The CSI (Construction Specifications Institute) Divisions are part of the MasterFormat, which is a standardized system used in North America to organize construction specifications, project manuals, and cost estimates. The latest version of MasterFormat (as of 2020) consists of 50 divisions.
Brief Breakdown
General Requirements
- Division 00 – Procurement and Contracting Requirements
- Division 01 – General Requirements
Facility Construction Subgroup
- Division 02 – Existing Conditions (e.g., demolition, site surveys)
- Division 03 – Concrete (e.g., cast-in-place, precast, reinforcement)
- Division 04 – Masonry (e.g., brick, CMU, stone)
- Division 05 – Metals (e.g., structural steel, ornamental metalwork)
- Division 06 – Wood, Plastics, and Composites (e.g., framing, millwork)
- Division 07 – Thermal and Moisture Protection (e.g., insulation, roofing)
- Division 08 – Openings (e.g., doors, windows, glazing)
- Division 09 – Finishes (e.g., drywall, flooring, painting)
- Division 10 – Specialties (e.g., signage, toilet accessories)
- Division 11 – Equipment (e.g., medical, security, food service equipment)
- Division 12 – Furnishings (e.g., casework, window treatments)
- Division 13 – Special Construction (e.g., pools, clean rooms, saunas)
- Division 14 – Conveying Equipment (e.g., elevators, escalators)
Facility Services Subgroup
- Division 21 – Fire Suppression (e.g., sprinklers, standpipes)
- Division 22 – Plumbing (e.g., pipes, fixtures, drains)
- Division 23 – HVAC (e.g., heating, ventilation, air conditioning)
- Division 25 – Integrated Automation (e.g., building automation systems)
- Division 26 – Electrical (e.g., wiring, panels, lighting)
- Division 27 – Communications (e.g., data, telecom systems)
- Division 28 – Electronic Safety and Security (e.g., access control, alarms)
Site and Infrastructure Subgroup
- Division 31 – Earthwork (e.g., excavation, grading, soil stabilization)
- Division 32 – Exterior Improvements (e.g., landscaping, pavement)
- Division 33 – Utilities (e.g., water, sewer, storm drainage)
Process Equipment Subgroup
- Division 40-49 – Various industrial and process-related categories (e.g., water treatment, power generation)
Detailed Breakdown
Here’s a comprehensive breakdown of each CSI division to help a new professional in construction understand the system in detail.
I. General Requirements (Divisions 00–01)
Division 00 – Procurement and Contracting Requirements
This division covers everything related to bidding, contracts, and project administration. It includes:
- Invitation to Bid – A formal request for contractors to submit bids.
- Instructions to Bidders – Guidelines on how to prepare and submit bids.
- Bid Forms – Official forms contractors use to submit their proposals.
- Contract Forms – Legal agreements between the owner and contractor.
- Bonding and Insurance Requirements – Performance bonds, payment bonds, and liability insurance.
- Specifications and Conditions – General and special conditions of the contract.
Division 01 – General Requirements
This division contains administrative and procedural requirements for the project, such as:
- Summary of Work – Defines the scope of work.
- Price and Payment Procedures – Defines payment schedules and allowances.
- Quality Control – Inspection, testing, and regulatory compliance.
- Temporary Facilities – Job site offices, safety measures, and temporary utilities.
- Waste Management – How construction waste is handled and disposed of.
II. Facility Construction Subgroup (Divisions 02–14)
Division 02 – Existing Conditions
This division deals with site preparation before construction begins:
- Demolition – Removing existing structures, walls, or interiors.
- Site Surveys – Conducting land surveys, soil testing, and environmental assessments.
- Hazardous Material Remediation – Handling asbestos, lead paint, or mold removal.
- Foundation Investigation – Geotechnical analysis of soil and existing conditions.
Division 03 – Concrete
This covers everything related to concrete construction:
- Cast-in-Place Concrete – On-site poured concrete, including slabs, foundations, and footings.
- Precast Concrete – Factory-made concrete elements like panels, beams, and columns.
- Reinforcement – Steel rebar and mesh to strengthen concrete.
