skill / Specifications

Spec Writer

A Claude Code skill that generates CSI-formatted outline specifications from a materials or products list. Organized by MasterFormat division with three-part sections, performance criteria, and acceptable manufacturers.

specifications document-generation
Install ↓ View on GitHub →
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What it does

Type /spec-writer with a materials list, product schedule, or project description. The skill maps each item to the correct CSI MasterFormat division and generates outline specifications with three-part sections — General, Products, Execution — including performance criteria, reference standards, and acceptable manufacturers.

Items that need senior review are flagged with [REVIEW REQUIRED].

Install

Claude Desktop:

  1. Open Customize → Browse plugins
  2. Click + → Add marketplace from GitHub
  3. Enter AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects
  4. Install the Specifications plugin

Claude Code (terminal):

claude install github:AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/04-specifications

Usage

/spec-writer porcelain tile, LVT flooring, painted gypsum board, acoustic ceiling tile, solid surface countertops

From a file:

/spec-writer ~/Documents/materials-schedule.csv

From a description:

/spec-writer spec the finishes for a Class A office TI — high-traffic corridors, open office with carpet tile, executive conference room with wood paneling

Divisions covered

Div 03–12 (Concrete through Furnishings) plus Div 22 Plumbing fixtures, Div 26 Electrical fixtures. Each section includes ASTM/ANSI references, submittal requirements, and installation standards.

Sample: Section 09 30 13 — Ceramic Tiling

Generated from: “porcelain tile, LVT flooring, painted gypsum board, acoustic ceiling tile, solid surface countertops”

Part 1 — General

1.01 Section Includes

  • Porcelain floor tile in lobbies, corridors, and restrooms
  • Tile base at tiled floor areas
  • Mortar setting beds, grout, and waterproof membrane at wet areas

1.03 References

  • ANSI A108/A118/A136.1 — Installation of Ceramic Tile
  • ASTM C373 — Moisture Absorption, Bulk Density, Apparent Porosity
  • ANSI A137.1 — Specifications for Ceramic Tile
  • TCNA Handbook for Ceramic, Glass, and Stone Tile Installation

1.04 Submittals

  • Product data sheets for each tile type, setting materials, and grout
  • Samples: two full-size tiles of each type, color, and finish
  • Shop drawings: tile layout, pattern, joint widths, transition details
  • DCOF test reports per ANSI A326.3 for floor tile

Part 2 — Products

Manufacturers: Daltile, Crossville Inc., Florida Tile Industries, or approved equal.

Performance Criteria

  • Water absorption: 0.5% maximum per ASTM C373
  • DCOF: 0.42 minimum (wet) per ANSI A326.3
  • Breaking strength: 2000 N minimum
  • Abrasion resistance: Class IV minimum (public commercial traffic)
  • Frost resistance: per ANSI A137.1 [REVIEW REQUIRED] — confirm applicability based on envelope conditions

Part 3 — Execution

Installation: Butter-back method for tiles larger than 15”. Minimum 95% mortar coverage in wet areas, 80% in dry areas. Joint width 1/8” unless noted. Movement joints at perimeter and at intervals not exceeding 20–25 ft per TCNA EJ171.

Quality Assurance: Verify mortar coverage by periodically lifting freshly set tiles. Finished floor tolerance: 1/8” in 10 ft, no lippage greater than 1/32” between adjacent tiles.

The full sample includes 6 CSI sections across 3 divisions covering all 5 specified materials, with ASTM/ANSI references, 3 manufacturers per section, and [REVIEW REQUIRED] flags on items needing senior specifier input.