# Writing Construction Specification from Scratch as Mech Engineer **URL:** \ **Category:** Coffee Pot and Water Cooler\ **Created:** [March 4, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036 "2024-03-04T22:51:39Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 5\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Ian\_Van\_Giesen](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/91b2a8/32.png) [@Ian\_Van\_Giesen](https://forum.4specs.com/u/Ian_Van_Giesen)\ **Post date:** [March 4, 2024, 10:51pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036/1 "2024-03-04T22:51:39Z")
Hello! I have no idea how I ended up here, but I am junior mechanical engineer trying to revamp my group mechanical specification for use on in-house jobs. There are a ton of posts about this everywhere online, and I even have found copies of CSI’s SectionFormat, PageFormat & MasterFormat. I have started a word document (a .docx page) for the template. I have questions about what the heck I am even doing. And I found this post ([https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/1097/6752.html?1386358951](https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/1097/6752.html?1386358951)) on this page that indicates that I should be using the headings in microsoft word somehow for the spec template. Am I even on the right website for this attempt? I am sorry if I ended up in the wrong place! ---
**Author:** ![nwoods](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/nwoods/32/215_2.png) [@nwoods](https://forum.4specs.com/u/nwoods)\ **Post date:** [March 5, 2024, 11:57pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036/2 "2024-03-05T23:57:25Z")
Welcome to the forum Ian! Your question and topic might best be served in the Spec Discussion forum: [https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/23.html?1709655532](https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/23.html?1709655532) Having said that, welcome to the wide world of specs. Your newness and current knowledge level are somewhat daunting in terms of how we can best help you, but generally, this forum represents of experienced practitioners eager to help mentor the next generation of spec writers. With regards to templates and such, you might consider subscribing to a spec software service that provides a lot of that template data for you. I compiled a list of such services in this thread here (Scroll to the bottom for most current): [https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/9834.html?1694023360](https://discus.4specs.com/discus/messages/23/9834.html?1694023360) ---
**Author:** ![lshrdn](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/9dc877/32.png) [@lshrdn](https://forum.4specs.com/u/lshrdn)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 2:18pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036/3 "2024-03-06T14:18:49Z")
I recommend a software service. They cover the bases really well, and update them regularly. Most of the companies will give you a demonstration of some sort, and have training available for using their software. There are many firms that write their own specs, but they have been at it for a long time, and the spec writer working on it has as well. And welcome! ---
**Author:** ![khercenberg](https://yyz1.discourse-cdn.com/flex047/user_avatar/forum.4specs.com/khercenberg/32/104_2.png) [@khercenberg](https://forum.4specs.com/u/khercenberg)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 4:25pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036/4 "2024-03-06T16:25:47Z")
Ian, you’ve come to the right place. Nathan and Loretta are exactly on target but with one huge caveat: Do not expect any spec master service to provide you with content that you can just issue as is. My guess is that there will never be a spec already written that will serve your needs exactly; they always need to be modified to suit your project’s needs. Hence “Specifications.” Best of luck. Please don’t hesitate to reach out with questions. My guess is that most folks on this forum focus on architecture with some Structural Engineers and others. We may not be able to help with content but we should be able to help you get to where you want to go. ---
**Author:** ![mark\_gilligan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/f05b48/32.png) [@mark\_gilligan](https://forum.4specs.com/u/mark_gilligan)\ **Post date:** [March 6, 2024, 7:39pm UTC](https://forum.4specs.com/t/writing-construction-specification-from-scratch-as-mech-engineer/4036/5 "2024-03-06T19:39:35Z")
Recommend that you get a copy of the CSI Manual of Practice also known as the Project Resource Manual and read it. In addition, get a copy of the CSI Page and Section Formats. Familiarity with the AIA General Conditions can also be helpful. While available specification sections can be useful they should not be blindly copied. When writing your own sections get a copy of the referenced standards.