MasterFormat Reference
CSI Divisions List: All 24 MasterFormat Codes
The complete CSI MasterFormat division reference for commercial bidding: every division number, the trades inside it, what the scope actually covers, and the requirements that show up in real spec books. Free, searchable, no signup.
Quick answer
CSI MasterFormat is the North American standard for organizing construction specifications. Current MasterFormat spans 50 numbered divisions, but commercial project manuals are built around the 24 active divisions below — 01 through 14 (facility construction), 21 through 28 (services), and 31 through 33 (site and infrastructure). Each division groups work by work result, so every bidder reads the same scope the same way. Division numbering is published by the Construction Specifications Institute.
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What are CSI codes?
CSI MasterFormat is the industry-standard system for organizing commercial construction specifications, bid packages, and project manuals. Published by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI) in partnership with Construction Specifications Canada (CSC), it groups every product, system, and trade into 24 numbered divisions. Architects, engineers, owners, and contractors across North America use it to write and read specs the same way — making bids comparable, estimates traceable, and submittals organized.
If you bid commercial work — federal, state, municipal, or private — you will see these codes on every project. Knowing where your scope lives in MasterFormat is the first step to reading a bid book quickly.
Section numbers use a six-digit, three-level format: the first two digits are the division, the next two the level 2 grouping, and the last two the specific work result. So 03 30 00 is Division 03 (Concrete), grouping 30 (Cast-in-Place Concrete). Anything more specific — 03 35 16 Heavy-Duty Concrete Floor Finishing, for example — is a level 3 section inside that grouping.
CSI division numbers at a glance
The three groups used on commercial projects: facility construction (01–14), facility services (21–28), and site and infrastructure (31–34).
| Division | Name | Primary trades |
|---|---|---|
| 01 | General Requirements | Project management, Site supervision, Temporary facilities |
| 02 | Existing Conditions | Demolition, Hazmat abatement, Site survey |
| 03 | Concrete | Cast-in-place concrete, Precast concrete, Concrete finishing |
| 04 | Masonry | CMU, Brick veneer, Stone masonry |
| 05 | Metals | Structural steel, Steel joists, Metal decking |
| 06 | Wood, Plastics & Composites | Rough carpentry, Architectural millwork, Casework |
| 07 | Thermal & Moisture Protection | Roofing, Waterproofing, Insulation |
| 08 | Openings | Doors & frames, Storefront & curtain wall, Windows |
| 09 | Finishes | Drywall, Acoustic ceilings, Flooring |
| 10 | Specialties | Toilet partitions, Signage, Lockers |
| 11 | Equipment | Foodservice equipment, Loading dock equipment, Laboratory equipment |
| 12 | Furnishings | Window treatments, Office furniture, Seating |
| 13 | Special Construction | Pre-engineered structures, Pools & water features, Saunas |
| 14 | Conveying Equipment | Elevators, Escalators, Lifts |
| 21 | Fire Suppression | Sprinkler systems, Standpipes, Fire pumps |
| 22 | Plumbing | Domestic water, Sanitary waste, Storm drainage |
| 23 | HVAC | Air handling, Ductwork, Hydronics |
| 26 | Electrical | Power distribution, Lighting, Branch circuits |
| 27 | Communications | Structured cabling, AV systems, Distributed antenna |
| 28 | Electronic Safety & Security | Fire alarm, Access control, Video surveillance |
| 31 | Earthwork | Site excavation, Grading, Underground utilities |
| 32 | Exterior Improvements | Paving & curbs, Landscape, Site furnishings |
| 33 | Utilities | Water distribution, Sanitary sewer, Storm sewer |
| 34 | Transportation | Roadway construction, Bridges, Rail |
Estimator bid notes by division
These are the practical notes estimators actually use when leveling a bid: how each division is normally quantified, the scope gap that most often costs money, and the submittal or compliance item that gets missed at bid time. Use this as a pre-bid checklist while you read the spec book.
General Requirements
Quantify: Percentage of hard cost, or a monthly general-conditions rate times the schedule duration.
Watch out: Pricing GCs off the bid-date schedule and not the specified completion date — every added month is unrecovered supervision, trailer, and cleanup cost.
Bid note: Read Division 01 before pricing any other division — it sets schedule, staffing, allowances, alternates, and the closeout burden every other trade inherits.
Existing Conditions
Quantify: Square feet of demolition, tons hauled, or lump sum per abatement area.
Watch out: Assuming disposal is clean fill. Contaminated soil or ACM/lead findings shift the number from tipping fees to manifested hazardous disposal.
Bid note: Existing-conditions scope is where unforeseen-condition claims start. Tie your number to the geotech report and hazmat survey referenced in the manual.
Concrete
Quantify: Cubic yards of concrete, square feet of formwork contact area, tons of reinforcing.
Watch out: Formwork reuse and finish tolerance. A tight FF/FL spec or architectural exposed finish can double the placement labor on the same cubic yards.
Bid note: Mix designs, finish tolerances (ACI 117), and curing requirements drive cost more than cubic yards. Check FF/FL floor-flatness specs before pricing slabs.
Masonry
Quantify: Square feet of wall face by unit type, with separate counts for lintels and CMU cores grouted.
Watch out: Grouted-cell frequency and reinforcing pattern buried in the structural notes rather than the masonry section.
Bid note: Sample panels, mortar color, and cold-weather protection are commonly specified and commonly missed at bid time.
Metals
Quantify: Tons of structural steel, linear feet of joist and deck, each for miscellaneous metals.
Watch out: Miscellaneous metals (05 50 00) left unassigned. Ladders, embeds, and railings are routinely bid by nobody and land on the GC.
Bid note: Split fabrication, delivery, and erection clearly. AISC certification and special-inspection requirements can disqualify a low number.
Wood, Plastics & Composites
Quantify: Linear feet of casework and trim, square feet of paneling, board feet of rough carpentry.
Watch out: Blocking and backing. If Division 06 does not carry it, every mounted item in Divisions 10, 11, and 22 has a hidden cost.
Bid note: Millwork grade (AWI Premium vs Custom) is the single biggest cost swing in this division — confirm it in the spec, not the drawings.
Thermal & Moisture Protection
Quantify: Squares of roofing, square feet of air barrier and insulation, linear feet of flashing and sealant.
Watch out: Firestopping and joint sealants. Both live here and both are commonly assumed to be inside the trade that penetrated the wall.
Bid note: Warranty length (10, 20, or 30 year NDL) changes the assembly and the installer certification required. Price the warranty, not just the membrane.
Openings
Quantify: Each opening by type from the door and window schedule, square feet of glazing and curtain wall.
Watch out: Hardware sets and electrified openings. Card readers, power transfer hinges, and door position switches split across Divisions 08, 26, and 28.
Bid note: Hardware sets and access-control interfaces cross into Division 26 and 28. Coordinate the door schedule early or eat the change order.
Finishes
Quantify: Square feet of partition, ceiling, flooring, and paint area; linear feet of wall by rated type.
Watch out: Concrete moisture testing before flooring. Failing an RH test stops the schedule and the mitigation is rarely in the base bid.
