| Author |
Message |
David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Junior Member
Username: David_axt
Post Number: 17
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 01:08 pm: |    |
Several architects and consultants have asked me to replace the word "provide" with the word "install" in specific specification sections. They claim that the word "provide" is confusing and the contractor sometimes will just deliver the item and not install it.
Even though I have the word "provide" defined in Section 01422 - Definitions and Format as "furnish and install", I usually cave in to their demands.
BTW, I looked up the word "provide" in the dictionary and the definition is "to furnish; supply".
Anybody have any opinions on this word? |
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA
New member
Username: Bunzick
Post Number: 6
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 03:40 pm: | |
They are absolutely incorrect. The "universal" definition is well stated in the CSI "Manual of Practice", which I shall quote:
"Furnish means to supply and deliver to project site, ready for installation. Install means to place in position for service or use. Provide is commonly accepted in specifications to mean furnish and install, complete and ready for intended use. These definitions should be placed in Supplementary Conditions or in Division 1 - General Requirements." (FF/170.2)
As you note in your e-mail, the dictionary definitions are the same as those in the CSI MoP, precluding even confusion on that basis. DPIC (Design Professional's Insurance Company) notes in their materials that these terms are sometimes carelessly used, but that their dictionary definitions are clear.
There may be times that you do mean to reference only the installation, but if you mean both, the word provide should do. I wholeheartedly agree with CSI's recommendation about making sure that the term is defined in the Documents. In my 20-odd years of spec writing and contract administration, these are the meanings that have always been given to those words, and I've never had a dispute about their meaning.
Stick to your guns on this one, for you are correct. If they make you change it, I'd get it in writing. |
Lynn A. Javoroski
New member
Username: Lynn
Post Number: 4
Registered: 05-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 05:25 pm: | |
EJCDC Standard Conditions defines "furnish", "install" and "provide" under Terminology as the MOP does. I add those definitions to Supplementary Conditions for AIA docs. Do not cave in - you are right. |
David Axt, AIA, CCS, CSI
Junior Member
Username: David_axt
Post Number: 19
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 15, 2002 - 08:20 pm: | |
I understand from an academic standpoint that "provide" means "to furnish AND install". But that is not the common usage for the word.
For example my specs say to "provide a 10 year warranty" or "provide manufacturer's product literature" or "provide mockup under Section 01450".
In the cases above I mean "furnish or supply".....I think?
Help!
PS - Do a word search on your specs and see where the word "provide" shows up. Are you using the word "provide" correctly? |
John Bunzick, CCS, CCCA
New member
Username: Bunzick
Post Number: 7
Registered: 03-2002
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 09:06 am: | |
I see no conflict.
Providing a warranty is not just a piece of paper, but is a process and procedure that requires a wider scope of services if repairs are needed.
For submittals, I would use a phrase like: Submit manufacturer's product literature.
Providing a mock-up is correct usage, too. It means furnish the material and install it somewhere.
It is true that spec writers must be vigilant about the use of terms. We use Masterspec, plus office masters. I cannot say how carefully Masterspec uses the terms. We also continually work on our office masters to ferret out incorrect use of terms and improve their clarity. |
Dave Metzger
New member
Username: Davemetzger
Post Number: 13
Registered: 07-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, May 16, 2002 - 09:08 am: | |
The reason that there is a "Definitions" section in Division One is that there are certain words which have well-known and accepted meanings in the cosntruction industry, that may differ from their general dictionary definition. "Provide" is one of these terms.
If your clients really think that the word "provide" is confusing, then you can use "furnish and install". But to use "provide" as a synonym for "install" is contrary to the accepted usage of these terms in the industry.
A way around your question about product literature or warranties is to specify "submit waranty...". And "provide" is perfectly correct for use in mockups, since the components of mockups would be furnished and then installed. |
Tom Heineman
Unregistered guest
| | Posted on Saturday, June 08, 2002 - 08:03 am: | |
AIA A201 1.2.3 says, in effect, that common industry terms and terms defined in the documents take precedence over dictionary terms - but this is not clearly or forcefully stated.
One step would be for AIA to rewrite 1.2.3 to say that definitions of terms made in the Contract Documents take precedence over dictionary definitions.
("dictionary" needs to be explained too. Does a construction dictionary have the same standing as a typical collegiate dictionary?)
The warnings about careful and sparing use of the word "provide", and extra steps to be taken, by Bunzick, Javorski and Metzger above should be taken to heart.
I think I detect in CSI usage and elsewhere a trend to saying "supply" instead of "furnish". I use "supply" myself because the dictionary definitions are closer to what I mean, and some might confuse "furnish" with interior decoration.
Until AIA rewrites A201 1.2.3, three definitions should be in every set of Contract Documents, be they in the Supplementary Conditions or Division One:
Provide = supply + install
Then define:
Supply
Install
"Supply" and "install" need to be defined differently for certain kinds of work.
The last step is to comb your documents to make sure that these terms, and related terms such as "submit", "procure", "deliver" and "construct" are used in a consistent manner and consistent with your definitions. |
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