contractor submits a bid or proposal based on the
drawings and the project manual. The contractor is respon-
sible for everything contained in the project manual and
what is covered on the drawings. The project manual should
be read thoroughly and reviewed when necessary. Contrac-
tors have a tendency to read only the portions of the project
manual that refer to materials and workmanship; however,
they are also responsible for anything stated in the proposal
(or bid form), the information to bidders, the general condi-
tions, and the supplementary general conditions.
There is a tendency among estimators to simply skim
over the project manual. Reading the average project manual
is time-consuming, but many important items are men-
tioned only in the project manual and not on the drawings.
Because the project manual is part of the contract docu-
ments, the general contractor is responsible for the work and
materials mentioned in it.
The project manual contains items ranging from the
types of bonds and insurance required to the type, quality,
and color of materials used on the job. A thorough under-
standing of the materials contained in the specification por-
tion of the project manual may make the difference between
being the low bidder and not.
There is no question that skimming the project manual is
risky. Either the bids will be too high, because of contingency
allowances added to cover uncertainty in the bid, or too low,
from not including required items.
The project manual is generally presented in the following
sequence:- Invitation to bid (advertisement for bidders)
- Instructions to bidders
- Bid (or proposal) forms
- Form of owner/contractor agreement
- Form of bid bond
- Forms of performance bonds
- General conditions of the contract
- Supplementary general conditions
- Specifications (technical specifications)
Separate contracts and many large projects often have a sepa-
rate project manual for the mechanical and electrical trades.
3–2 CONSTRUCTION
SPECIFICATIONS INSTITUTE
The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) has devel-
oped a standard format for organizing the specification
known as the MasterFormat. Prior to 2004, the MasterFormat
consisted of 17 divisions (0 through 16). In 2004, the Master-
Format was revised to include 50 divisions (0 through 49),
with many of the divisions being reserved for future use.
Each division is subdivided into specific areas; for example,
division 8 covers openings (doors, windows, and skylights),
while the subdivision 08 50 00 deals specifically with
windows. Subdivision 08 50 00 is further divided, and
subdivision 08 51 00 deals with all types of metal windows.
Subdivision 05 51 00 is subdivided by type of metal win-
dow, with 08 51 13 dealing with aluminum windows. The
MasterFormat has found wide acceptance in the construc-
tion industry. The first two levels of the 2004 MasterFormat
are shown in Figure 3.1. The CSI MasterFormat also ties
in easily with computer programs and cost accounting
systems. It is not necessary to memorize the majorPROJECT MANUAL
CHAPTERTHREE