Bid note: Level of gypsum finish (Level 4 vs Level 5) and flooring moisture-testing requirements are the usual scope gaps in finishes bids.
Specialties
Quantify: Each item counted off the accessory, signage, and partition schedules.
Watch out: Owner-furnished versus contractor-furnished splits. Small items with large install counts are where the package margin disappears.
Bid note: Specialties are small-dollar and high-count. Miss the accessory schedule and you lose the margin on the whole package.
Equipment
Quantify: Each tagged equipment item, plus rough-in and connection allowances.
Watch out: Utility rough-ins for OFCI equipment. The equipment is the owner's; the stub-outs, disconnects, and final connections are usually yours.
Bid note: Confirm owner-furnished vs contractor-installed status for every tagged item; OFCI splits live in Division 01 and Division 11.
Furnishings
Quantify: Each by furnishing type, linear feet of casework, square feet of window treatment.
Watch out: Storage and double-handling. Furnishings arriving before the space is ready mean warehousing and a second delivery crew.
Bid note: Furnishings often ship late in the schedule and after substantial completion — check the phasing and storage requirements before pricing.
Special Construction
Quantify: Lump sum per pre-engineered package, with separate foundation and utility interfaces.
Watch out: The interface scope. The package vendor prices their assembly; slabs, anchors, power, and drainage feeding it are almost never included.
Bid note: Special construction is usually a single-source or pre-engineered package. Verify the named manufacturers and any substitution deadline.
Conveying Equipment
Quantify: Each unit by stops and capacity, plus a maintenance period priced by month.
Watch out: Temporary use during construction. Running the elevator for the crew resets the warranty and adds a mandated refurbishment before turnover.
Bid note: Long lead times and state elevator inspection sign-off drive the closeout date. Include temporary use and maintenance-period costs.
Fire Suppression
Quantify: Sprinkler heads per square foot of coverage area, by hazard classification.
Watch out: Hazard classification changes. A storage or high-piled area can move design density and force a larger service and fire pump.
Bid note: Most fire-suppression specs are performance based — the sprinkler contractor designs to NFPA 13 and carries the hydraulic calculations and AHJ permit.
Plumbing
Quantify: Each fixture from the plumbing schedule plus linear feet of pipe by size and material.
Watch out: The five-foot line. Whether Division 22 or Division 33 carries the site utility tie-in is stated in Division 01, not the plumbing spec.
Bid note: Fixture schedules, trim packages, and medical-gas certification are the usual overruns. Check who carries site utility tie-ins — Division 22 or Division 33.
HVAC
Quantify: Tons of cooling, CFM of air handling, linear feet and pounds of ductwork.
Watch out: Commissioning and test-and-balance hours. Cx retesting after deficiencies is unfunded labor unless you carry a contingency.
Bid note: Test-and-balance, commissioning, and controls scope split with Division 25 decides whether an HVAC bid is profitable.
Electrical
Quantify: Each device and fixture, linear feet of conduit and feeder, each for gear and panels.
Watch out: Gear lead times and temporary power. A 40-week switchgear lead can force generator rental that no one priced at bid time.
Bid note: Utility coordination, gear lead times, and lighting-control commissioning are the three items that blow up electrical schedules.
Communications
Quantify: Each cable drop, linear feet of pathway, each rack and termination.
Watch out: Pathway ownership. Sleeves, J-hooks, and firestopping for low-voltage cable are frequently assumed to be in Division 26.
Bid note: Manufacturer certification (for example a 25-year cabling warranty) frequently limits who can legally bid this division.
Electronic Safety & Security
Quantify: Each device from the fire alarm and security matrix, plus head-end and programming hours.
Watch out: Power and conduit source. Devices are here, but circuits often sit in Division 26 — read both before you assume coverage.
Bid note: Fire alarm often sits here while the devices are powered from Division 26 — read both divisions before assuming the wiring is someone else's.
Earthwork
Quantify: Cubic yards of cut and fill, square feet of stripping, linear feet of shoring and erosion control.
Watch out: The earthwork balance. If the site does not balance, import or export haul and tipping fees dominate the number.
Bid note: Import/export haul, unsuitable soils, and dewatering are the standard unit-price line items. Pin the balance assumption to the geotech report.
Exterior Improvements
Quantify: Square yards of paving, linear feet of curb and fence, square feet of landscape by plant type.
Watch out: The plant-establishment and maintenance period after substantial completion. It is months of mowing, watering, and replacement.
Bid note: Paving sections and the plant-establishment period run past substantial completion — carry the maintenance months in your number.
Utilities
Quantify: Linear feet of main by size and depth, each for structures, valves, and services.
Watch out: Tap, meter, and utility-authority inspection fees, plus rock or dewatering below the trench depth assumed in the geotech report.
Bid note: Utility-authority standards usually override the project spec. Confirm permits, inspections, and tap fees, and who pays them.
Transportation
Quantify: Linear feet of track and guideway, each for signals and platform equipment.
Watch out: Certified payroll and Buy America documentation labor. Compliance administration on transportation work is a real, billable cost.
Bid note: Transportation work is typically DOT or transit-authority funded, so prevailing wage, Buy America, and DBE goals apply on top of the spec.
How many CSI divisions are there?
MasterFormat contains 50 numbered divisions, but a normal commercial building project manual only uses 24 of them. The rest are either reserved placeholders or apply to process and industrial facilities. Here is how the numbering actually breaks down:
| Range | Group | Used on commercial bids? |
|---|---|---|
| 00 | Procurement and Contracting Requirements | Yes — bid forms, instructions to bidders, contract. Not a specification division. |
| 01–14 | General Requirements and Facility Construction | Yes — the core building scope. |
| 15–19 | Reserved | No — vacated when MasterFormat expanded in 2004. |
| 21–28 | Facility Services (fire, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, comms, security) | Yes — Division 24 and 29–30 remain reserved. |
| 31–33 | Site and Infrastructure | Yes — earthwork, exterior improvements, utilities. |
| 34–39 | Transportation, Waterway, Electrical Power Generation | Rarely — heavy civil and utility-scale work only. |
| 40–49 | Process Equipment | Rarely — industrial, refinery, water treatment, manufacturing. |
Old 16 CSI divisions vs. today's MasterFormat
Plenty of estimating templates, historical cost databases, and legacy spec books still run on the MasterFormat 1995 16-division structure. When you are re-using old unit costs against a current bid book, this crosswalk is what keeps scope from falling through the cracks — especially the mechanical and site splits.