- Grouting and Repairs – Patching cracks and reinforcing weak concrete.
Division 04 – Masonry
This covers brick, stone, and block construction:
- Brick Masonry – Walls, chimneys, and facades using bricks.
- Concrete Masonry Units (CMU) – Hollow or solid blocks used for walls.
- Stone Masonry – Natural stone for cladding or structural walls.
- Masonry Accessories – Mortar, ties, anchors, and expansion joints.
Division 05 – Metals
This division focuses on steel and metal structures:
- Structural Steel – Beams, columns, and frames for buildings.
- Metal Joists and Decking – Used in floors and roofs.
- Ornamental Metals – Railings, grilles, and decorative steelwork.
- Cold-Formed Metal Framing – Metal studs used in framing lightweight structures.
Division 06 – Wood, Plastics, and Composites
This division covers wood and synthetic materials:
- Rough Carpentry – Wood framing, plywood, and timber construction.
- Finish Carpentry – Trim, molding, and decorative woodwork.
- Cabinetry and Millwork – Custom-built cabinets and wood features.
- Plastic and Composite Materials – PVC, fiberglass, and engineered wood products.
Division 07 – Thermal and Moisture Protection
Focuses on insulation, waterproofing, and weatherproofing:
- Insulation – Fiberglass, foam, and spray insulation.
- Roofing – Asphalt shingles, metal roofs, single-ply membranes.
- Waterproofing – Sealants, drainage, and waterproof coatings.
- Fireproofing – Spray-applied fireproofing and firestopping materials.
Division 08 – Openings
This division includes doors, windows, and glazing:
- Metal and Wood Doors – Entry doors, fire doors, and interior doors.
- Windows and Skylights – Aluminum, vinyl, and wood-framed windows.
- Glass and Glazing – Curtain walls, storefront glass, and tempered glass.
- Hardware – Hinges, locks, and door closers.
Division 09 – Finishes
Everything that makes the interior and exterior look complete:
- Drywall – Gypsum board, wall partitions.
- Ceilings – Suspended ceilings, acoustic panels.
- Flooring – Tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl.
- Painting and Coatings – Interior and exterior finishes.
Division 10 – Specialties
Non-structural components such as:
- Signage – Safety signs, directional signs.
- Toilet Partitions and Accessories – Bathroom stalls, soap dispensers.
- Fire Extinguishers and Cabinets – Safety equipment.
- Lockers and Storage Systems – Gym or school lockers.
Division 11 – Equipment
Permanent, built-in equipment like:
- Kitchen Equipment – Industrial ovens, refrigerators.
- Security and Detention Equipment – Jail cells, safes.
- Athletic Equipment – Gym bleachers, basketball hoops.
Division 12 – Furnishings
Movable items like:
- Furniture – Desks, chairs, tables.
- Window Treatments – Blinds, curtains.
- Rugs and Mats – Area rugs, entrance mats.
Division 13 – Special Construction
Unique structures such as:
- Swimming Pools – Pool liners, pumps, and decks.
- Prefabricated Buildings – Modular buildings.
- Controlled Environments – Clean rooms, soundproofing.
Division 14 – Conveying Equipment
Lifts and escalators:
- Elevators – Hydraulic and traction elevators.
- Escalators and Moving Walkways – Used in malls, airports.
III. Facility Services Subgroup (Divisions 21–28)
Division 21 – Fire Suppression
Sprinkler systems, fire pumps, and alarms.
Division 22 – Plumbing
Pipes, fixtures, water supply, and drainage.
Division 23 – HVAC
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Division 25 – Integrated Automation
Smart building automation systems.
Division 26 – Electrical
Wiring, panels, lighting, and generators.
Division 27 – Communications
Data, telephone, and internet cabling.
Division 28 – Electronic Safety and Security
Surveillance, alarms, and access control systems.
IV. Site & Infrastructure (Divisions 31–33)
Division 31 – Earthwork
Excavation, grading, soil stabilization.
Division 32 – Exterior Improvements
Pavements, landscaping, fences, and gates.
Division 33 – Utilities
Water, sewer, gas, and storm drainage systems.
