Architects

Specification Clarification and Addendum Writer

Draft a specification clarification or addendum in response to contractor questions during bidding or construction. This prompt helps architects write technically precise clarifications that resolve ambiguities, maintain the design intent, and are formatted correctly for issuance through the formal project communication process.

This prompt drafts a specification clarification, bidding-phase addendum, or post-contract Supplemental Instruction (AIA G710) that resolves a stated ambiguity or communicates a design change using neutral, liability-aware language that clarifies intent without admitting error in the original documents. The output includes the specific directive, any drawing or specification revisions required (formatted as delete/add language for clear document control), coordination notices to affected trades, and a distribution list. It is for licensed architects in construction administration or the bidding phase who need to resolve document ambiguities in a way that becomes part of the enforceable project record.

Testedclaude-sonnet-4-6ValidatedMar 2026ScopeVerify all code references and calculations independently. T…TierProfessional
AI Role
You are a licensed architect with expertise in construction specifications writi…
Models
Claude
Confidence
Professional
Constraints
Verify all code references and calculations independently. This does not replace licensed professional review.
Addenda issued during bidding must be issued to all plan holders simultaneously — confirm distribution before issuing.
Supplemental Instructions during construction that change the contract sum or contract time must be processed as change orders, not as clarifications.
Language used in clarifications becomes part of the contract record — review carefully before issuing for unintended scope implications.
Tested Models
claude-sonnet-4-6
Uncertainty
If the specification section or drawing reference is unclear from the information provided, note that the specific contract document reference must be confirmed before the clarification is issued. Do not reference drawing sheets or specification sections that are not confirmed as part of the project contract documents.
Last updated
2026-05-28 — Published

The prompt

1,724 characters
specification-clarification-writer.prompt
You are a licensed architect with expertise in construction specifications writing and construction administration document management.

Draft a specification clarification or addendum addressing the following:

Project information:
- Project name: [PROJECT_NAME]
- Document type: [CLARIFICATION / ADDENDUM / SUPPLEMENTAL INSTRUCTION]
- Issue reason: [CONTRACTOR QUESTION / DESIGN CHANGE / CODE REQUIREMENT / DRAWING COORDINATION]

Issue to be addressed:
- Specification section(s) affected: [SPEC_SECTIONS]
- Drawing sheet(s) affected: [DRAWING_SHEETS]
- Nature of the issue: [DESCRIBE THE AMBIGUITY OR CHANGE]
- Contractor's question (if applicable): [CONTRACTOR_QUESTION]

Draft the clarification covering:

## Issue Reference
Document section and drawing reference, with brief description of the condition being addressed.

## Clarification / Direction
Precise technical language resolving the ambiguity or providing the supplemental direction. Use CSI MasterFormat language conventions where applicable.

## Drawing Revisions Required (if any)
Note any drawings that should be revised to reflect this clarification, with specific revision cloud descriptions.

## Specification Revisions Required (if any)
Any changes to specification section text — formatted as: 'Delete [exact text]' and 'Add [replacement text]' for clear document control.

## Coordination Notes
Any other trades or systems affected by this clarification that should be notified or coordinated.

## Distribution List
All parties who should receive this clarification: contractor, all relevant subcontractors, engineers of record, owner.

Use professional, unambiguous language. Avoid language that implies a prior error or accepts contract liability.
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How to use this prompt

1

1. Identify the exact specification section and drawing references before drafting — imprecise references create document control problems.

2

2. Review the drafted clarification against the complete project specification context, not just the section being clarified — confirm the clarification is consistent with related sections.

3

3. Issue through the formal project management platform (Procore, e-Builder, etc.) to ensure an auditable distribution and acknowledgment record.

Customization tips

For addenda during bidding, add 'Include a receipt acknowledgment requirement — bidders must confirm receipt before bid opening' to ensure all bidders receive the same information.
Add 'The clarification results from a design development change — update the project BIM model and drawing list as part of issuing this clarification' for BIM projects.
Append 'Cross-reference any affected subcontractor specification sections and ensure the clarification addresses all trades that may be impacted.'

Sample output

Mar 2026Professional
SPECIFICATION CLARIFICATION — Curtain Wall System Materials and Performance PROJECT: [Project Name] CLARIFICATION NUMBER: SPEC-CL-008 DATE: March 23, 2026 PREPARED BY: Project Architect RE: Specification Division 08 — Curtain Wall System — Glazing Performance and Anchor Requirements PURPOSE: This clarification supplements the project specification to address questions raised during submittal review and the curtain wall anchor coordination issue identified in RFI-047. All contractors, subcontractors, and manufacturers shall treat this clarification as part of the contract documents. CLARIFICATION 1 — GLAZING PERFORMANCE DOCUMENTATION: The specification requires curtain wall glazing units to meet minimum whole-assembly thermal performance thresholds appropriate for the project's climate zone and energy compliance strategy. Several submittal packages have referenced the manufacturer's standard product data sheets rather than certified test reports for the specific glazing unit specified. CLARIFICATION: Certified test reports are required, not product data sheets. A product data sheet that states "meets or exceeds [performance value]" without citing a specific test report is not acceptable documentation. Submit the manufacturer's certified test report for the exact glazing unit configuration specified (glass type, thickness, cavity fill, coating specification). Submittals that do not include a certified test report will be returned without review. CLARIFICATION 2 — ANCHOR DESIGN RESPONSIBILITY: The curtain wall anchor design is the responsibility of the curtain wall manufacturer, subject to the project's structural engineer's review and approval. The manufacturer's proposed anchor layout must be based on actual field-verified structural conditions, not assumed column spacing. The discrepancy identified in RFI-047 resulted from the manufacturer's assumption of a 14'-0" column grid without field verification. CLARIFICATION: Before submitting revised anchor shop drawings, the curtain wall manufacturer or contractor shall field-verify the structural column locations on the east elevation. Revised shop drawings must be based on verified field dimensions, not drawing dimensions, and must be reviewed and accepted by the structural engineer before installation proceeds. CLARIFICATION 3 — FIRE STOP AT SPANDREL PANEL: The specification requires a fire stop assembly at the perimeter gap between the curtain wall system and the floor slab at each floor line. This is a life safety requirement and cannot be deferred. CLARIFICATION: All curtain wall shop drawing submittals must include a detail showing the fire stop assembly at the floor line. The detail must identify the fire stop product by manufacturer and model, the assembly configuration (gap dimension, backing, seal), and the fire resistance rating of the assembly. Submittals that do not include this detail will be returned as incomplete. This clarification is issued for construction. File with the contract documents.

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Frequently asked questions

Read the Architects AI Guide
Professional Disclaimer

This AI-generated content is for informational and educational purposes only. It does not replace the professional judgment of a licensed architect. Always verify code compliance, structural calculations, and design decisions with qualified professionals.