| Old division (1995) | Maps to today |
|---|---|
| 1 — General Requirements | 01 General Requirements |
| 2 — Sitework | 02 Existing Conditions, 31 Earthwork, 32 Exterior Improvements, 33 Utilities |
| 3 — Concrete | 03 Concrete |
| 4 — Masonry | 04 Masonry |
| 5 — Metals | 05 Metals |
| 6 — Wood and Plastics | 06 Wood, Plastics, and Composites |
| 7 — Thermal and Moisture Protection | 07 Thermal and Moisture Protection |
| 8 — Doors and Windows | 08 Openings |
| 9 — Finishes | 09 Finishes |
| 10 — Specialties | 10 Specialties |
| 11 — Equipment | 11 Equipment |
| 12 — Furnishings | 12 Furnishings |
| 13 — Special Construction | 13 Special Construction, plus parts of 21 and 28 |
| 14 — Conveying Systems | 14 Conveying Equipment |
| 15 — Mechanical | 21 Fire Suppression, 22 Plumbing, 23 HVAC, 25 Integrated Automation |
| 16 — Electrical | 26 Electrical, 27 Communications, 28 Electronic Safety and Security |
MasterFormat vs. UniFormat vs. OmniClass
All three are CSI-affiliated classification systems, and they are not interchangeable. Use the one that matches the stage of the job.
| System | Organizes by | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| MasterFormat | Work result — the trade or product installed | Reading a project manual, writing bid packages, buying out subs, leveling bids |
| UniFormat | Building element — substructure, shell, interiors, services | Conceptual and design-phase estimating before specs exist |
| OmniClass | The whole built environment across 15 tables (products, phases, roles, spaces) | BIM data structures and enterprise-level classification |
Find your CSI division by trade
Alphabetical lookup of every trade covered on this page. If you self-perform it, this is the division your scope letter should reference.
- Access control — 28 Electronic Safety & Security
- Acoustic ceilings — 09 Finishes
- Air & vapor barriers — 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection
- Air handling — 23 HVAC
- Airport infrastructure — 34 Transportation
- Architectural millwork — 06 Wood, Plastics & Composites
- AV systems — 27 Communications
- Branch circuits — 26 Electrical
- Brick veneer — 04 Masonry
- Bridges — 34 Transportation
- Casework — 06 Wood, Plastics & Composites
- Cast-in-place concrete — 03 Concrete
- Clean agent systems — 21 Fire Suppression
- CMU — 04 Masonry
- Concrete finishing — 03 Concrete
- Demolition — 02 Existing Conditions
- Distributed antenna — 27 Communications
- Domestic water — 22 Plumbing
- Door hardware — 08 Openings
- Doors & frames — 08 Openings
- Drywall — 09 Finishes
- Ductwork — 23 HVAC
- Elevators — 14 Conveying Equipment
- Erosion control — 31 Earthwork
- Escalators — 14 Conveying Equipment
- Fencing — 32 Exterior Improvements
- Finish carpentry — 06 Wood, Plastics & Composites
- Fire alarm — 28 Electronic Safety & Security
- Fire extinguishers — 10 Specialties
- Fire pumps — 21 Fire Suppression
- Flooring — 09 Finishes
- Foodservice equipment — 11 Equipment
- Generators — 26 Electrical
- Grading — 31 Earthwork
- Hazmat abatement — 02 Existing Conditions
- Healthcare equipment — 11 Equipment
- Hydronics — 23 HVAC
- Insulation — 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection
- Intrusion detection — 28 Electronic Safety & Security
- Laboratory equipment — 11 Equipment
- Landscape — 32 Exterior Improvements
- Lifts — 14 Conveying Equipment
- Lighting — 26 Electrical
- Loading dock equipment — 11 Equipment
- Lockers — 10 Specialties
- Material handling — 14 Conveying Equipment
- Medical gas — 22 Plumbing
- Metal decking — 05 Metals
- Miscellaneous metals — 05 Metals
- Mortar & grout — 04 Masonry
- Network infrastructure — 27 Communications
- Office furniture — 12 Furnishings
- Painting — 09 Finishes
- Paving & curbs — 32 Exterior Improvements
- Pools & water features — 13 Special Construction
- Post-tensioning — 03 Concrete
- Power distribution — 26 Electrical
- Pre-engineered structures — 13 Special Construction
- Precast concrete — 03 Concrete
- Project management — 01 General Requirements
- Rail — 34 Transportation
- Refrigeration — 23 HVAC
- Roadway construction — 34 Transportation
- Roofing — 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection
- Rough carpentry — 06 Wood, Plastics & Composites
- Sanitary sewer — 33 Utilities
- Sanitary waste — 22 Plumbing
- Saunas — 13 Special Construction
- Seating — 12 Furnishings
- Signage — 10 Specialties
- Site electrical — 33 Utilities
- Site excavation — 31 Earthwork
- Site furnishings — 12 Furnishings
- Site furnishings — 32 Exterior Improvements
- Site supervision — 01 General Requirements
- Site survey — 02 Existing Conditions
- Sprinkler systems — 21 Fire Suppression
- Standpipes — 21 Fire Suppression
- Steel joists — 05 Metals
- Stone masonry — 04 Masonry
- Storefront & curtain wall — 08 Openings
- Storm drainage — 22 Plumbing
- Storm sewer — 33 Utilities
- Structural steel — 05 Metals
- Structured cabling — 27 Communications
- Submittals & closeout — 01 General Requirements
- Subsurface investigation — 02 Existing Conditions
- Temporary facilities — 01 General Requirements
- Toilet partitions — 10 Specialties
- Underground utilities — 31 Earthwork
- Vaults — 13 Special Construction
- Video surveillance — 28 Electronic Safety & Security
- Water distribution — 33 Utilities
- Waterproofing — 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection
- Window treatments — 12 Furnishings
- Windows — 08 Openings
Division 01
General Requirements
Division 01 (General Requirements) is where commercial bids quietly get won or lost. Site supervision, submittals, temporary utilities, closeout — bury the math and your fee disappears.
Division 01 General Requirements typically run 6–12% of direct cost on commercial projects. BidEngine extracts every GR line item from the spec book, prices it against your historicals, and flags schedule-driven overruns before you submit.
Key trades in Division 01
- • Project management
- • Site supervision
- • Temporary facilities
- • Submittals & closeout
What's hiding in Division 01
Project management hours, superintendent time, temporary power and water, dumpsters, portable toilets, project signage, as-builts, closeout documentation, and owner-specific reporting requirements. Each line is small; together they're 6–12% of cost.
Common section numbers
- 01 10 00 — Summary
- 01 20 00 — Price and Payment Procedures
- 01 30 00 — Administrative Requirements
- 01 40 00 — Quality Requirements
- 01 50 00 — Temporary Facilities and Controls
- 01 70 00 — Execution and Closeout Requirements
Estimator's bid note
Read Division 01 before pricing any other division — it sets schedule, staffing, allowances, alternates, and the closeout burden every other trade inherits.
How Division 01 is quantified
Percentage of hard cost, or a monthly general-conditions rate times the schedule duration.
Watch out: Pricing GCs off the bid-date schedule and not the specified completion date — every added month is unrecovered supervision, trailer, and cleanup cost.
Typical submittals
Schedule of values, CPM schedule, submittal register, safety plan, O&M manuals, as-builts, warranties.
What is Division 01 in CSI MasterFormat?
General Requirements — the administrative, supervisory, and temporary-facility costs that apply to the whole project, not a specific trade.
How do general contractors price Division 01 General Requirements on commercial bids?
