SPECIFICATIONS FOR GENERAL CONSTRUCTION

TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM CONTENTS PAGE
A SITE WORK 2
B CONCRETE WORKS 3
C STEEL WORKS 4
D CHB 4
E FLOOR FINISHES 4
F WALL AND FLOOR FINISHES 5
G LUMBER 5
H FRAMES 5
I ROOFINGS 6
J ELECTRICAL WORKS 6
K PLUMBING WORKS 6
L DOORS AND DOOR FRAMES 7
M WINDOWS 7
N METAL WORKS 7
O PAINTINGS 7

Prepared by: Approval:

VINCENT A. FILOMENA KIRBY PAUL RAMOS
Civil Engineer Owner
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ARCHITECTURAL SPECIFICATIONS
This set of Specifications shall govern the methods of construction and the kinds of materials
to be used for the proposed building shown in the plans and detail drawings. The plans, detail
drawings and these Specifications shall be considered as complementing each other, so that
what is mentioned, or shown in one, although not mentioned or shown in the other, shall be
considered as appearing on both. In case of conflict between the two, the same should be
referred to the designing Architect/Engineer for resolution.
GENERAL CONDITIONS
All parts of the construction shall be finished with first class workmanship, to the fullest
talent and meaning of the plans and these Specifications, and to the entire satisfaction of the
Architect/Engineer and the Owner. The construction shall conform to all the requirements of
the National Building Code, as well as the local rules and regulations of the Municipality/city
of Paoay, Ilocos Norte, Philippines.
SITE WORK
VISIT SITE AS IT IS.

CLEARING THE SITE - The building site shall be leveled according to the plans
and cleared of rubbish, roots and other perishable and objectionable matters to a
suitable subgrade. All such unsuitable materials shall be removed from the building
site and spread uniformly over the areas adjacent to the proposed building, or
otherwise disposed of as may be directed by the Architect or Engineer in charge of the
construction.

STAKING OUT THE BUILDING LINES - The building lines shall be staked out
and all lines and grades shown in the drawing established before any execution is
started. Batter boards and reference marks shall be erected at such places where they
will not be disturbed the excavation of the building.

EXCAVATION - All excavations shall be made to grade indicated in the drawings.

Where the building site is covered with any kind of fill, the excavation for footings
should be 500-meter where the stratum for safe bearing capacity of the soil is reached.
Whenever water is encountered in the excavation process, it shall be removed by
bailing or pumping, care being taken that the surrounding soil particles are not
disturbed or removed.

BACKFILLS – After concrete for foundations is hard enough to withstand pressure

resulting from fills, the materials removed from excavations shall be used for backfill
around them. Backfill and fills shall be placed in layers not exceeding 150mm in
thickness, and each layer shall be thoroughly compacted by wetting, tamping and
rolling.
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CONCRETE WORKS – All concrete shall be mixed thoroughly until there is a uniform
distribution of the cement and aggregates, and should be deposited as nearly as practicable in
its final position, care being taken to avoid segregation of the aggregates. Water to be used
for mixing concrete shall be clean and free from injurious amount of oil, acids, alkalis, salt
and other organic materials

PROPRTIONING OF CONCRETE – All concrete works shall be done in accordance with

the standard specifications for plain and reinforced concrete as adopted by the Government.
Cement, to be used shall be Holcim Portland Cement, pozzolan cement or any other
equivalent brands more readily available in the locality. Alternative cements so selected must
meet the requirements of Portland and pozzolan cements, and approved by the Architect or
Engineer in charge of construction. The following proportions of concrete mixtures shall be
used for the various parts of the building:
Columns and footings - Class A (1:2:4)
Conc. Holl. Blk. Footings – Class B (1:2-1/2: 5)
Reinforced Concrete Beams and Slabs - Class A (1:2:4)
Concrete slab foot on fill - Class C (1:3:6)
Septic Vault cover - Class A (1:2:4)
Class A concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part cement, 2 parts fine aggregate and 4 parts
coarse aggregate by volume, plus enough clean water to make the mixture into a pliable
paste.
Class B concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part cement, 2-1/2 parts fine aggregate and 5
parts of coarse aggregate by volume, plus enough clean water to make the mixture into a
pliable paste.
Class C concrete shall be a mixture of 1 part of cement, 3 parts fine aggregate and 6 parts
coarse aggregate by volume, plus enough clean water to make the mixture into pliable
paste.
The fine aggregate for concrete shall consist of natural sand, or inert materials with
similar characteristics, having clean, hard and durable grains, free from \organic matter or
loam.
The coarse aggregates for concrete shall consist of crushed rock of durable and strong
qualities, or clean and hard gravel. Size of the coarse aggregate to be used shall vary from
20mm to 40mm (3/4” to 1-1/2”).

