SpecFinder 1.0

Reading architectural specs is where profit margins live or die, and manual review is slow, inconsistent, and full of costly mistakes. SpecFinder analyzes hundreds of pages instantly, flags coordination risks, and surfaces the scope details that separate a tight bid from leaving money on the table.

SpecFinder reads architectural specification documents and extracts scope-relevant information based on your trade or specialty. You upload a PDF—typically a full project manual with hundreds of pages—and tell the system what trade you’re estimating for. The tool analyzes the entire document and returns materials lists, product specifications, quantities, submittal requirements, and coordination notes that apply specifically to your scope of work.

The system identifies CSI divisions and sections relevant to your trade, cross-references requirements across multiple document sections, and flags potential coordination issues with other trades. It surfaces details that are easy to miss in manual review—allowances, premium material callouts, specialty installation requirements, and dependencies on other contractors’ work. The output is organized by category so estimators can quickly build accurate material takeoffs and scope summaries without reading every page of the specification manually.

The Stakes

Reading architectural specs is the most critical—and most tedious—part of construction estimating, and it’s where profit margins live or die. Miss a material callout, overlook a coordination requirement, or misread a submittal deadline, and you’re either working for free or fighting an uphill battle for a change order.

Most estimators know they’re missing things in those 300-page PDFs, but they don’t have 8 hours per bid to read every word—so they make educated guesses, bid competitively, and hope nothing comes back to haunt them. SpecFinder exists because “hope” is not a bidding strategy.

Phones & Tablets

SpecFinder 1.0

Reads construction specs faster than your entire preconstruction team combined. Extracts critical requirements, ignores the legal boilerplate nobody needs, flags cross-trade conflicts architects didn’t catch, and delivers division-specific action items that keep projects on track.

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How to try SpecFinder:

The Electrified Hardware Scope Gap

Identifies coordination boundaries between trades and flags common scope gaps before you commit to a price.

“I’m bidding a project with 12 electrified doors (card reader access). The spec says ‘Division 08 provides all door hardware’ and ‘coordinate electrified hardware with Division 28.’ I need to understand: What components am I (Division 08) responsible for? What’s Division 28 responsible for? What scope gaps cause change orders? What RFI questions should I ask? Flag coordination issues with Division 26.”

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The Fire-Rated Assembly Compliance Check

Verifies component compatibility and code compliance before installation to prevent failed inspections and costly rework.

“I have a spec calling for 2-hour fire-rated door assemblies in a hospital stairwell. The architect specified: Hollow metal frames, 1-3/4″ solid core wood doors with fire rating label, Panic hardware with dogging feature, Closers, Smoke seals. Analyze this assembly and flag: 1. Any code compliance issues (IBC, NFPA, ADA) 2. Component compatibility problems 3. Submittal requirements and approval timeline 4. Any ‘gotchas’ that could cause the assembly to fail inspection. Also tell me if the ‘dogging feature’ on panic hardware is allowed on a fire-rated stairwell door.”

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The ADA Hardware Compliance Audit

Surfaces accessibility requirements and code conflicts early to avoid certificate of occupancy delays and last-minute hardware changes.

“I’m bidding a K-12 school renovation. The spec requires all doors to be ADA compliant. I need to verify: 1. What are the ADA requirements for door hardware (operating force, mounting heights, clearances)? 2. Do lever handles meet ADA standards or do I need specific products? 3. What about door closers – what’s the maximum closing force allowed? 4. Are there any ADA requirements that conflict with security requirements (like keeping doors locked)? 5. What about the main entrance – any special automatic door opener requirements? Flag any code conflicts between ADA, IBC, and fire/life safety requirements.”

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The Hardware Schedule Cross-Reference

Ensures complete hardware sets for each door type and catches missing components that cause delays and change orders during installation.

“I have a door schedule with 47 different door types across 8 hardware groups. The architect’s hardware schedule references: Specification Section 08 71 00 (Door Hardware), Multiple finish schedules, Security levels by room type, Fire ratings by location. Cross-reference this hardware schedule against the specification and flag: 1. Any missing hardware components (hinges, closers, stops, etc.) 2. Finish inconsistencies between schedule and spec 3. Security hardware requirements by room type 4. Any doors that need specialty hardware (holdopen devices, coordinators, etc.)”

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The Keying Schedule Coordination

Identifies owner coordination requirements and lead time impacts for keying systems before hardware ordering deadlines.

“I’m responsible for providing locksets on a 200-door office building. The spec mentions: Keying system to be coordinated with Owner’s existing master key system, Provide keying schedule for approval prior to hardware submittal, Core type and manufacturer to match existing. I need to understand: 1. What information do I need from the Owner about their existing system? 2. What are the typical keying hierarchy levels (grand master, master, sub-master, etc.)? 3. What submittal documentation is required for keying? 4. What’s the lead time impact of coordinating with existing systems? 5. Are there any security requirements that affect keying (construction keying, permanent cores)?”

👆 Click to copy full prompt

The Acoustic Door Performance Upgrade

Breaks down the full scope impact of acoustic upgrades including materials, labor, and coordination to support accurate change order pricing.

“Owner issued an RFI response requiring upgraded acoustic performance on 15 classroom doors. Original spec called for standard hollow metal doors. New requirement is STC 45-rated acoustic doors. Analyze the scope change and tell me: 1. What components change (door leaf, frame, seals, thresholds)? 2. What’s the typical cost delta between standard HM and STC 45 acoustic doors? 3. Are there any coordination impacts with flooring, drywall, or other trades? 4. What submittal requirements exist for acoustic-rated assemblies? 5. What installation differences add labor time? I need to prepare a change order with proper justification.”

👆 Click to copy full prompt

SpecFinder 1.0

Try Specfinder

SpecFinder 1.0

Try Specfinder