Division 02
Existing Conditions
Existing conditions are the #1 source of commercial bid surprises. Hazmat, unknown subsurface, and surveys nobody read until day 1 of demo.
Demolition and existing-conditions contractors win commercial bids by reading geotech, hazmat, and existing-conditions reports cold before bid day. BidEngine surfaces every reference to abatement, unforeseen conditions, and owner-furnished disposal in minutes.
Key trades in Division 02
- • Demolition
- • Hazmat abatement
- • Site survey
- • Subsurface investigation
What's in Division 02
Selective demolition, structure demolition, site clearing, hazardous material abatement (asbestos, lead, mold), and subsurface investigation.
Common section numbers
- 02 20 00 — Assessment
- 02 30 00 — Subsurface Investigation
- 02 40 00 — Demolition and Structure Moving
- 02 80 00 — Facility Remediation
Estimator's bid note
Existing-conditions scope is where unforeseen-condition claims start. Tie your number to the geotech report and hazmat survey referenced in the manual.
How Division 02 is quantified
Square feet of demolition, tons hauled, or lump sum per abatement area.
Watch out: Assuming disposal is clean fill. Contaminated soil or ACM/lead findings shift the number from tipping fees to manifested hazardous disposal.
Typical submittals
Demolition plan, abatement licenses, disposal manifests, dust and noise control plans.
What does Division 02 include?
Existing conditions work — selective and structural demolition, site clearing, hazardous material abatement, and subsurface investigation.
Division 03
Concrete
Concrete is a CY game, but the margin is in formwork, finish, and pour logistics. The contractors who win consistently bid faster and catch the spec details others miss.
Concrete contractors win more commercial bids by automating quantity takeoff (cubic yards, formwork SF, rebar tonnage) and pricing finish, curing, and testing requirements pulled directly from spec sections 03 30 00 and 03 35 00. BidEngine does this in minutes.
Key trades in Division 03
- • Cast-in-place concrete
- • Precast concrete
- • Concrete finishing
- • Post-tensioning
What's in Division 03
Cast-in-place concrete, formwork, reinforcement, precast structural concrete, architectural precast, post-tensioning, concrete finishing, and curing/sealing.
Common section numbers
- 03 10 00 — Concrete Forming and Accessories
- 03 20 00 — Concrete Reinforcing
- 03 30 00 — Cast-in-Place Concrete
- 03 40 00 — Precast Concrete
- 03 50 00 — Cast Decks and Underlayment
Estimator's bid note
Mix designs, finish tolerances (ACI 117), and curing requirements drive cost more than cubic yards. Check FF/FL floor-flatness specs before pricing slabs.
How Division 03 is quantified
Cubic yards of concrete, square feet of formwork contact area, tons of reinforcing.
Watch out: Formwork reuse and finish tolerance. A tight FF/FL spec or architectural exposed finish can double the placement labor on the same cubic yards.
Typical submittals
Mix designs, rebar shop drawings, cylinder break reports, ACI certifications.
What CSI division is concrete?
Division 03 — covering cast-in-place, precast, formwork, reinforcement, post-tensioning, and finishing.
Division 04
Masonry
Masonry takeoffs eat hours when done by hand. The contractors winning at scale automate the count and focus their estimators on logistics and labor productivity.
Masonry contractors win more bids by automating CMU, brick, and stone takeoff and pricing reinforcement, ties, control joints, and accessories per the spec. BidEngine cuts that work from days to minutes.
Key trades in Division 04
- • CMU
- • Brick veneer
- • Stone masonry
- • Mortar & grout
What's in Division 04
Concrete unit masonry (CMU), clay brick, stone, mortar/grout, reinforcement and ties, masonry accessories, and restoration work.
Common section numbers
- 04 20 00 — Unit Masonry
- 04 40 00 — Stone Assemblies
- 04 70 00 — Manufactured Masonry
Estimator's bid note
Sample panels, mortar color, and cold-weather protection are commonly specified and commonly missed at bid time.
How Division 04 is quantified
Square feet of wall face by unit type, with separate counts for lintels and CMU cores grouted.
Watch out: Grouted-cell frequency and reinforcing pattern buried in the structural notes rather than the masonry section.
Typical submittals
Mock-up panel, mortar and grout mixes, masonry unit samples, cold-weather procedures.
What CSI division is masonry?
Division 04 — covering CMU, brick, stone, mortar, reinforcement, and accessories.
Division 05
Metals
Steel bids hinge on tonnage, connections, and erection logistics. Get the takeoff right and the schedule realistic, and you'll win at margin.
Structural steel contractors win commercial bids by quantifying tonnage from structural drawings, pricing connections per the SDI, and modeling crane and erection sequencing. BidEngine extracts the spec and schedule of materials in minutes.
Key trades in Division 05
- • Structural steel
- • Steel joists
- • Metal decking
- • Miscellaneous metals
What's in Division 05
Structural steel framing, steel joists and decking, cold-formed metal framing, and miscellaneous metals (railings, stairs, ladders).
Common section numbers
- 05 12 00 — Structural Steel Framing
- 05 21 00 — Steel Joist Framing
- 05 31 00 — Steel Decking
- 05 40 00 — Cold-Formed Metal Framing
- 05 50 00 — Metal Fabrications
Estimator's bid note
Split fabrication, delivery, and erection clearly. AISC certification and special-inspection requirements can disqualify a low number.
How Division 05 is quantified
Tons of structural steel, linear feet of joist and deck, each for miscellaneous metals.
Watch out: Miscellaneous metals (05 50 00) left unassigned. Ladders, embeds, and railings are routinely bid by nobody and land on the GC.
Typical submittals
Erection drawings, mill certs, welder qualifications, bolt torque and inspection reports.
What CSI division is structural steel?
Division 05 — including structural framing, joists, decking, cold-formed framing, and miscellaneous metals.
Division 06
Wood, Plastics & Composites
Architectural millwork is a margin-heavy trade if you get the spec and finish callouts right — and a margin-killer if you don't.
Millwork and carpentry contractors win commercial bids by pricing every cabinet, counter, and trim run from the millwork schedule, matching finishes to the AWI grade specified, and quoting realistic lead times. BidEngine surfaces the schedule and grade in minutes.
Key trades in Division 06
- • Rough carpentry
- • Architectural millwork
- • Casework
- • Finish carpentry
What's in Division 06
Rough carpentry, finish carpentry, architectural woodwork, casework, countertops, and architectural composites.
Common section numbers
- 06 10 00 — Rough Carpentry
- 06 16 00 — Sheathing
- 06 20 00 — Finish Carpentry
- 06 40 00 — Architectural Woodwork
Estimator's bid note
Millwork grade (AWI Premium vs Custom) is the single biggest cost swing in this division — confirm it in the spec, not the drawings.
How Division 06 is quantified
Linear feet of casework and trim, square feet of paneling, board feet of rough carpentry.
Watch out: Blocking and backing. If Division 06 does not carry it, every mounted item in Divisions 10, 11, and 22 has a hidden cost.
Typical submittals
Shop drawings, wood species and finish samples, fire-retardant treatment certificates.