FORMS FOR CONCRETE WORKS – All forms for concrete works shall be properly
braced or connected together so as to maintain the correct position and shapes of the
concrete members. Forms shall be constructed sufficiently tight to prevent bulging and
seepage of water. Forms shall not be removed until the concrete has attained sufficient
strength to support its own weight and any loads that may be placed on it. Side forms of
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beams and girders may be removed earlier that the bottom forms but additional posts or
shoring must be placed under the beams or girders until they have attained their strength

CONCRETE SLAB FLOORS ON FILL FOR LITTER AREA – Concrete slabs on fill
shall be poured on a gravel bed of not less than 100mmthick. Each concrete slab course to be
poured shall not be more than one meter-wide, and each course shall be poured alternately to
the indicated floor finish.

STEEL REINFORCING BARS – All steel reinforcing bars to be used in this construction
shall consist of round deformed bars with lugs or projections on their sides to provide a
greater bond between the concrete and the steel. All steel reinforcing bars to be used shall be
PAG-ASA STEEL. All steel reinforcing bars shall be accurately placed and secured against
displacement by tying them together at each bar intersection with Gauge No. 16 galvanized
iron wire. The steel reinforcing bars indicated for footings, columns, slabs, beams, girders
and other concrete members shall all conform to the number, size and spacing as indicated in
the drawings of schedule of steel reinforcements. No metal reinforcement shall be installed in
place unless it is free from rust, scale or other coatings, which will destroy or reduce the bond
with concrete

CONCRETE HOLLOW BLOCKS – Concrete hollow blocks to be used in this project

shall be LOCALLY MADE HOLLOWBLOCKS. All exterior concrete hollow blocks to be
used for first floor walls shall be at least 150mm thick while concrete hollow blocks for
interior walls unless otherwise indicated, shall be 100mm thick. For interior CHB walls
where plumbing pipes and fittings shall be located, the thickness shall be at least 150mm.
Concrete hollow block to be used for walls above the first floor, shall be 100mm thick. The
concrete hollow block walls shall be laid, and the cells filled with cement mortar consisting
of 1 part Portland cement and 3 parts sand by volume. They shall be reinforced with round
deformed bars 10mm diameter, spaced not more than 0.80m on centers, both ways. All
exposed surfaces of concrete hollow block walls shall be finished with the specified materials
indicated on the elevation drawings. The mixture of cement plaster for concrete hollow block
wall finishes indicated in the drawing shall be 1 part cement, 1 part time and 3 parts sand.

FLOOR FINISHES – The materials to be used as floor finishes for the rooms of the
building shall be as follows:
Entrance Porch---------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Living Room-------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Dining Room-------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
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Kitchen------------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.

Maid’s Room-------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Bedroom (First Floor)--------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Carport------------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Bedrooms (Second Floor) and Hall-------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Balcony (Second Floor)-------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.

THE WALL AND FLOOR FINISHES –The toilet and bathroom floors shall be
finished with (Mariwasa) ceramic tiles. The walls of the toilets, bathrooms, top of kitchen
cabinets, and laundry tub, and their adjacent walls shall be wainscoted with 200mm x 200mm
(8”x8”) ceramic tiles. Interior and exterior corners of tiled floors and walls shall be provided
with the necessary tile moldings. All tiles for floor, walls and moldings shall be free from
laminations, serrated edges, chipped-off corners and other defects, which would adversely
affect their appearance and strength. All joints between tiles and moldings shall be filled with
(ABC) white cement and then carefully wiped. Before the tiles and moldings are laid in
place, they shall be thoroughly soaked in water if recommended by the manufacturer. Mortar
to be used in setting he tiles and moldings shall be a mixture of 1part cement and 2 parts sand
by volume.

LUMBER – Lumber to be used in this project shall be well seasoned, thoroughly dry and
free from loose or unsound knots, shakes or other imperfections impairing their strength or
appearances. The kind of lumber to be used for the various parts of the building shall be as
follows:

Wood Panel Door--------------------------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.

Purlins, Wall Studs, Ceiling Joists, Cleats----------In accordance to the approved plans.
Fascia Boards, Cabinets/Closet Shelves-----------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Stair Treads, Stringers, Risers and Handrails-----------In accordance to the approved plans.

FRAMES –All wood frames for windows, doors, cabinets and closets shall be done as
much as possible, with carefully fitted mortise and tenon joints. All door and
window frames to be installed on concrete hollow block and other masonry walls
shall be anchored with 76mm (3”) common wire nails all around the contact
surfaces, and all such contact surfaces shall first be painted with wood preservative before
the frames are installed in place. All unexposed lumber such as posts, plates, floor and
roof beams, trusses or rafters, floor joists, purlins, cleats, ceiling joists, wall studs, etc.
shall likewise be treated with wood preservative after they have been installed in place.

