Learn Β· 125 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. Check toilet accessory specifications against drawingsCompare toilet accessory item assignment, accessible and security variants, mounting method, and blocking across drawings and specifications. Check interior signage specifications against drawingsCompare interior signage type, room numbering, tactile and Braille message content, and mounting height across drawings and specifications. Check locker specifications against drawingsCompare locker type, material, accessible clearances, and numbering across locker room plans and specifications. Includes an editable checklist. Check aluminum storefront specifications against drawingsCompare storefront system, hardware, wind-load basis, and thermal barrier assignment across elevations and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check chain link fence and gate specifications against drawingsCompare fence and gate type, post spacing, security classification, and grounding across site plans and specifications. Editable CSV included. Check structured cabling specifications against drawingsCompare telecommunications room assignment, pathway sizing, labeling scheme, and distributor hierarchy across drawings and specifications. Check sectional overhead door specifications against drawingsCompare sectional overhead door lift type, headroom clearance, wind load basis, and operator coordination across specifications and drawings. Check unitary HVAC equipment specifications against drawingsCompare packaged and split-system HVAC unit type, efficiency basis, refrigerant safety classification, and controls interface across specifications and drawings. Check hydronic heating piping specifications against drawingsCompare hot water heating pipe material, valve assignment, expansion provisions, and terminal-unit connections across specifications and drawings. Check mechanical system insulation specifications against drawingsCompare pipe and duct insulation material, vapor-retarder assignment, and jacket type against the service shown on mechanical drawings. Check intercommunication system specifications against drawingsCompare intercommunication system type, station capacity, video features, and door-release coordination across specifications and drawings. Check electronic security system specifications against drawingsCompare intrusion detection, access control, and video surveillance subsystem assignment and door-hardware interface across specifications and drawings. Check coiling counter door specifications against drawingsCompare coiling counter door curtain material, fire rating, sound rating, and lock type across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check HVAC air distribution specifications against drawingsCompare ductwork, air handling units, terminal units, and fire/smoke dampers across mechanical drawings and specifications. Includes an editable checklist. Check dedicated outdoor air system specifications against drawingsCompare DOAS applicability threshold, energy recovery effectiveness, filter rating, and controls protocol across specifications and drawings. Check water chiller specifications against drawingsCompare chiller type, performance certification, refrigerant safety, and mechanical room ventilation across specifications and drawings. Check audio-visual system specifications against drawingsCompare AV room descriptions, excluded scope, cybersecurity coordination, and grounding against electrical and structural drawings. Free CSV. Check first responder distributed antenna system specifications against drawingsCompare emergency responder radio coverage, signal strength, power backup, and monitoring across specifications and drawings. Check plumbing fixture specifications against drawingsCompare plumbing fixture schedules, mounting heights, flow rates, and clearances across specifications and drawings. Includes an editable checklist. Check air barrier specifications against drawingsCompare air barrier continuity, transitions, penetrations, and testing requirements across wall sections and specifications. Editable checklist included. Check wood door specifications against door schedulesCompare wood door core, veneer, fire rating, louvers, and finish requirements across door schedules and specifications. Includes an editable checklist. Check fire extinguisher cabinet specifications against drawingsCompare fire extinguisher cabinet type, mounting height, fire-rated wall compatibility, and identification across drawings and specifications. Check site furnishings specifications against drawingsCompare site furnishing types, anchoring, finishes, and layout coordination across civil, landscape, and specification documents. Check exterior lighting specifications against drawingsCompare exterior luminaire schedules, pole and foundation details, photometric coverage, and controls across site drawings and specifications. Check demolition specifications against drawingsCompare demolition scope, items to remain, utility disconnects, salvage items, and protection requirements across drawings and specifications. Check loading dock leveler