What's covered under Division 06?
Wood, plastics, and composites — rough carpentry, finish carpentry, architectural woodwork, casework, and countertops.
How can millwork and finish carpentry contractors win commercial bids?
Division 07
Thermal & Moisture Protection
Commercial roofing is unforgiving — the spec drives material choice, warranty length, and crew certification requirements. Miss one and you're out before bid day.
Commercial roofing contractors win bids by matching their installer certifications to the manufacturer's warranty spec, pricing every layer (insulation, cover board, membrane, flashing), and quoting per the wind uplift and FM Global requirements. BidEngine extracts all of it in minutes.
Key trades in Division 07
- • Roofing
- • Waterproofing
- • Insulation
- • Air & vapor barriers
What's in Division 07
Roofing (TPO, EPDM, modified bitumen, metal), waterproofing, dampproofing, insulation, air and vapor barriers, fireproofing, and joint sealants.
Common section numbers
- 07 10 00 — Dampproofing and Waterproofing
- 07 20 00 — Thermal Protection
- 07 40 00 — Roofing and Siding Panels
- 07 50 00 — Membrane Roofing
- 07 90 00 — Joint Protection
Estimator's bid note
Warranty length (10, 20, or 30 year NDL) changes the assembly and the installer certification required. Price the warranty, not just the membrane.
How Division 07 is quantified
Squares of roofing, square feet of air barrier and insulation, linear feet of flashing and sealant.
Watch out: Firestopping and joint sealants. Both live here and both are commonly assumed to be inside the trade that penetrated the wall.
Typical submittals
Manufacturer warranty, installer certification, roof details, air-barrier testing results.
What's Division 07 in CSI?
Thermal and moisture protection — roofing, waterproofing, insulation, air/vapor barriers, fireproofing, and sealants.
Division 08
Openings
Doors, frames, and hardware bids live and die in the door schedule and hardware sets. Misread the spec and you'll eat the difference at submittal.
Door, frame, and hardware contractors win bids by pricing every opening per the door schedule, matching hardware sets exactly to the spec, and quoting realistic lead times for hollow metal frames and electrified hardware. BidEngine parses the schedule and hardware sets automatically.
Key trades in Division 08
- • Doors & frames
- • Storefront & curtain wall
- • Windows
- • Door hardware
What's in Division 08
Doors and frames (hollow metal, wood, FRP), storefront and curtain wall, windows, glazing, door hardware, and access doors.
Common section numbers
- 08 10 00 — Doors and Frames
- 08 30 00 — Specialty Doors and Frames
- 08 40 00 — Entrances, Storefronts, and Curtain Walls
- 08 70 00 — Hardware
- 08 80 00 — Glazing
Estimator's bid note
Hardware sets and access-control interfaces cross into Division 26 and 28. Coordinate the door schedule early or eat the change order.
How Division 08 is quantified
Each opening by type from the door and window schedule, square feet of glazing and curtain wall.
Watch out: Hardware sets and electrified openings. Card readers, power transfer hinges, and door position switches split across Divisions 08, 26, and 28.
Typical submittals
Door schedule, hardware sets, glazing performance data, structural calculations for curtain wall.
What CSI division is doors and hardware?
Division 08 — Openings, including doors, frames, storefront, curtain wall, glazing, and hardware.
How can door, frame, and hardware contractors win commercial bids?
Division 09
Finishes
Finishes are the highest-volume trade on most commercial bids — and the most punishing if your takeoff misses scope.
Finishes contractors (drywall, ACT, flooring, paint) win commercial bids by automating SF takeoff, pricing every finish in the room finish schedule, and including substrate prep, primer, and accessories per the spec. BidEngine does this in minutes per project.
Key trades in Division 09
- • Drywall
- • Acoustic ceilings
- • Flooring
- • Painting
What's in Division 09
Drywall and gypsum board, plaster, acoustic ceilings, flooring (resilient, carpet, tile, hardwood, terrazzo), wall coverings, and painting/coatings.
Common section numbers
- 09 20 00 — Plaster and Gypsum Board
- 09 30 00 — Tiling
- 09 50 00 — Ceilings
- 09 60 00 — Flooring
- 09 90 00 — Painting and Coating
Estimator's bid note
Level of gypsum finish (Level 4 vs Level 5) and flooring moisture-testing requirements are the usual scope gaps in finishes bids.
How Division 09 is quantified
Square feet of partition, ceiling, flooring, and paint area; linear feet of wall by rated type.
Watch out: Concrete moisture testing before flooring. Failing an RH test stops the schedule and the mitigation is rarely in the base bid.
Typical submittals
Color and finish samples, moisture test reports, fire-rated assembly listings, attic stock.
What's Division 09?
Finishes — drywall, plaster, acoustic ceilings, flooring, wall coverings, and paint.
How can drywall, flooring, and painting contractors win commercial bids?
Division 10
Specialties
Specialties looks small until you add up the schedules. Get the count right and the lead times realistic, and you win consistently.
Specialties contractors win bids by pricing every line of the partition, signage, and accessory schedules per the spec — material, finish, and mounting. BidEngine extracts all four schedules in minutes.
Key trades in Division 10
- • Toilet partitions
- • Signage
- • Lockers
- • Fire extinguishers
What's in Division 10
Toilet partitions and accessories, signage, lockers, fire extinguishers and cabinets, postal specialties, and visual display surfaces.
Common section numbers
- 10 14 00 — Signage
- 10 21 00 — Compartments and Cubicles
- 10 28 00 — Toilet and Bath Accessories
- 10 44 00 — Fire Protection Specialties
Estimator's bid note
Specialties are small-dollar and high-count. Miss the accessory schedule and you lose the margin on the whole package.
How Division 10 is quantified
Each item counted off the accessory, signage, and partition schedules.
Watch out: Owner-furnished versus contractor-furnished splits. Small items with large install counts are where the package margin disappears.
Typical submittals
Accessory schedule, signage message schedule, ADA mounting-height confirmations.
What is CSI Division 10?
Specialties — toilet partitions and accessories, signage, lockers, fire extinguishers, and visual display surfaces.
Division 11
Equipment
Equipment scopes look standard until you realize half the equipment is OFCI (owner-furnished, contractor-installed) and the other half has 14-week lead times.
Equipment contractors win commercial bids by reading the equipment schedule cover-to-cover, separating OFCI from CFCI items, pricing rough-in coordination with MEP, and quoting realistic lead times. BidEngine extracts the schedule and OFCI list automatically.
Key trades in Division 11
- • Foodservice equipment
- • Loading dock equipment
- • Laboratory equipment
- • Healthcare equipment
What's in Division 11
Foodservice equipment, laboratory equipment, healthcare equipment, loading dock equipment, mercantile equipment, and athletic equipment.
Common section numbers
- 11 30 00 — Residential Equipment
- 11 40 00 — Foodservice Equipment
- 11 50 00 — Educational and Scientific Equipment
Estimator's bid note
Confirm owner-furnished vs contractor-installed status for every tagged item; OFCI splits live in Division 01 and Division 11.