ROOFING – The roof shall be covered with APO pre-pointed roofing sheets as shown on
the plans. The roofing sheets shall be secured to the purlins by j-bolts. They shall lap the
roofing sheets at least 250mm. Ridge rolls, hip rolls and valleys to be used shall be those
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compatible with (according to approved plan) pre-pointed long-span roofing sheets. They
shall lap the roofing sheets at least 250mm. The ridge rolls, hip rolls and valleys shall be
riveted to the roofing sheets, in addition to the rivets engaging the GI straps in securing the
roofing sheets to the purlins.
All roofing sheets adjacent to concrete hollow block and other masonry walls such as at
property line firewalls, shall be provided w3ith 0.6mm plain GI flashing to extend up to the
top and over to the other side of the wall. All shall be placed at the top of the corrugations of
the roofing sheets to prevent water from standing around the rivets.

ELECTRICAL WORKS –The electrical installation shall be done in accordance with

the approved plans and under the direct supervision and control of a licensed Professional
Electrical Engineer or Master Electrician. All electric works and materials shall conform
to the provisions of the latest edition of the Philippine or National Electric Code.
The electrical wiring shall be installed thru according to the approved plans coilable PVC
electrical conduit fittings and appurtenances that conform with ISO dimensions.
The type of electrical services to be supplied to the building shall be 220V,
AC, single phase. There shall be only one service drop from the nearest (Specify
Electricity
Company) pole to the proposed building. Electric wires for light and power shall not
be smaller than 13.5mm2 (AWG No. 12). 600V insulation. Electrical materials to be used
for the electric installation shall be as
follows:
Automatic Circuit Breaker--------------------------------(Schneider Brand)
Flush wall switches, convenience outlets other wiring devices- - -(Omni Brand)
Wires/Conductors (Royu Brand)

The spare circuit shall be provided with an empty PVC pipe, size 20mmø
which should extend at least 300mm above the ceiling line. The grounding wires
shall be identified and all wires shall be color-coded for easy identification.
The panelboard shall be provided with a circuit directory.

PLUMBING WORKS –All plumbing works for this project shall be in accordance with
the approved plans and under the direct supervision and control of a licensed Sanitary
Engineer or Master Plumber. Piping shall be properly graded or pitched to
ensure easy circulation, drainage and prevent water hammer and noise. The plumbing
installation shall conform with the provisions of the National Plumbing Code and the
rules and regulations enforced in the locality. Piping for drain, waste and vent shall be
done using (Specify brand) uPVC push-on system. For the in-house water supply
installation, (Specify brand) uPVC pipes and fittings shall be used. The plumbing fixtures
and accessories to be provided and installed shall be as follows:

Water Closets--------------------In accordance to the approved plans.

Lavatories-------------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Kitchen Sinks---------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Shower Heads--------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Soap Holder----------------------In accordance to the approved plans.
Toilet Paper Holder---------------In accordance to the approved plans.
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Floor Drain-----------------------Size 100mm x 100mm (4”x4”) Stainless Steel

Where a sanitary sewer system of sewage disposal is not in operation in the locality, a
standard septic vault shall be constructed as shown in the drawings.

DOORS AND DOOR FRAMES –Doors and door frames shall conform to the sizes,
designs and kind of materials shown in the details of doors, schedule of doors or as per
the bill of materials. All wooden doors shall be hung on at least 3 pieces of 102mm x
102mm (4” x4”) loose-pin bearing template hinges. Door locksets to be used shall be
Stanley brand to be installed1024mm from the finished floor line. Rails and rollers for the
sliding doors shall be in accordance to the approved plans.

STEEL WINDOWS –Steel windows to be used in this project shall conform to the size
and designs shown in the detail drawings or schedule of steel windows, or as per the bill
of materials

METAL WORKS – Security gates, trusses and grilles must be done by a NCII certified
Welder by the supervision of the Engineer when it comes to welding works. The metal to
be used in gates, trusses and grilles must be in accordance to the approved plans.

PAINTING – All painting work for this project, except as hereinafter specified, shall be
done with the use of approved paint products according to approved plans. The painting
contractor shall supply all labor, paint materials, tools, staging and equipment necessary,
and shall perform all painting and finishing work as shown in the schedule of painting
and finishing work for this project. The painting contractor shall store his materials in one
place in the building to be kept neat and clean, care being taken in the storage of paints,
oils, etc. to prevent danger of fire. Oily rags shall be kept in metal containers and shall be
removed from the building every end of the working day. Upon completion of the
painting works, the painting contractor shall remove any paint spots from all finished
work. He shall present his work to the Project owner or Architect/Engineer in-charge of
construction, free from blemishes and rubbish generated by his workers. It shall be the
painting contractor’s responsibility to protect his work and those of other contractor
during the time of his work is underway. He shall be responsible for any damage to the
work or property of others caused by his employees or by himself. Before any painting is
done, all surfaces shall be cleaned, smoothed and freed from dust, dirt, grease, mortar,
rust and other foreign substances. All parts where paint remover has been used shall be
washed off with paint or lacquer thinner. All paints shall be spread evenly and carefully.
All paint and paint materials shall be delivered to the building site in unbroken
packages, bearing the marks of the specified brand. No adulteration of specified paints
with other brands shall be allowed.