FAQs - MASTERSPEC® Components and Structure
- What are standard MASTERSPEC Libraries?
- What is Small Project? How is it different from standard MASTERSPEC?
- What specification types and options are available?
- What are full-length specifications?
- What are short-form specifications?
- What are outline specifications?
- How do full-length, short-form, and outline specifications differ?
- What are supplemental sections?
- How do the basic and expanded packages differ?
- How do I choose the best MASTERSPEC library/version for my firm?
- What is MasterFormat, and how does it relate to MASTERSPEC?
- What are Supporting Documents?
- What is SPECWARE? Can I see a demo?
- How often are MASTERSPEC sections updated?
What are standard MASTERSPEC Libraries?
Standard MASTERSPEC libraries are practice-specific, specification resources that include:
- Master specification text in Word and/or WordPerfect in full length, short form, or outline formats
- Supporting Documents, which aid product research/selection and specification preparation, including:
- Evaluations (testing procedures and the applicable codes, application and implementation suggestions, direct links to the manufacturer wherever possible, etc.)
- Drawing and Specification Coordination checklists
- MASTERWORKS™ specification production software, which interfaces with your word processor to automatically create custom headers and footers, generate tables of contents, or pull project reports (e.g., submittal, summary, warranty)
Available libraries include:
- Architectural / Structural / Civil
- Interiors
- Roofing
- Security & Detention
- Structural / Civil / Landscape
- Structural
- Site Civil
- Landscape Architecture
- Mechanical / Electrical
- Mechanical
- Electrical
- Fire Protection
- General Requirements
- Comprehensive (all sections)
View the MASTERSPEC Consolidated TOC in MasterFormat '95
View the MASTERSPEC Consolidated TOC in MasterFormat '04
What is Small Project™? How is it different from standard MASTERSPEC?
MASTERSPEC Small Project includes abridged specification text in Word and WordPerfect developed specifically for projects limited in size, scope, or duration. Small Project is available with or without Supporting Documents and comes with MASTERWORKS specification editing and production software (FREE). Small Project typically offers users the best solution for residential, light commercial, facilities management, and renovation as well as design-build and interior fit-out work.
What specification types and options are available?
MASTERSPEC libraries are available in three specification types (full length, short form, and outline) and in either a basic or an expanded package (available with all three specification types).
What are full-length specifications?
Full-length specifications feature comprehensive master specification text for complex contractual requirements. These sections are typically used on large commercial, industrial, and government projects, and come with a full complement of Supporting Documents.
What are short-form specifications?
Short-form specifications are abridged sections (from the full-length version) for less-complex projects or contractual requirements. These sections cover the same topics as the full-length sections and come with the same Supporting Documents.
What are outline specifications?
Outline specifications are used during the schematic or design development stages, rather than for construction purposes. These sections typically do not include “Part 3 - Execution” or Supporting Documents.
How do full-length, short-form, and outline specifications differ?
The three different types of specifications available with MASTERSPEC libraries differ in terms of:
| Specification Types | Level of Detail | Use | Comes with Supporting Documents |
| Full Length | Comprehensive | Complex projects and contractual situations | Yes |
| Short Form | Abridged | Less-complex contractual situations |
Yes |
| Outline | No "Part 3 - Execution" | DD/Schematic phases only or some design-build situations | No |
What are supplemental sections?
The supplemental sections address more specialized project requirements. These sections belong to the supplemental version libraries; they are not part of the basic package but are part of the expanded package.
If you have a basic package license, you may order individual (supplemental) sections from the supplemental version at discounted prices. You do not need to upgrade your license to the expanded package unless you would need to add multiple supplemental sections. If this is the case, then it might be more economical to upgrade your license to the expanded package.
Compare libraries, section types, and quantities.
How do the basic and expanded packages differ?
The basic package consists of the most commonly used sections for typical commercial projects and is best used for moderate- to large-scale complex projects and any bidding and contractual situation.
The expanded package consists of the basic package PLUS the supplemental version, which includes sections addressing more specialized project requirements.
Each MASTERSPEC library is available in the basic full-length, short-form, and outline packages; not all libraries have an expanded package option.
Compare libraries, section types, and quantities.
How do I choose the best MASTERSPEC library/version for my firm?
First, determine which of MASTERSPEC’s 13 libraries matches your firm’s practice area.
Next, select the specification format that best fits your project needs (full length, short form, or outline).
Remember, Small Project may be the best solution for you if your projects are limited in size, scope, and duration (e.g., residential, interior build out, and renovations).
Or, for personal assistance, call ARCOM’s product consultants at 800.424.5080 for help selecting the most appropriate and economical library for your practice, or complete a Request for Information form.
What is MasterFormat, and how does it relate to MASTERSPEC?
MasterFormat™ is the numbering classification system created by Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) and Construction Specifications Canada (CSC). The complete overhaul of MasterFormat, completed in 2004, increased section number digits from 5 to 6 and Divisions from 16 to 40+.
MASTERSPEC®, the master specification system and product selection tool published by ARCOM for The American Institute of Architects (AIA), incorporates MasterFormat’s numbering system and currently accommodates those using either MasterFormat '95 or '04.
What are Supporting Documents?
MASTERSPEC Supporting Documents are comprehensive background research information and coordination checklists that accompany each MASTERSPEC section. Unique to MASTERSPEC, this one-stop resource for product research/selection and specification preparation includes:
- Evaluations (testing procedures and the applicable codes, application and implementation suggestions, green building or LEED information, references and standards, direct links into the manufacturer and standards organizations)
- Drawing and Specification Coordination checklists
What is SPECWARE? Can I see a demo?
SPECWARE is ARCOM’s family of specification enhancement software products that streamline MASTERSPEC specification development and production, giving design professionals more time for creativity. SPECWARE includes MASTERWORKS, LINX, e-SPECS Linx, e-SPECS Pro, and ADS.
You can set up an online demo by contacting your product consultant at 800.424.5080, or visit Online Demos.
How often are MASTERSPEC sections updated?
MASTERSPEC sections are substantively updated on a one- to five-year cycle, depending on the changes that affect the section. CD updates are issued throughout the year as part of the MASTERSPEC license. Updates include:
- New sections
- Substantive updates to existing sections
- Revisions or minor updates to sections
ARCOM globally updates MASTERSPEC for major enhancements, such as integrating LEED information (in 2002, 2003, 2006) and implementing MasterFormat ’04 revisions (in 2005).
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