specifications against drawingsCompare dock leveler pit dimensions, rated capacity, height adjustment, restraint devices, and clearances across drawings and specifications. Check roller window shade specifications against schedulesCompare roller window shade placement, motor and mount type, room-darkening use, and color across the schedule, drawings, and specification. Check metal building system specifications against drawingsCompare pre-engineered metal building frame type, eave height, foundation coordination, and openings across drawings and specifications. Check earthwork specifications against drawingsCompare fill classification, subgrade compaction, trench backfill, and finish grading across the civil drawings and earthwork specification. Check stormwater utility specifications against drawingsCompare storm drain pipe material, bedding, structure construction, and field testing across the civil drawings and specification. Check dry pipe sprinkler specifications against drawingsCompare dry pipe zones, valve rooms, nitrogen supply, drains, and sprinkler types across fire protection drawings and Section 21 13 16. CSV included. Check preaction sprinkler specifications against drawingsCompare interlock type, detection, releasing panel, nitrogen, and power across fire protection, fire alarm, and electrical drawings and Section 21 13 18. Check deluge sprinkler specifications against drawingsCompare hazard area, open sprinklers or spray nozzles, detection, releasing controls, drainage, and water supply across drawings and Section 21 13 19. Check fire pump specifications against drawingsCompare pump sequence, driver, controller, power source, test header, fuel, and pump room layout across drawings and UFGS Section 21 30 00. CSV included. Check clean agent suppression specifications against drawingsCompare the protected room, detection sequence, abort and release stations, HVAC shutdown, room integrity, and cylinders against UFGS Section 21 22 00. Check standpipe system specifications against drawingsCompare standpipe risers, hose valves, fire department connections, supply, drains, and alarms across drawings and UFGS Section 21 12 00. CSV included. Check spray-applied fireproofing specifications against drawingsCompare fire ratings, tested designs, exposed and concealed members, roof deck, and intumescent coatings across drawings and UFGS Section 07 81 00. Check automatic transfer switch specifications against drawingsCompare ATS count, ratings, bypass isolation, transfer type, fire pump service, and annunciation across one-lines and UFGS Section 26 36 23. CSV included. Check engine-generator specifications against drawingsCompare the generator parameter schedule, fuel, exhaust, cooling, enclosure, and paralleling across drawings and UFGS Section 26 32 15. CSV included. Check testing, adjusting, and balancing specifications against drawingsCompare TAB design values, balancing devices, test ports, duct leakage testing, and sound and seasonal tests across HVAC drawings and UFGS Section 23 05 93. Check interior electrical distribution specifications against drawingsCompare panel schedules, feeders, conductors, raceways, grounding, and fire pump and emergency circuits across electrical drawings and UFGS 26 20 00. Check switchboard specifications against drawingsCompare switchboard ratings, protective devices, drawout breakers, trip units, metering, alignment, and labels across one-lines and UFGS Section 26 24 13. Check low-voltage switchgear specifications against drawingsCompare drawout breakers, relays, arc mitigation, arc-resistant construction, racking, and room space across one-lines and UFGS Section 26 23 00. Check lightning protection specifications against drawingsCompare system type, air terminals, down conductors, ground rods, test wells, fence bonding, and testing across roof plans and UFGS Section 26 41 00. Check power system study specifications against drawingsCheck that the studies UFGS 26 05 73 requires cover the sources, equipment, devices, and names on the one-line, schedules, and arc flash label details. Check UPS specifications against drawingsCompare UPS configuration, bypass, batteries, hydrogen monitoring, REPO, and generator interface across drawings and UFGS Section 26 33 53. Check variable frequency drive specifications against drawingsCompare drive schedules, motors, bypass, harmonics, enclosures, and controls interfaces across drawings and UFGS Section 26 29 23 for ASD systems. Check access door and panel specifications against drawingsCompare access panel locations, fire ratings, acoustic and wet-area types, and finishes across drawings and UFGS Section 08 31 00. CSV included. Check fuel storage tank specifications against drawingsCompare tank type, venting, level alarms, gauging, leak detection, grounding, and installation across drawings and UFGS Section 33 56 10. Check heating boiler specifications against drawingsCompare boiler type, fuel trains, venting, combustion safety controls, hydronic accessories, and water treatment across drawings and UFGS Section 23 52 00. Check electrical acceptance testing specifications against drawingsCompare the