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Skill Claude Desktop · Claude Code

# /spec-writer

CSI outline specifications from a materials list

[Install ↓](#install) [View on GitHub →](https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects/tree/main/skills/spec-writer) [New to skills? →](/articles/claude-code-cheat-sheet) [All skills →](/skills)

[Specifications](/skills?tag=specifications) [Document Generation](/skills?tag=document-generation)

## What it does

Type `/as: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 **Architecture Studio**

**Claude Code (terminal):**

```
claude plugin marketplace add AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects
claude plugin install as@skills-for-architects
```

Or symlink just this skill:

```
git clone https://github.com/AlpacaLabsLLC/skills-for-architects.git
ln -s $(pwd)/skills-for-architects/skills/spec-writer ~/.claude/skills/spec-writer
```

## Usage

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

From a file:

```
/as:spec-writer ~/Documents/materials-schedule.csv
```

From a description:

```
/as: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.

## Related skills

[01

### /epd-to-spec

CSI specification sections with EPD requirements and GWP thresholds

→](/skills/epd-to-spec) [02

### /epd-compare

Side-by-side environmental impact comparison with LEED MRc2 check

→](/skills/epd-compare) [03

### /epd-parser

Extract structured environmental impact data from EPD PDFs

→](/skills/epd-parser)

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