008 - Types of Specifications in Construction You Need to Know

Types of specifications in construction - prescriptive, performance, proprietary, reference, open, closed - this episode breaks down every major spec type so you know what each one does and when to use it.

Not sure which type of spec to write for a given situation? That's exactly what this episode is about. Emily walks through all the major construction specification types, explains the liability differences between prescriptive and performance specs, clarifies the single-source vs. "or equal" distinction in proprietary specs, and covers when open vs. closed specs are required.

Whether you're studying for the ARE, pursuing your CDT certification, or just trying to get better at reading and writing specs, this one's worth your time.

📝 Key topics covered:

• Prescriptive vs. performance specifications: what changes and where liability lands

• Proprietary specifications: single-source vs. brand-name with "or equal" language

• Reference standard specifications: ASTM, ANSI, and how to cite them correctly

• Open vs. closed specifications: when competition is required vs. when it's not

• MasterFormat, UniFormat, and OmniClass: how each classification system works

• Long-form, short-form, and sheet specifications: choosing the right format

⏱️ Chapters:

(0:04) Introduction to Specification Types

(1:37) Classification Systems: MasterFormat, UniFormat, OmniClass

(5:16) Prescriptive vs. Performance Specifications

(12:13) Proprietary Specifications

(15:28) Reference Specifications

(18:59) Open vs. Closed Specifications

(25:26) Long-Form vs. Short-Form Specifications

(29:37) Sheet Specifications

(32:28) Conclusion

📖 Read the full blog post

📝 Download the FREE Construction Specification Types study notes

🎯 Get access to all ARE study materials with the ARE 101 Membership

🎯 Join our 10-week ARE Boot Camp

📚 ARE and CDT Exam Prep Courses:

• PDD 101 (Construction Documents and Specs)

• CDT 101 (Construction Documents Technologist)

• CCCA 101 (Construction Contract Administration)

• PjM 101 (Project Management)

• CE 101 (Construction and Evaluation)

• PPD 101 (Project Planning and Design)

• PcM 101 (Practice Management)

• PA 101 (Programming and Analysis)

• Building Codes 101

• AIA Contracts 101