How Division 11 is quantified
Each tagged equipment item, plus rough-in and connection allowances.
Watch out: Utility rough-ins for OFCI equipment. The equipment is the owner's; the stub-outs, disconnects, and final connections are usually yours.
Typical submittals
Equipment cut sheets, rough-in drawings, utility connection schedules, startup reports.
What is OFCI vs. CFCI?
OFCI = owner-furnished, contractor-installed. CFCI = contractor-furnished, contractor-installed. The equipment schedule designates which is which.
How can foodservice and equipment contractors win commercial bids?
Division 12
Furnishings
FF&E and furnishings bids are about lead time, install coordination, and scope clarity — the line between contract scope and owner direct purchase is often fuzzy.
Furnishings contractors win bids by clarifying FF&E scope vs. owner direct purchase up front, quoting realistic lead times, and pricing install coordination with the GC's substantial completion date. BidEngine extracts the FF&E schedule and contract delineation automatically.
Key trades in Division 12
- • Window treatments
- • Office furniture
- • Seating
- • Site furnishings
What's in Division 12
Window treatments, office furniture and systems, fixed seating, art, rugs and mats, and site furnishings.
Common section numbers
- 12 20 00 — Window Treatments
- 12 30 00 — Casework
- 12 50 00 — Furniture
- 12 90 00 — Site Furnishings
Estimator's bid note
Furnishings often ship late in the schedule and after substantial completion — check the phasing and storage requirements before pricing.
How Division 12 is quantified
Each by furnishing type, linear feet of casework, square feet of window treatment.
Watch out: Storage and double-handling. Furnishings arriving before the space is ready mean warehousing and a second delivery crew.
Typical submittals
Fabric and finish samples, casework shop drawings, delivery and installation schedule.
What CSI division is furniture and FF&E?
Division 12 — Furnishings, including window treatments, office furniture, seating, and site furnishings.
How can furniture and window-treatment contractors win commercial bids?
Division 13
Special Construction
Special construction is everything that doesn't fit a standard division — pre-engineered metal buildings, pools, vaults, sound rooms. The spec is everything.
Special construction contractors win bids by reading the specialty spec cover-to-cover, pricing per the engineering criteria (wind, snow, seismic, sound), and quoting realistic engineering and fabrication lead times. BidEngine extracts the engineering criteria automatically.
Key trades in Division 13
- • Pre-engineered structures
- • Pools & water features
- • Saunas
- • Vaults
What's in Division 13
Pre-engineered metal buildings, swimming pools and water features, vaults and safes, sound and vibration control, and integrated assemblies.
Common section numbers
- 13 20 00 — Special Purpose Rooms
- 13 30 00 — Special Structures
- 13 40 00 — Integrated Construction
- 13 48 00 — Sound, Vibration, and Seismic Control
Estimator's bid note
Special construction is usually a single-source or pre-engineered package. Verify the named manufacturers and any substitution deadline.
How Division 13 is quantified
Lump sum per pre-engineered package, with separate foundation and utility interfaces.
Watch out: The interface scope. The package vendor prices their assembly; slabs, anchors, power, and drainage feeding it are almost never included.
Typical submittals
Engineering calculations sealed by a licensed PE, performance test reports, manufacturer certifications.
What is CSI Division 13?
Special Construction — pre-engineered buildings, pools, vaults, sound and vibration control, and integrated assemblies.
How can special construction contractors win commercial bids?
Division 14
Conveying Equipment
Elevator bids are about long lead times, code compliance, and tight GC coordination. The contractors who win bid early and submit clean.
Elevator and conveying contractors win bids by pricing per the elevator schedule, matching capacity, speed, and code (ASME A17.1) to the spec, and quoting realistic 16–24 week lead times. BidEngine extracts the schedule and code references automatically.
Key trades in Division 14
- • Elevators
- • Escalators
- • Lifts
- • Material handling
What's in Division 14
Elevators (traction, hydraulic, MRL), escalators, dumbwaiters, vertical platform lifts, and material handling equipment.
Common section numbers
- 14 20 00 — Elevators
- 14 30 00 — Escalators and Moving Walks
- 14 40 00 — Lifts
Estimator's bid note
Long lead times and state elevator inspection sign-off drive the closeout date. Include temporary use and maintenance-period costs.
How Division 14 is quantified
Each unit by stops and capacity, plus a maintenance period priced by month.
Watch out: Temporary use during construction. Running the elevator for the crew resets the warranty and adds a mandated refurbishment before turnover.
Typical submittals
Hoistway drawings, state inspection certificate, maintenance agreement, load test report.
What is CSI Division 14?
Conveying Equipment — elevators, escalators, dumbwaiters, lifts, and material handling.
How can elevator and conveying contractors win commercial bids?
Division 21
Fire Suppression
Fire suppression bids hinge on NFPA classification, hydraulic design, and AHJ requirements. The contractors who win read the spec early and price the design.
Fire sprinkler contractors win bids by matching hydraulic design criteria to the NFPA classification, pricing per the occupancy hazard, and coordinating with local AHJ requirements. BidEngine extracts NFPA references and design criteria automatically.
Key trades in Division 21
- • Sprinkler systems
- • Standpipes
- • Fire pumps
- • Clean agent systems
What's in Division 21
Wet, dry, and pre-action sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, and clean-agent suppression (FM-200, Novec).
Common section numbers
- 21 10 00 — Water-Based Fire-Suppression Systems
- 21 20 00 — Fire-Extinguishing Systems
- 21 30 00 — Fire Pumps
Estimator's bid note
Most fire-suppression specs are performance based — the sprinkler contractor designs to NFPA 13 and carries the hydraulic calculations and AHJ permit.
How Division 21 is quantified
Sprinkler heads per square foot of coverage area, by hazard classification.
Watch out: Hazard classification changes. A storage or high-piled area can move design density and force a larger service and fire pump.
Typical submittals
Hydraulic calculations, AHJ-approved shop drawings, contractor's material and test certificate.
What is CSI Division 21?
Fire Suppression — sprinkler systems, standpipes, fire pumps, and clean-agent suppression.
Division 22
Plumbing
Commercial plumbing bids reward contractors who read the spec, count fixtures accurately, and coordinate with MEP trades early.
Commercial plumbing contractors win bids by automating fixture and pipe takeoff, pricing per the plumbing spec (pipe material, insulation, hangers), and coordinating with HVAC and fire protection routes early. BidEngine extracts all of it in minutes.
Key trades in Division 22
- • Domestic water
- • Sanitary waste
- • Storm drainage
- • Medical gas
What's in Division 22
Domestic water, sanitary waste, storm drainage, natural gas, medical gas, plumbing fixtures and equipment, water heaters.
Common section numbers
- 22 10 00 — Plumbing Piping and Pumps
- 22 30 00 — Plumbing Equipment
- 22 40 00 — Plumbing Fixtures
- 22 60 00 — Gas and Vacuum Systems for Laboratory and Healthcare
Estimator's bid note
Fixture schedules, trim packages, and medical-gas certification are the usual overruns. Check who carries site utility tie-ins — Division 22 or Division 33.
