Specifications language, what gets capitalized and why?

Specification & Product Discussions Specifications Discussions
1

In the specifications, we typically capitalize certain terms and not others. I’ve been doing this for a few minutes now, but I can’t remember why?
We capitalize Architect, Engineer, Owner, and Contractor (GC and CM), presumably for legal and contract reasons. MasterSpec has added Submittals to that list, but why?
We capitalize Division, Section, and Drawings (meaning contract drawings not shop drawings). Sometimes team members want to capitalize the Work and Manufacturers, but that seems unnecessary.
What have I forgotten (in my old age) about the origins of these thoughts? Is there a CSI document about this?

2

“Shop Drawings,” “Product Data,” and “Samples” are defined terms capitalized in AIA Document A201. Since the term “Submittals” typically includes all three, it would make logical sense to capitalize it.

“Drawings” is a defined term in A201; thus, it should be capitalized. Similarly, “Work” is typically capitalized when it applies to the project’s work as defined in A201. Manufacturer is not a defined term, so it should not be capitalized.

“Division” and “Section” are capitalized when referring to a specific section (e.g., “Section 01 33 00” or “As specified in this Section”).

Please refer to the “Construction Specifications Practice Guide,” Section 15.4.10, for a discussion of capitalization and a list of capitalized terms.

3

It was originally in the CSI Manual of Practice under Specification Language.

According to 15.4.1 in the 2nd Edition of the CSPG that I have readily available, capitalize the following:
Agreement
Architect
Article
Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs)
Change Order.
Contract.
Contracting Officer
Contractor
Division
Drawings
Engineer
General Conditions
Government
Owner
Paragraph
PART
Project
Project Manual
Room Names. For example, Library, Science
Room, or Chemistry Laboratory.
Section
Shop Drawings, Product Data, and Samples. When referring to submittals required for the specific project.
Specifications
State or Commonwealth when referring, such as State of Insanity (kidding!).
Supplementary Conditions
Work

No capitalization is required when the preceding examples are used in the general sense. Directions such as east or northwest are not capitalized unless they form a proper noun. The words subcontract and subcontractor are not capitalized because they do not apply to a specific party defined in the contract agreement. The words subparagraph and clause are usually not capitalized.

4

And Ron is correct, it’s 15.4.10, not 15.4.1.
Sorry

5

Ken and Ron,
Thank you both!
I don’t have a copy of Construction Specifications Practice Guide at my WFH office. I see CSI wants me to buy that reference. As SCIP members, do we have access to them online?

6

The CSPG is not available online.