Which document specifies the quality standards for materials used in construction?

The correct choice is the document that specifies the quality standards for materials used in construction, which is specifications. Specifications are a detailed description of the standards and requirements that materials and workmanship must meet for a construction project. They provide essential information such as the type of materials to be used, the performance criteria, and the quality benchmarks that need to be achieved throughout the construction process. This ensures that everyone involved in the project has a clear understanding of what is expected, thereby maintaining quality and consistency.

Blueprints, while crucial for providing the design and layout of a construction, do not delve into the quality standards for materials. Change orders refer to modifications made to the original contract, which might involve changes to timelines or costs, but do not specifically address material quality. Contracts outline the overall agreement between parties, including scope, payment, and delivery terms, but similar to blueprints, do not typically detail the intrinsic quality standards of the materials. Therefore, specifications are distinctly focused on ensuring that the construction materials meet necessary quality criteria.