Section 804IAC1.1-7-29. Specifications and material research

   (a) Well-grounded knowledge of specification writing principles and procedures is essential to the preparation of sound, enforceable specifications. Unless these skills are properly developed, expert knowledge of materials, contracts, and construction procedures cannot be communicated successfully to the ultimate users. A cardinal principle of specification writing requires the architect to understand, very clearly, the relationship between drawings and specifications, and to be able to communicate in a logical, orderly sequence, the requirements of the construction process. Many factors must be considered in the selection and evaluation of materials or products to be used in a project:

(1) appropriateness;

(2) durability;

(3) aesthetic quality;

(4) first cost; and

(5) maintenance, etc.

To avoid future problems, it is extremely important that the architect recognizes the ultimate function of each item to be specified. The architect must carefully assess new or untried materials as well as new or unusual applications of familiar items regardless of manufacturer representations, to be certain no hidden deficiencies exist that might create problems for the owner and expose the architect to liability.

  (b) Possible intern activities include the following:

(1) Reviewing construction specifications organization, purpose, and format, and assisting in writing specifications. Reviewing and analyzing bidding forms, insurance aspects, bonding requirements, liens, supplementary and special conditions.

(2) Researching and evaluating data for products to be specified, including information regarding product availability, cost, code acceptability, and manufacturers' reliability. Attending sales presentations in connection with this research.

(3) Researching industry standards and guidelines for specific classes of products (e.g., curtain walls, aluminum windows) as they affect various manufacturers' items being considered for acceptability on a project. Researching construction techniques and systems and understanding workmanship standards such as poured-in-place concrete, masonry construction, etc.

(Board of Registration for Architects and Landscape Architects; 804 IAC 1.1-7-29; filed Jan 22, 1990, 5:00 p.m.: 13 IR 1059; filed Nov 29, 1995, 8:00 a.m.: 19 IR 670; readopted filed May 10, 2001, 2:40 p.m.: 24 IR 3235; readopted filed Oct 4, 2007, 3:37 p.m.: 20071031-IR-804070042RFA; readopted filed Nov 25, 2013, 9:19 a.m.: 20131225-IR-804130276RFA)