Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Can SpecText be installed on a Local Area Network or Wide Area Network server?
A. Yes, SpecText can be installed on a local area network or wide area network server depending on the SpecText licensing arrangement your firm has.
Q. Do I need a site license or a seat license to use SpecText or Masterworks?
A. SpecText and Masterworks are site-licensed. All employees at each SpecText licensed site can use SpecText simultaneously. Contact your SpecText Product Consultant regarding SpecText local area network (LAN) and wide area network (WAN) licensing arrangements. Special preferred pricing is available to firms utilizing WAN and multi-site licensing arrangements.
Q. How is SpecText updated?
A. SpecText is reviewed, maintained, and updated by a staff of experienced professional specification writers. SpecText updates are published throughout the year and delivered to SpecText clients via downloads from the www.SpecText.com website.
Q. Does SpecText conform to CSI/CSC MasterFormat?
A. SpecText complies with MasterFormat and provides a conversion tool to convert project specification sections to MasterFormat 1995 as need by SpecText clients.
Q. What is the difference between SpecText, SpecText II, and Outline?
A. SpecText are full-length sections that are appropriate for moderate- to large-scale, complex, or extensive projects, and those projects that are publically bid. SpecText full-length sections provide detailed quality assurance and installation procedures, thus minimizing potential conflicts with the Contractor over bidding and contracting requirements. Detailed administrative and procedural requirements are provided in Division 01 – General Requirements.
SpecText II sections are an abridged, short form version of full-length SpecText sections. They are appropriate when the work of the project is less complex, or for negotiated projects. SpecText II sections contain less information regarding installation procedures (Part 3 - Execution) and quality assurance requirements (Part 1 - General), but generally contain as much product requirements in Part 2 as in full-sized sections.
Outline specifications are used during the Schematic Design and Design Development phases of the project to document design decisions and for cost estimating; they are not contract documents. Therefore, SpecText Outline (OT) sections include only abbreviated product requirements that affect cost and time.
Q. What is a SpecText Comprehensive Library?
A. Comprehensive libraries include all three formats; SpecText Full-length, SpecText II Short-form, and Outline.
Q. Why should our firm consider a SpecText Comprehensive Library?
A. Firms who work on projects of various complexity levels may benefit from the ability to select the right format for the complexity required by the project. Please see the explanation of SpecText, SpecText II and Outline above.
Q. What Technical Support do I receive with my SpecText Library?
A. All users at SpecText licensed sites receive free unlimited technical support on content, implementation, and use.
Q. Are Masterworks and SpecAgent included with our SpecText Library?
A. Yes, Masterworks and SpecAgent are included with your SpecText library at no additional cost and may be used by all users at SpecText licensed sites.
Q. How much does SpecText cost?
A. Your SpecText Product Consultant can assist you with determining the best SpecText libraries for your projects. There are many variables associated with the different SpecText Libraries and formats, discounts, and other special considerations. Contact your SpecText Product Consultant at 877.773.2898 for information and pricing, or fill out our Request for Information form and your Product Consultant will contact you.
Q. Can our firm get onsite training?
A. Yes, we can provide onsite training for SpecText, Masterworks, and SpecAgent. We provide one-day Spec Academy workshops around the U.S. throughout the year. Contact SpecText Technical Support for details and pricing by calling 410.838.7525 or email
supportcenter@spectext.com.