Which type of construction document provides detailed specifications for materials and installation methods?

The correct answer is specifications because specifications serve as an essential part of construction documents by outlining the detailed requirements for materials, products, and installation methods for a construction project. They provide clear instructions on the quality and type of materials to be used, as well as the standards of workmanship expected during the project. Specifications often complement the drawings by providing the information that cannot be conveyed through visual representations alone, ensuring that all parties involved in the construction have a clear understanding of the project's requirements.

General notes, while providing useful context and clarifying specific project details, do not delve into material specifications or installation methods in a comprehensive way. Drawings are primarily visual representations of the project's design and layout, showing dimensions and locations but lacking the detailed text needed to govern construction practices. Change orders are documents that modify the original construction contract and usually address changes in scope, time, or costs rather than detailing materials or installation methods. Therefore, specifications are uniquely positioned in construction documentation to provide the critical, detailed information necessary for proper execution of the work.