So now that everyone, except you guys on the west coast, have left the building - yes even I am taking the night off - I have a question - what is the one book, other than Graphics Standards or Timesavers that you would include in your library and recommend to other spec writers - newbies included. I was recently asked that question by a up and coming spec writer - my answer - Andrew Civitello’s - “Contractor’s Guide to Change Orders” - any one else have any suggestions for my newbie.
You should exclude the PRM too. That’s the obvious answer.
I honestly can’t function without the ACI PS-15 “Field Reference Manual - Specifications for Structural Concrete”. it used to be a smallish book that was easy to cart around and like everything else, its gotten thicker and heavier. however, its a nice compilation of 19 standards that cover cast in place and precast concrete work.
Yes George, you are right, the basic books like the “PRM” and John’s “Construction Specification Writing” - these are classics, I’m talking about the other books you find thru years of specwriting. Civitello’s book has several chapters I’ve photocopied, highlighted, and refer to on a regular basis as cheat sheets in the world of specwriting. As this thread grows I’ll add more of my favorites, but I am curious what other specwriters find as necessary in their library- perhaps I need to add some of these to my current library…the question is where will I find the space? Also, I’m sure this question about favorite books has been asked before, Colin can you advise on those threads? Perhaps we can come up with a list of recommended books for the newbie and/or the experienced specwriter. And if the book you recommend is difficult to find and you know a link or a location for a fair priced publication, please post that as well. I don’t know too many newbie specwriters who can afford the thousands of dollars I have invested over the past 15 years on my library.
I have a well thumbed good quality thesaurus and dictionary close at hand as well as a good construction terms dictionary/encyclopedia that was used frequently in my earlier years as a spec writer. Also the “bible” I learned from 30 years ago is Hans Meier’s Construction Specifications Handbook.
AWI Standards and the Tile Council of America handbook are references I use frequently. Since the advent internet access, my thesaurus and dictionary reside in cyberspace: OneLookDictionary and Mirriam Webster have replaced the books.
Hope the newbies can hold on a while-- I have a specs primer blocked out [more orientational that Rosen/Regener and PRM] and looking for a publisher. Small book in mind like Correale’s one on building codes [if you know that one].
Trying to hit the real 'starter" basics [for academics and IDP use] before getting to real world with all of the nuances and “good” stuff others discuss for increrased success.
Ralph, I’m reserving my ‘autographed’ first edition now, let me know who to send the check to.
Now I will find out who my “real” friends are–
Jerome, for kindnesses offered, yours is a freebie [whenever its published]!
HEEEYYYY! What do you mean “real” friends? The rest of us on this forum were just being polite and didn’t want you to tire out your arm, signing all those books!
Even though spec writers don’t often write specs (we usually edit masters), good writing skills are an essential requirement for what we do. My favorite little book is Strunk and White’s “Elements of Style”. It is the one book on the written word that has been a constant companion since college.
Come on,Lynn, you well know I have “real” friends and “polite” friends, and some times they are not the same.
I still have my rubber signature stamp, so if need be we can institute a “real” signature, and a “polite” signature program as need be.
And I now have a real dilemma in that I can use a legible X or my usual non-descript scrall!!!
And for “doggone good” friends, I can have my Frenchie imprint with a paw print!! How’s that for being exclusive?
How about friends with dogs?? … I’d love one with the Frenchie paw print (my three Border Terriers would probably be giving that book a good sniff!)
George, I haven’t thought about that book for years. You’re right; it’s a keeper and I still have mine from college! I also have one called “Technical Writing” which is more applicable to spec writing; I used that in school, too. It was my brother’s first (I may have permanently “borrowed” it from him).
Tracy, I’ll talk to my Frenchie’s manager and see what I can do.
Must, though, have a notarized committment that resricts acivity to sniffing!!!
In addition to all of the above, I recommend “Architectural Quality Control, An Illustrated Guide” by Fred Nashed, AIA, McGraw-Hill, ISBN 0-07-143920-X. $59.95 U.S.A.
Quality Control over drawigns is an aspect of the specifications deliverable I cannot ignore. As specification writers, we review drawings with the same critical eye as the Contractor but we are concerned more with quality than quantity.
Other publications I refer to often include:
The Gypsum Construction Hanndbook by USG.
SMACNA Manual
Copper Development Association Inc. Sheet Copper Applications.
Redicheck Interdisciplinary Coordination
GA-600 Fire Resistance Deisgn Manual
NRCA Manuals
Webster’s New World Speller/Divider.
I want to get my hands on Andrew Civitello’s - “Contractor’s Guide to Change Orders” Where is it avaiable?
Thanks
Wayne
Wayne - What an intersting find. I just checked out ‘Architectural Quality Control’ on Amazon…The excerpts from the book is are great. Is the whole book like that? Mark ups of details, etc.? Amazon has it new for $50 and used for $27.
I ordered Civitello’s book from Amazon within the last six months.
If anyone would like a free copy of the TCNA (Tile Council of North America) handbook for ceramic tile installations, please E-mail me your address to dalero@cbpmail.net and I will send you one.
Dale-
2006 or 2007 edition? Is 2007 out yet?
If it’s newer than the 2005 one I have, count me in!