Learn · 30 guides
Specifications vs. drawings guides
One guide per specification section. Each shows which drawings, schedules, and details have to match the section, and where they usually don't.
Check concrete specifications against drawingsCompare concrete mix references, slab finishes, joints, embeds, and curing requirements across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check structural steel specifications against drawingsTrace steel grades, connections, coatings, delegated-design references, and inspections across specifications and drawings with an editable checklist. Check masonry specifications against wall detailsCompare masonry unit types, reinforcement, grout, flashing, joints, and support details with the issued specification. Includes an editable checklist. Check insulation specifications against wall sectionsReview insulation type, thickness, thermal-value basis, continuity, and adjacent materials across wall sections and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check waterproofing specifications against detailsTrace fluid-applied waterproofing from specification to substrates, joints, drains, and terminations. Includes a coordination checklist and editable CSV. Check door hardware specifications against door schedulesMatch door numbers and hardware sets with operation, frame preparation, access control, and specification requirements. Includes an editable checklist. Check glazing specifications against window schedulesTrace glass types, window tags, performance-value basis, frame interfaces, and special glazing references across schedules and specifications. Free CSV. Check painting specifications against finish schedulesMatch paint systems to room finishes, substrates, exposure, and preparation requirements. Includes a worked coordination example and editable checklist. Check HVAC controls specifications against sequencesReconcile HVAC equipment tags, control points, operating modes, alarms, and testing references across specifications and sequences. Editable CSV included. Check lighting controls specifications against drawingsCompare lighting control zones, fixture schedules, sensors, sequences, and power references with specifications. Includes a worked example and free CSV. Check resilient flooring specifications against drawingsCompare resilient flooring types, substrate moisture testing, transitions, and adhesive compatibility across finish plans and specifications. Check gypsum board specifications against partition typesCompare partition-type gypsum board layers, framing, fire and sound ratings, and joint treatment across drawings and specifications. Check roofing membrane specifications against drawingsCompare TPO roofing membrane scope, substrate, flashing, drainage, and warranty requirements across roof plans and specifications. Check acoustical ceiling specifications against drawingsCompare acoustical ceiling grid, tile, seismic bracing, and MEP coordination across reflected ceiling plans and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check joint sealant specifications against drawingsCompare joint sealant type, joint design, substrate compatibility, and movement capability across wall details and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check metal wall panel specifications against drawingsCompare metal wall panel system, attachment, joints, and air and water barrier continuity across elevations and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check ceramic, quarry, and glass tile specifications against drawingsCompare tile type, substrate preparation, setting method, and waterproofing across finish plans and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check metal railing specifications against drawingsCompare railing type, height, infill spacing, anchorage, and movement joints across elevations and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check carpet specifications against finish drawingsCompare carpet type, pattern direction, seam layout, transitions, and installation method across finish plans and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check firestopping specifications against drawingsCompare penetration type, listed system selection, annular space, and fire-rated joint treatment across MEP and architectural drawings. Editable CSV included. Check curtain wall specifications against drawingsCompare mullion spacing, anchorage, glazing infill, and air-water barrier continuity across curtain wall drawings and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check steel door and frame specifications against schedulesCompare door and frame type, gauge, fire rating, and anchor type across door schedules and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check wet-pipe sprinkler specifications against drawingsCompare hazard classification, coverage, pipe routing, and standpipe coordination across fire-protection and architectural drawings. Editable CSV included. Check toilet compartment specifications against drawingsCompare toilet compartment mounting, material, accessible stall dimensions, and support blocking across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check access flooring specifications against drawingsCompare access flooring grid, finished floor height, and load rating by area across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check elevator specifications against drawingsCompare elevator car size, hoistway and pit dimensions, machine space, and fire-service recall across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check overhead coiling door specifications against drawingsCompare overhead coiling door opening size, fire rating, operation type, and structural support across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check wood casework specifications against drawingsCompare casework grade, laminate and finish, countertop material, and accessible clearances against drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check fire alarm specifications against drawingsCompare fire alarm device placement, zoning, notification coverage, and system interfaces across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Drawing vs. specification conflicts: how to find them before bidWhy drawings and specs drift apart, the seven conflict types behind RFIs and change orders, what governs when they disagree, and a review routine for bid.
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Other topics
Construction document review basicsWhat construction document review covers, the vocabulary it uses, and how to prepare a set. Drawing review checklists by disciplineSheet-by-sheet checklists for a single discipline, most with an editable CSV. Cross-discipline coordination guidesWhere consultant documents disagree with each other, and the checks that surface it. Comparing drawing revisions and toolsWhat each vendor's own compare feature checks, and the question none of them answer. California permitting and state plan reviewState agency review for schools and healthcare, and private plan review under AB 253. Building codes, permitting, and calculatorsAdopted codes, plan check responses, and free calculators that show their math. Project delivery and program guidesHow the delivery arrangement decides who reviews what, and at which milestone. Review evidence and evaluationPublished findings, accuracy pilots, and how to prioritise what a review returns.
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