equipment list, NETA testing, procedures, reports, and energization in UFGS 26 08 00 with the one-line and equipment sections. Check aluminum door and frame specifications against door schedulesCompare aluminum door types, frames, anchors, hardware preparation, glazing, weatherstripping, and blast or debris criteria with UFGS 08 11 16. Check mechanical water treatment specifications against drawingsCompare condenser, chilled water, hot water, and steam boiler treatment equipment, bleed lines, glycol, and testing with UFGS Section 23 25 00. Check chilled and condenser water piping specifications against drawingsCompare pipe materials, valves, balancing, expansion, anchors, penetrations, and pressure testing across piping drawings and UFGS Section 23 64 26. Check facility gas piping specifications against drawingsCompare gas pipe materials, CSST, shutoff valves, regulators and vents, automatic shutoff, bonding, and testing with UFGS Section 23 11 20 drawings. Check mechanical seismic bracing specifications against drawingsCompare the braced equipment and systems lists, who designs the bracing, flexible couplings, drift joints, and sway braces in UFGS 23 05 48.19. Check water utility distribution piping specifications against drawingsCompare water main materials, joints, restraint, valves, hydrants, meters, backflow, sewer separation, and testing with UFGS 33 11 00 and utility plans. Check sound control door specifications against door schedulesCompare STC-rated door assemblies, fire labels, frame infill, seals, door bottoms, thresholds, and STC hardware with UFGS 08 34 73 and the door schedule. Check blast resistant door specifications against door schedulesCompare blast door designations, blast effects, rebound, hardware, operating forces, accessories, frame anchorage, and tests with UFGS 08 39 54. Check overhead electrical distribution specifications against drawingsCompare poles, conductors, sag tables, guys and anchors, cutouts, pole-mounted equipment, grounding, and testing with UFGS 33 71 01 and pole details. Check nonstructural seismic control specifications against drawingsCompare seismic design criteria, who designs supports, component lists, designated seismic systems, anchors, and special inspection with UFGS 13 48 73. Check underground electrical distribution specifications against drawingsCompare duct banks, direct burial, cable types, manholes and handholes, terminations, building feeders, grounding, and tests with UFGS 33 71 02. Check HVAC control device specifications against valve and damper schedulesCompare control valve and damper schedules, fail positions, smoke damper end switches, sensors, airflow arrays, and freezestats with UFGS 23 09 13. Check special inspection specifications against the drawingsCompare the statement and schedule of special inspections, seismic systems, inspector qualifications, and fabricator shops with UFGS 01 45 35. Check post-installed anchor specifications against drawing calloutsCompare anchor types, base material, evaluation reports, bond strength tables, installer training, and special inspection with UFGS 05 05 20. Check EIFS specifications against elevations and wall sectionsCompare EIFS class, drainage, sheathing, insulation, NFPA 285 basis, impact resistance zones, joints, and flashing with UFGS 07 24 00. Check tilt-up concrete specifications against panel elevations and detailsCompare tilt-up panel layout, sealed fabrication drawings, lifting and bracing inserts, connections, finishes, and casting slab with UFGS 03 47 13. Check metal stair specifications against stair plans and sectionsCompare stair and tread types, delegated connection design, design loads, nosings, landings, inserts, and coatings with UFGS 05 51 00 Metal Stairs. Check miscellaneous metal specifications against the drawingsCompare lintels, relief angles, embedded plates, gratings, cover plates, bollards, roof hatches, and door frames with UFGS 05 50 13. Check metal ladder specifications against ladder detailsCompare ladder locations, length of climb, ladder safety devices, top-of-ladder conditions, ship stairs, and anchorage with UFGS 05 51 33. Check precast structural concrete specifications against framing drawingsCompare precast framing layout, delegated member design, topping, bearing and connections, openings, fire rating, and PCI certification with UFGS 03 45 33. Check roof insulation specifications against roof plans and detailsCompare roof insulation R-value, tapered layout, thermal barrier, wind attachment zones, vapor retarder, and nailers with UFGS 07 22 00. Check electrical seismic protection specifications against drawingsCompare seismic criteria, electrical component lists, who designs supports, raceway joints, light fixtures, anchors, and inspection with UFGS 26 05 48. Check sanitary sewer specifications against utility plans and profilesCompare sewer pipe material by run, water line separation, manholes, septic systems, connections to existing lines, and sewer tests with UFGS 33 30 00. Check metal roof panel specifications against roof plans and detailsCompare metal roof panel type, material and finish, wind uplift, underlayment, flashing