What are MasterSpec® Divisions?

MasterSpec divisions are part of MasterSpec, a product of The American Institute of Architects (AIA) that is continually updated and maintained by Deltek, a software solutions provider for project-based businesses.

MasterSpec simplifies construction with clear, standardized specifications, ensuring consistency, reducing errors and enhancing collaboration for higher-quality projects. The divisions within MasterSpec offer a structured framework, enabling architects, engineers and contractors to develop detailed and standardized specifications for various aspects of construction projects.

Thirty-four distinct divisions cover various aspects of construction and building products, providing detailed specifications for different components, materials and trades. Each division focuses on a specific category of work, facilitating comprehensive and detailed documentation for construction projects.

This article explores MasterSpec’s divisions and structure, underscores the benefits of these divisions, defines the MasterSpec Consolidated Table of Contents and provides a real-world MasterSpec specification example, illustrating how MasterSpec enhances and simplifies the specification process.

The thirty-four MasterSpec divisions are categories of construction information used to organize specifications and other project information for different building projects. The Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) MasterFormat, the standard for formatting construction specifications in North America, is the basis for the MasterSpec divisions.

The MasterSpec divisions are as follows:

General Requirements

• Division 00 - Procurement and Contracting Requirements
• Division 01 - General Requirements

Facility Construction

• Division 02 - Existing Conditions
• Division 03 - Concrete
• Division 04 - Masonry
• Division 05 - Metals
• Division 06 - Wood, Plastics and Composites
• Division 07 - Thermal and Moisture Protection
• Division 08 - Openings
• Division 09 - Finishes
• Division 10 - Specialties
• Division 11 - Equipment
• Division 12 - Furnishings
• Division 13 - Special Construction
• Division 14 - Conveying Equipment

Facility Services

• Division 21 - Fire Suppression
• Division 22 – Plumbing
• Division 23 - Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• Division 25 - Integrated Automation
• Division 26 – Electrical
• Division 27 – Communications
• Division 28 - Electronic Safety and Security

Site and Infrastructure

• Division 31 - Earthwork
• Division 32 - Exterior Improvements
• Division 33 - Utilities

MasterSpec divisions are based on the MasterFormat framework, a standardized system for organizing and categorizing construction information, providing a broad framework for various aspects of construction projects.

The MasterSpec divisions offer highly detailed and specific construction specifications tailored to individual elements of a project. MasterSpec is often preferred for its specialized specifications, saving architects and engineers time by providing pre-written, industry-standard specifications for various construction elements.

Here are the benefits of MasterSpec divisions:

1. Organized Structure: MasterSpec divisions provide a systematic and structured framework for managing construction specifications, ensuring clarity and consistency in documentation.
2. Efficient Navigation: Professionals can easily navigate through specific categories, enabling quick access to relevant information without sifting through extensive documents.
3. Standardization: MasterSpec divisions facilitate standardized language and formats, promoting consistency across various construction projects and reducing the likelihood of misunderstandings.
4. Customization: While based on MasterFormat, MasterSpec divisions allow customization to suit individual projects' unique requirements, ensuring flexibility and adaptability.
5. Enhanced Collaboration: Standardized divisions facilitate effective communication and collaboration among project stakeholders, fostering a shared understanding of project requirements.

   MasterSpec, as part of Deltek Specpoint, is a collaborative tool where project stakeholders can access, customize and collaborate on standardized specifications.

6. Time and Cost Efficiency: By providing a clear structure, MasterSpec divisions streamline the specification-writing process, saving time for professionals and reducing the potential for costly errors and revisions.
7. Compliance: Divisions align with industry standards and regulations, ensuring that specifications adhere to legal requirements and quality standards.
8. Quality Assurance: By organizing specifications into specific divisions, MasterSpec focuses on quality, contributing to the overall excellence of construction projects.

In summary, MasterSpec divisions are specific, detailed categories within the MasterSpec documentation, providing in-depth specifications for various materials used in construction projects.

The MasterSpec Consolidated Table of Contents, published by Deltek, is a document that provides a list of all the sections and subsections in the MasterSpec library, which is a comprehensive collection of specifications for building projects.

The MasterSpec Consolidated Table of Contents shows the division number, division title, section number, section title and a brief description of each section and subsection in the MasterSpec library. The document also indicates which areas are new, revised, or withdrawn in each update of the MasterSpec library.

The document helps users find the relevant sections and subsections for their projects and keeps track of the changes in the MasterSpec library. This streamlined layout enhances accessibility, saves time and simplifies finding specific information, ensuring an improved experience for architects, engineers and other construction professionals.

The MasterSpec division and section are the two primary levels of organization for MasterSpec specifications, which are detailed documents that provide instructions, standards and quality requirements for various aspects of building projects.

MasterSpec Division

The MasterSpec division is the first level of organization for MasterSpec specifications. It is a broad category that covers a general type of work or a group of related work items. Each division has a unique number and title identifying its content and scope. The MasterSpec divisions range from Division 00 - Procurement and Contracting Requirements, which covers the general terms and conditions of the contract, to Division 33 – Utilities.

MasterSpec Section

The MasterSpec section is the second level of organization. Each section has three parts:

• Part 1 - General: This section describes the administrative, procedural and temporary requirements. Part 1 is an extension of subjects covered in Division 1 and amplifies information unique to the section.
• Part 2 - Products: This section covers the materials, products, equipment, fabrications, mix systems and assemblies required for incorporation into the project. The materials and products specified include the quality level required.
• Part 3 - Execution: This section describes the installation or application, including preparatory actions and post-installation cleaning and protection. This section also includes site-built assemblies and site-manufactured products and systems.

The description is usually one paragraph long and includes the following elements:

• The scope defines the type and extent of the work covered by the specification.
• The materials, systems, equipment and methods are specified based on quality, performance and installation criteria.
• The references to standards, codes, regulations and tests that apply to the work ensure compliance and quality control.
• The unique conditions or exceptions that modify or supplement the general requirements of the specification.

The following is a simplified example of a MasterSpec specification. Actual MasterSpec specifications are much more detailed and address many construction elements, providing specific instructions and requirements for each.

033000 - Cast-in-Place Concrete

MasterSpec is part of Deltek Specpoint, software that streamlines specification writing, reduces manual effort, and ensures consistency and accuracy, ultimately saving time and enhancing productivity. By leveraging MasterSpec, users can create comprehensive and accurate specifications.