How Division 22 is quantified
Each fixture from the plumbing schedule plus linear feet of pipe by size and material.
Watch out: The five-foot line. Whether Division 22 or Division 33 carries the site utility tie-in is stated in Division 01, not the plumbing spec.
Typical submittals
Fixture cut sheets, pressure test reports, backflow certifications, med-gas verification.
What is CSI Division 22?
Plumbing — domestic water, sanitary, storm, natural gas, medical gas, and plumbing fixtures.
Division 23
HVAC
Commercial HVAC bids are the most coordination-heavy trade on most projects. The contractors who win bid fast, coordinate early, and price controls correctly.
Commercial HVAC contractors win bids by automating ductwork and equipment takeoff, pricing per the mechanical spec (insulation, hangers, controls), and coordinating with electrical and plumbing routes. BidEngine extracts all of it in minutes.
Key trades in Division 23
- • Air handling
- • Ductwork
- • Hydronics
- • Refrigeration
What's in Division 23
Air handling units, ductwork, terminal units, hydronics (chilled/hot water), refrigeration, exhaust, and HVAC controls (often Division 25).
Common section numbers
- 23 05 00 — Common Work Results for HVAC
- 23 30 00 — HVAC Air Distribution
- 23 60 00 — Central Cooling Equipment
- 23 70 00 — Central HVAC Equipment
- 23 80 00 — Decentralized HVAC Equipment
Estimator's bid note
Test-and-balance, commissioning, and controls scope split with Division 25 decides whether an HVAC bid is profitable.
How Division 23 is quantified
Tons of cooling, CFM of air handling, linear feet and pounds of ductwork.
Watch out: Commissioning and test-and-balance hours. Cx retesting after deficiencies is unfunded labor unless you carry a contingency.
Typical submittals
Equipment submittals, TAB report, commissioning documentation, control sequences.
What is CSI Division 23?
HVAC — air handling, ductwork, hydronics, refrigeration, exhaust, and HVAC controls.
Division 26
Electrical
Commercial electrical bids hinge on gear pricing, lighting fixture counts, and branch circuit takeoff. The contractors who win automate the count and price the spec.
Commercial electrical contractors win bids by automating fixture, device, and circuit takeoff, pricing gear and panel schedules per the spec, and quoting realistic gear lead times. BidEngine extracts panel schedules, fixture counts, and gear specs automatically.
Key trades in Division 26
- • Power distribution
- • Lighting
- • Branch circuits
- • Generators
What's in Division 26
Service and distribution gear, panelboards, branch circuits, wiring devices, lighting fixtures, lighting controls, generators, and grounding.
Common section numbers
- 26 05 00 — Common Work Results for Electrical
- 26 20 00 — Low-Voltage Electrical Transmission
- 26 30 00 — Facility Electrical Power Generating and Storing Equipment
- 26 50 00 — Lighting
Estimator's bid note
Utility coordination, gear lead times, and lighting-control commissioning are the three items that blow up electrical schedules.
How Division 26 is quantified
Each device and fixture, linear feet of conduit and feeder, each for gear and panels.
Watch out: Gear lead times and temporary power. A 40-week switchgear lead can force generator rental that no one priced at bid time.
Typical submittals
Gear shop drawings, coordination and arc-flash study, lighting-control programming, megger test reports.
What is CSI Division 26?
Electrical — service, distribution, branch circuits, lighting, controls, generators, and grounding.
Division 27
Communications
Communications scopes have exploded in commercial work. The contractors who win read the riser carefully and price the device count exactly.
Low-voltage and structured-cabling contractors win bids by automating device and outlet takeoff, pricing per the cabling spec (Cat6A vs. fiber), and coordinating MDF/IDF rooms with Division 26. BidEngine extracts riser diagrams and device counts automatically.
Key trades in Division 27
- • Structured cabling
- • AV systems
- • Distributed antenna
- • Network infrastructure
What's in Division 27
Structured cabling, audiovisual systems, distributed antenna systems (DAS), public address, telephone, and network infrastructure.
Common section numbers
- 27 10 00 — Structured Cabling
- 27 40 00 — Audio-Video Communications
- 27 50 00 — Distributed Communications and Monitoring
Estimator's bid note
Manufacturer certification (for example a 25-year cabling warranty) frequently limits who can legally bid this division.
How Division 27 is quantified
Each cable drop, linear feet of pathway, each rack and termination.
Watch out: Pathway ownership. Sleeves, J-hooks, and firestopping for low-voltage cable are frequently assumed to be in Division 26.
Typical submittals
Cable test results, as-built pathway drawings, manufacturer system warranty.
What is CSI Division 27?
Communications — structured cabling, AV, DAS, public address, and network infrastructure.
How can low-voltage and structured cabling contractors win commercial bids?
Division 28
Electronic Safety & Security
Electronic safety bids are AHJ-driven, code-driven, and integration-heavy. The contractors who win price the device schedule exactly.
Fire alarm, access control, and security contractors win bids by pricing per the device schedule, matching system to AHJ requirements (NFPA 72, UL), and coordinating with door hardware and low-voltage. BidEngine extracts the device schedule automatically.
Key trades in Division 28
- • Fire alarm
- • Access control
- • Video surveillance
- • Intrusion detection
What's in Division 28
Fire detection and alarm, access control, video surveillance, intrusion detection, electronic personal safety.
Common section numbers
- 28 10 00 — Access Control
- 28 20 00 — Video Surveillance
- 28 30 00 — Security Detection, Alarm, and Monitoring
Estimator's bid note
Fire alarm often sits here while the devices are powered from Division 26 — read both divisions before assuming the wiring is someone else's.
How Division 28 is quantified
Each device from the fire alarm and security matrix, plus head-end and programming hours.
Watch out: Power and conduit source. Devices are here, but circuits often sit in Division 26 — read both before you assume coverage.
Typical submittals
AHJ-approved fire alarm drawings, battery calculations, device matrix, acceptance test record.
What is CSI Division 28?
Electronic Safety and Security — fire alarm, access control, video surveillance, and intrusion detection.
How can fire alarm and security contractors win commercial bids?
Division 31
Earthwork
Earthwork is geotech-driven. The contractors who win read the geotech, price the actual soil, and quote realistic dewatering and shoring.
Excavation and earthwork contractors win bids by reading the geotech report cover-to-cover, pricing cut/fill from civil plans, and quoting realistic dewatering, shoring, and import/export costs. BidEngine extracts geotech references and quantities automatically.
Key trades in Division 31
- • Site excavation
- • Grading
- • Underground utilities
- • Erosion control
What's in Division 31
Site clearing, earthwork (excavation, fill, grading), shoring, dewatering, erosion control, and underground utility installation.
Common section numbers
- 31 10 00 — Site Clearing
- 31 20 00 — Earth Moving
- 31 40 00 — Shoring and Underpinning
- 31 60 00 — Special Foundations and Load-Bearing Elements
Estimator's bid note
Import/export haul, unsuitable soils, and dewatering are the standard unit-price line items. Pin the balance assumption to the geotech report.
