Writing project specifications is a detailed and time-consuming task that can require reviewing and evaluating large amounts of information. To assist specifiers, the Terrazzo, Tile & Marble Association of Canada (TTMAC) published a clear, concise and downloadable master specification guide.
Written as a practical tool to assist in editing specifications needed to describe the installation and performance requirements of ceramic and stone tile installations, the guide is used by building owners, contractors and installers. The guidelines within the document are updated from the recent Specification Guide 09 30 00 Tile Installation Manual 2012-2014, the most comprehensive up-to-date tile installation standards available in Canada.
Canada is a consumer of global standards; the Standards Council of Canada reviews technical standards from Europe and the United States and determines which standards meet protection or manufacturing requirements for Canadian consumers. Standards and specification writing bodies like the TTMAC review technical standards from other jurisdictions, and create truly Canadian documents by working with local experts and reviewing real-world Canadian experience.
The TTMAC master specification is a ‘living document’ that is updated, when required, to account for user comments, or changes with administration of the standards that are referenced. This is a critical advantage for the user, as they are assured that they are working with the most up-to-date information.
The master specification is in an editable format, easily allowing interior designers, architects and specifiers to customize the document to suit the unique requirements of any project. Throughout the master specification are ‘spec notes’ that provide educational and informational references to further guide the specifier through some of the most common choices and decision points in the specification process. Attention is called to new standards, deletions, and acceptable alternatives, so specification writers can be sure they are using the most relevant standards.
As an aid to estimators, technologists and contractors, the master specification is a tool that can direct them to additional information by cross-referencing back to the Tile Installation Manual for potential installation solutions.
The specification is also a valuable tool to assist collaborative efforts between tile product representatives and designers. They can work together to modify the content specific to the products required for a particular projects.
Product representatives that keep abreast with changes in manufacturing standards can also use the living document aspect to maintain contact with architects, interior designers and specifiers. They can also provide information on how developing changes affect product selection or installation. Product representatives who become well versed in the master specification content show can themselves as trusted advisors to the professional community, which is a valuable factor in a rapidly evolving construction climate.
Having a standardized layout for technical content also helps to ensure that installers successfully implement the plan created by the specifier. The document makes it easier for them to identify product and installation requirements, and assemble competitive prices based on consistent information from project-to-project.
Installers are the critical component for any tile installation, and having improved clarity for project requirements decreases the likelihood of disconnects between the specification and the work that needs to be done. This can equal less time waiting for clarification, less time reworking product that has already been installed, and potential cost savings through reduced co-ordination efforts.
Keith Robinson is a specifications writer, and is currently an associate in Dialog’s Edmonton office. He instructs courses for the University of Alberta, and sits on several standards review committees. He can be reached at KRobinson@dialogdesign.ca.
