How to Specify Commercial Restroom Products
A step-by-step guide to writing effective restroom product specifications — from CSI MasterFormat division structure to submittal requirements, substitution provisions, and installation notes.
Architects, interior designers, and specification writers who are responsible for Division 10 restroom accessory specs, Division 22 plumbing specs, or both. Also useful for contractors who need to understand what's in a spec before bidding.
CSI MasterFormat organization
Commercial restroom products span two primary CSI MasterFormat divisions. Understanding where products live in the spec helps coordinate documents across the design team.
Division 10 — Specialties (10 28 00)
Division 10 28 00 covers toilet, bath, and laundry accessories — the "accessories" category that includes soap dispensers, paper towel dispensers, hand dryers, waste receptacles, mirrors, grab bars, toilet tissue dispensers, baby changing stations, seat cover dispensers, and sanitary napkin dispensers/receptacles. This section is typically written by the architect and coordinated with the plumbing drawings.
Division 22 — Plumbing (22 40 00)
Division 22 40 00 covers plumbing fixtures — toilets, urinals, sinks, flush valves, and faucets. This section is typically written by the mechanical/plumbing engineer. For design-build projects, a single specification section may cover all restroom products.
Division 10 13 00 — Toilet Compartments
Toilet partitions are specified in Division 10 21 13 (Plastic Laminate Toilet Compartments), 10 21 19 (Metal Toilet Compartments), or 10 21 23 (Phenolic Toilet Compartments) depending on material. These are often specified separately from accessories and plumbing.
Specification section structure
A well-written Division 10 28 00 section follows the three-part CSI format: Part 1 — General, Part 2 — Products, Part 3 — Execution.
Part 1 — General
Part 1 establishes project requirements, references, and administrative provisions. Key elements include:
- Summary: Scope statement listing exactly which products are included in this section
- References: List of applicable standards (ANSI A117.1, ADA Standards, ASTM standards for stainless steel)
- Submittals: Define required submittal types — product data cutsheets, finish samples, shop drawings for custom items, and operation and maintenance manuals
- Quality assurance: Manufacturer qualifications (years in business, warranty terms, test certifications)
- Delivery, storage, and handling: Requirements for packaging, on-site storage, and protection during construction
Part 2 — Products
Part 2 lists the specified products with sufficient detail to identify the exact item while allowing evaluation of approved equals. For each product, include:
- Manufacturer name and model number (basis of design)
- BHMA finish code (e.g., BHMA 630 for satin stainless)
- Mounting type (surface-mounted, recessed, semi-recessed)
- Capacity (where applicable — gallons for soap dispensers, sheets for paper towel dispensers)
- ADA compliance statement where required
- Substitution language (acceptable, not acceptable, or prior approval required)
Part 3 — Execution
Part 3 covers installation requirements, including:
- Installer qualifications and substrate preparation
- Coordination requirements with other trades (blocking in walls for recessed accessories, electrical rough-in for sensor-activated products)
- Mounting heights — reference ADA Standards and include a fixture height schedule drawing reference
- Field verification of dimensions prior to installation
- Protection and cleaning requirements post-installation
Handling substitutions
Substitution provisions are among the most important decisions in a specification. Three common approaches:
Basis of Design + Approved Equals
Specifies one manufacturer as the basis; allows substitutions that meet all performance and dimension requirements upon request and approval. Most common approach for commercial projects. Gives contractor flexibility while protecting design intent.
Proprietary Specification
Specifies a single manufacturer with "no substitutions." Used on high-end or design-driven projects where finish coordination is critical. Must have owner approval in most public projects; may require sole-source justification.
Three-Way Competitive
Lists three equal manufacturers for each product category. Common on public projects to ensure competitive bidding. Requires that all three manufacturers actually make comparable products — do not list brands that don't make the specified item.
Substitution requests often cite "equal product" without verifying that mounting holes, recessed cavity dimensions, and finish match the specified item. Require substitution requestors to submit a side-by-side comparison showing all critical dimensions match, not just function.
Submittal process
The submittal process confirms that the contractor's proposed products match the specification. For restroom accessories, a typical submittal package includes:
- Product data cutsheets for each item, with finish and mounting type highlighted
- Finish samples (physical chips for each specified finish, especially if mixing finishes)
- Rough-in drawings for recessed accessories, showing wall cavity dimensions required
- Blocking plan showing location and height of all blocking requirements for surface-mounted items
- ADA mounting heights schedule — confirm each item complies with applicable reach range requirements
Use our Submittal Builder to generate a formatted checklist for any restroom project.