Specification Methods

• Descriptive – this defines properties of materials and methods of installation without using proprietary names; for example, measurements or colors.

•  Performance – specifies required results, criteria by which performance can be judged, and the method by which it can be verified; for example, heat or weather resistance. Contractor is free to use materials and methods complying with performance criteria.

• Reference Standard – requires product or process to be in accordance with established standard and the reference standards are listed. The reference standard may cover basic materials, products, workmanship standards, or installation methods and may include descriptive requirements, performance requirements, or testing methods.

• Proprietary – specifies actual brand names, model numbers, and other proprietary information of the products, including their unique characteristics.  Closed Proprietary identifies one or more products by manufacturer’s name, model and does not allow substitutions.  Open Proprietary identifies one or more products by manufacturer’s name, model and does allow substitutions.

Information on this page is courtesy of:
The Project Resource Manual
CSI Manual of Practice
FIFTH EDITION
The Construction Specifications Institute