and closures, gutters, glare, and leak testing with UFGS 07 41 13. Check aluminum window specifications against window schedules and detailsCompare aluminum window type, class and grade, wind, blast, and debris criteria, thermal values, mullions, cleaner anchors, and finish with UFGS 08 51 13. Check steel window specifications against window schedules and detailsCompare steel window types, fire-rated and security windows, blast and debris criteria, thermal values, operators, anchors, and finish with UFGS 08 51 23. Check structural standing seam roof specifications against roof framing and detailsCompare steel or aluminum standing seam roofs, clip types and spacing, fixed points, wind uplift, flashing, and inspection with UFGS 07 61 14 and 07 61 15. Check flashing and sheet metal specifications against roof and wall detailsCompare sheet metal choices, gutters and downspouts, copings, counterflashing and reglets, expansion joints, and roof edge wind uplift with UFGS 07 60 00. Check cooling tower specifications against mechanical schedules and drawingsCompare cooling tower type, scheduled design data, fans and drives, basin heaters, makeup water, fire safety, controls, and field testing with UFGS 23 65 00. Check irrigation specifications against irrigation plans, schedules, and detailsCompare irrigation pipe, heads, emitters, valves, backflow preventers, controllers, drains, cover, and field tests with the plans and UFGS 32 84 23. Check exterior planting specifications against plant schedules and planting detailsCompare plant schedules, nursery stock, topsoil and soil mixes, plant pits, drainage, clearances, mulch, staking, and planting dates with UFGS 32 93 00. Check segmental retaining wall specifications against wall drawings and sectionsCompare design responsibility, wall geometry, soil parameters, geogrid layout, blocks and caps, drainage, fill, and tolerances with UFGS 32 32 23.13. Check turf seeding and sodding specifications against landscape and grading plansCompare turf areas, seed mixes, sod, topsoil, soil preparation, mulch, erosion control, planting dates, and restoration with UFGS 32 92 19 and 32 92 23. Check concrete curb, gutter, and sidewalk specifications against site and paving plansCompare sidewalk thickness and slope, curb and gutter sections, joint layout, detectable warnings, subgrade, curing, and tolerances with UFGS 32 16 19. Check packaged wastewater pumping station specifications against lift station drawingsCompare lift station pumps, wet well and valve vault, level controls, alarms, generator connection, station piping, valves, and tests with UFGS 33 32 16. Check metal wall and door louver specifications against louver schedules and detailsCompare louver types, free area, AMCA ratings, wind load, mullions, screens, finishes, sill flashing, and door louvers with the drawings and UFGS 08 91 00. Check cement stucco specifications against exterior elevations, wall sections, and detailsCompare stucco lath, framing, weather barrier, control joints, accessories, terminations at openings and grade, soffits, and finish coats with UFGS 09 24 23. Check modified bitumen roofing specifications against roof plans and detailsCompare SBS and APP plies, torch limits at wood curbs and nailers, base sheet, flashing, drains, walkpads, and wind and fire listings with UFGS 07 52 00. Check EPDM roofing specifications against roof plans and detailsCompare EPDM attachment method, ballast and pavers, seam tape, perimeter fastening, flashing, drain sumps, wind zones, and insulation with UFGS 07 53 23. Check elastomeric sheet waterproofing specifications against foundation, deck, and wet-area detailsCompare sheet membrane extent, terminations, reglets, penetrations, protection board or drainage grid, laps, and flood tests with UFGS 07 13 53. Check precast prestressed concrete pile specifications against pile plans, schedules, and cap detailsCompare pile schedule, strand pattern, splices, build-ups, cutoff and cap embedment, test piles, driving criteria, and tolerances with UFGS 31 62 13.20. Check steel H-pile specifications against pile plans, schedules, and cap detailsCompare H-pile grade, corrosion protection, pile points, welded splices, cap embedment, tolerances, hammers, and load tests with UFGS 31 62 16.16. Check augered cast-in-place pile specifications against pile plans, schedules, and cap detailsCompare ACIP pile tips and cutoffs, grout, cages, grout volume records, integrity and load tests, and pile cap embedment with UFGS 31 63 16. Check drilled concrete pier and shaft specifications against shaft schedules and foundation detailsCompare drilled shaft diameters, bottom elevations, rock sockets, casing, dry or wet placement, cages, tests, and anchor bolts with UFGS 31 63 29. 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.
Keep reading
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. Mass timber coordination guidesCoordinate CLT and glulam drawings across disciplines before fabrication. 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.
Check your next set before it goes out
Set up a review yourself, or book time to talk through your project.