How Division 31 is quantified
Cubic yards of cut and fill, square feet of stripping, linear feet of shoring and erosion control.
Watch out: The earthwork balance. If the site does not balance, import or export haul and tipping fees dominate the number.
Typical submittals
Compaction test reports, SWPPP, dewatering plan, shoring design by a licensed PE.
What is CSI Division 31?
Earthwork — site clearing, excavation, fill, grading, shoring, dewatering, and erosion control.
How can excavation and earthwork contractors win commercial bids?
Division 32
Exterior Improvements
Exterior improvements are deceptively simple — until you realize the SF takeoff drives everything and the plant schedule has 14-week lead times.
Paving and landscape contractors win bids by automating SF takeoff, pricing per the plant schedule and paving section, and quoting realistic plant lead times. BidEngine extracts all of it in minutes.
Key trades in Division 32
- • Paving & curbs
- • Landscape
- • Site furnishings
- • Fencing
What's in Division 32
Asphalt and concrete paving, curbs and gutters, landscape and planting, irrigation, site furnishings, fences and gates.
Common section numbers
- 32 10 00 — Bases, Ballasts, and Paving
- 32 30 00 — Site Improvements
- 32 90 00 — Planting
Estimator's bid note
Paving sections and the plant-establishment period run past substantial completion — carry the maintenance months in your number.
How Division 32 is quantified
Square yards of paving, linear feet of curb and fence, square feet of landscape by plant type.
Watch out: The plant-establishment and maintenance period after substantial completion. It is months of mowing, watering, and replacement.
Typical submittals
Asphalt mix design, striping plan, plant material certification, irrigation as-builts.
What is CSI Division 32?
Exterior Improvements — paving, curbs, landscape, irrigation, site furnishings, and fences.
How can paving, landscape, and site improvement contractors win commercial bids?
Division 33
Utilities
Utility bids are about depth, length, and trench condition. The contractors who win read the civil set carefully and price the rock.
Utility contractors win commercial bids by automating LF takeoff per trench condition, pricing per pipe material spec, and quoting realistic rock and dewatering allowances. BidEngine extracts the civil utility plan and trench detail automatically.
Key trades in Division 33
- • Water distribution
- • Sanitary sewer
- • Storm sewer
- • Site electrical
What's in Division 33
Site water distribution, sanitary sewer, storm sewer, site natural gas, and site electrical/communications utilities.
Common section numbers
- 33 10 00 — Water Utilities
- 33 30 00 — Sanitary Sewerage Utilities
- 33 40 00 — Storm Drainage Utilities
- 33 70 00 — Electrical Utilities
Estimator's bid note
Utility-authority standards usually override the project spec. Confirm permits, inspections, and tap fees, and who pays them.
How Division 33 is quantified
Linear feet of main by size and depth, each for structures, valves, and services.
Watch out: Tap, meter, and utility-authority inspection fees, plus rock or dewatering below the trench depth assumed in the geotech report.
Typical submittals
Pressure and bacteriological tests, video inspection of sewers, record drawings, utility acceptance letters.
What is CSI Division 33?
Utilities — site water, sanitary, storm, gas, and site electrical/communications.
Division 34
Transportation
Transportation work is DOT-driven, spec-heavy, and prevailing-wage by default. The contractors who win read every page of the spec.
Transportation and roadway contractors win commercial bids by reading the DOT spec cover-to-cover, pricing per the pay-item list, and quoting realistic mobilization and traffic-control allowances. BidEngine extracts the pay-item list and spec references automatically.
Key trades in Division 34
- • Roadway construction
- • Bridges
- • Rail
- • Airport infrastructure
What's in Division 34
Roadway construction, bridges, rail, airport infrastructure, transportation signaling.
Common section numbers
- 34 10 00 — Guideways and Railways
- 34 40 00 — Transportation Signaling and Control Equipment
- 34 70 00 — Transportation Construction and Equipment
Estimator's bid note
Transportation work is typically DOT or transit-authority funded, so prevailing wage, Buy America, and DBE goals apply on top of the spec.
How Division 34 is quantified
Linear feet of track and guideway, each for signals and platform equipment.
Watch out: Certified payroll and Buy America documentation labor. Compliance administration on transportation work is a real, billable cost.
Typical submittals
Certified payrolls, Buy America certifications, DBE participation reports, materials certifications.
What is CSI Division 34?
Transportation — roadway, bridge, rail, airport infrastructure, and signaling.
How can transportation and roadway contractors win commercial bids?
Frequently asked questions
What are the 24 CSI divisions?
01 General Requirements, 02 Existing Conditions, 03 Concrete, 04 Masonry, 05 Metals, 06 Wood/Plastics/Composites, 07 Thermal & Moisture Protection, 08 Openings, 09 Finishes, 10 Specialties, 11 Equipment, 12 Furnishings, 13 Special Construction, 14 Conveying Equipment, 21 Fire Suppression, 22 Plumbing, 23 HVAC, 25 Integrated Automation, 26 Electrical, 27 Communications, 28 Electronic Safety & Security, 31 Earthwork, 32 Exterior Improvements, 33 Utilities.
How do you read a CSI section number?
Six digits in three pairs: division, level 2 grouping, then the specific work result. 03 30 00 is Division 03 Concrete, grouping 30 Cast-in-Place Concrete. 03 35 16 is a level 3 section for heavy-duty concrete floor finishing inside that grouping.
What's the difference between MasterFormat and UniFormat?
MasterFormat organizes by work result (the trade or product installed). UniFormat organizes by building element (foundation, exterior wall, roof). Bid books and project manuals use MasterFormat; conceptual estimating uses UniFormat.
Why are there gaps in the numbering (15–20, 24, 29–30)?
CSI intentionally reserved numbers when MasterFormat expanded from 16 to 50 divisions in 2004, leaving room for future categories without renumbering existing ones.
How many CSI divisions are there?
Fifty are numbered; 24 are actively used on commercial building projects (01–14, 21–23, 25–28, 31–33). Divisions 34–48 cover transportation, utility, and process facilities. Before 2004 there were 16.
What were the old 16 CSI divisions?
1 General Requirements, 2 Sitework, 3 Concrete, 4 Masonry, 5 Metals, 6 Wood and Plastics, 7 Thermal and Moisture Protection, 8 Doors and Windows, 9 Finishes, 10 Specialties, 11 Equipment, 12 Furnishings, 13 Special Construction, 14 Conveying Systems, 15 Mechanical, 16 Electrical. See the crosswalk table above for how they map today.
What CSI division is drywall?
Division 09 Finishes — usually 09 21 16 Gypsum Board Assemblies, with non-structural metal framing at 09 22 16. Load-bearing cold-formed framing belongs to Division 05.
What CSI division is HVAC?
Division 23. Plumbing is 22 and fire suppression is 21 — all three lived inside old Division 15 Mechanical before MasterFormat 2004.
How do I find my NAICS code instead?
See our NAICS construction codes reference — required for SAM.gov, GSA, and state vendor registration.
Last reviewed August 20, 2026 by the Smart Movers Club bid management team.