James,
You do not say what project types you are involved with, or what delivery method is used (contract type) so it is hard to make a recommendation. And there's a difference between writing a spec or two a year, and actually learning a software system and becoming proficient and producing several project specs a month.
Assuming you have been getting by with only notes on drawings up to now, I will guess you are working in residential type construction with developers or with negotiated contracts with known contractors.
Masterspec (even Small Project) and BSD SpecLink make considerable use of national industry reference standards for identifying materials and products. This specifying approach will be lost on most residential contractors. If you are moving toward larger projects with commercial or institutional owners, or public projects, you will need one of the big boys. Pay the price. The backup reference material alone is worth the price. BTW contrary to comment on this page, the AIA still owns MasterSpec, and licenses its publishing to Deltek.
If you are a good MSWord user, MasterSpec will not require you to learn a new software - but their Masterworks add-in is a handy tool. Many users writing repeat type projects, however, like BSD's database editor. I'm not enamored of any of the cloud based software offerings, as much as these companies want to sell them - but others are. MasterSpec and BSD both have cloud based systems available.
On the least expensive side of things: Look at what is downloadable from ARCAT for free for your most important products (I would say roofing and waterproofing, doors, and windows, and cladding). Develop a brief Division 01 General Requirements addressing submittals, testing, compliance with manufacturer installation instructions, and payments.
If a good specification system can save you one construction dispute, it will pay for itself for years. $1,700.00 or $2,200.00 is cheap. If you have a decent design project backlog and your time is valuable, hire an independent specifier to take care of your specification needs - see the Specifications Consultants in Independent Practice directory at
www.SCIP.com. These consultants (like myself) specialize in this arcane corner of architectural practice and can help keep you out of trouble.
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Philip Kabza AIA
Principal
SpecGuy Specifications Consultants
Mount Dora FL
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Original Message:
Sent: 09-01-2020 14:43
From: James Dresslar
Subject: specification software
Does anyone have a recommendation on software for spec writing? Masterspec Small Project now costs $2100 for a year subscription and I'm looking for an alternative; seems a little excessive.
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James Dresslar AIA
James T. Dresslar Architect, LLC
Moab UT
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