Glossary
A
1. A scheduling term 2. The smallest work unit within a project; the basic building block of a project.
0 comments(s)
The Americans with Disabilities Act which gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age...
Read more
0 comments(s)
(Addenda) Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the bidding documents. An addendum is generally issued by the owner to the contractor during the bidding process and as such, addenda a...
Read more
0 comments(s)
One authorized by a client (principal) to act in his/her stead or behalf and owes the client a "fiduciary duty" (Trust). Example: Construction Manager for fee but classified as an independen...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An arrangement between the parties regarding a method of action.
0 comments(s)
1. A term used to describe partial construction work performed within an existing structure 2. Remodeling without a building addition.
0 comments(s)
Amount stated in the bid to be added or deducted from the base bid amount proposed for alternate materials and/or methods of construction.
0 comments(s)
Contractor's written request for payment for completed portions of the work and, for materials delivered or stored and properly labeled for the respective project.
0 comments(s)
One who designs and supervises the construction of buildings or other structures.
0 comments(s)
An individual or firm offering professional services as both architect and engineer.
0 comments(s)
A recognized series of phases performed by an architect as follows: 1st Schematic Design Phase, 2nd Design Development Phase, 3rd Construction Document Phase, 4th Bidding or Negotiated Phase, 5th Cons...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building.
0 comments(s)
Contract drawings marked up to reflect changes made during the construction process. It is good practice to make As-Built drawings by marking the changes on reproducible drawings such a sepias for the...
Read more
0 comments(s)
B
1. An offer or proposal of a price 2. The amount offered or proposed.
0 comments(s)
A written form of security executed by the bidder as principal and by a surety for the purpose of guaranteeing that the bidder will sign the contract, if awarded the contract, for the stated bid amoun...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The due date and time set by the owner, architect or engineer for receiving bids.
0 comments(s)
A standard written form furnished to all bidders for the purpose of obtaining the requested information and required signatures from the authorized bidding representatives.
0 comments(s)
The actual process of opening and tabulating bids submitted within the prescribed bid date/time and conforming with the bid procedures. A Bid Opening can be open (where the bidders are permitted to at...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A buyer or client who seeks to play one proposed supplier or subcontractor against the other for the purpose of reducing a purchase price.
0 comments(s)
A summary sheet listing all bid prices for the purpose of analysing the bid results. Bid tabulations include the required items of the invitation to bid and usually include bid amount, completion time...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The published advertisement or written invitation to bid , instructions to bidders, the bid form and the proposed contract documents including any acknowledged addenda issued prior to receipt of bids....
Read more
0 comments(s)
The calendar period allowed from issuance of bidding requirements and contract documents to the prescribed bid date/time.
0 comments(s)
(See Bid Bond; Contract Bond; Contract Payment Bond; Contract Performance Bond; Labor and Material Payment Bond; Performance Bond; Subcontractor Bond; surety)
0 comments(s)
A properly licensed firm or corporation willing to execute a surety bond, or bonds, payable to the owner, securing the performance on a contract either in whole or in part; or securing payment for lab...
Read more
0 comments(s)
(Construction Budget) 1. An itemized summary of estimated or intended expenditures for a given period of time 2. The total sum of money allocated for a specific project.
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. To form by combining materials or parts 2. A structure enclosed within a roof and within exterior walls housing, shelter, enclosure and support of individuals, animals, or real property of any kin...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The legal requirements set up by the prevailing various governing agencies covering the minimum acceptable requirements for all types of construction.
0 comments(s)
(Sometimes referred to as Building Shell) 1. The waterproof elements of a building which enclose conditioned spaces through which thermal energy may be transferred to or from the exterior. 2. The out...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A qualified government representative authorized to inspect construction for compliance with applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances. Courts have ruled that building inspections are exem...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written document issued by the appropriate governmental authority permitting construction to begin on a specific project in accordance with drawings and specifications approved by the governmental a...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A term used to express every step of a construction project from it’s conception to final acceptance and occupancy.
0 comments(s)
C
A written document between the owner and the contractor signed by the owner and the contractor authorizing a change in the work or an adjustment in the contract sum or the contract time. A change orde...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A change order proposal is the written document before it has been approved and effected by the Contractor and Owner. A change order proposal can be issued by either the contractor or the owner. The c...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written document issued by the owner requesting an adjustment to the contract sum or an extension of the contract time; generally issued by the architect or owners representative.
0 comments(s)
A service offered by constructionplace.com where only invited bidders or estimators are given access to the project specific RFP (Request for Proposal) information.stimator is given access to project ...
Read more
0 comments(s)
Prevailing regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements set forth by governmental agencies associated with building construction practices and owner occupancy, adopted and administered for the pr...
Read more
0 comments(s)
To assemble and combine construction materials and methods to make a structure.
0 comments(s)
1. The direct contractor costs for labor, material, equipment, and services; contractors overhead and profit; and other direct construction costs. Construction cost does not include the compensation p...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The owners review of the borrowers construction documents (plans and specifications), list of materials, and cost breakdowns for the purpose of confirming that these documents and estimates are feasib...
Read more
0 comments(s)
All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific construction project.
0 comments(s)
A term used to represent all drawings, specifications, addenda, other pertinent construction information associated with the construction of a specific project.
0 comments(s)
The third phase of the architect's basic services wherein the architect prepares working drawings, specifications and bidding information. Depending on the architects scope of services the architect m...
Read more
0 comments(s)
Organizing and directing men, materials, and equipment to accomplish the purpose of the designer.
0 comments(s)
A written agreement wherein responsibilities for coordination and accomplishment of overall project planning, design and construction are given to a construction management firm. The building team gen...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The fifth and final phase of the architect's basics services, which includes the architect's general administration of the construction contract(s).
0 comments(s)
One hired by the owner or client to give professional advise.
0 comments(s)
1. An agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is written and enforceable by law 2. The writing or document containing such an agreement.
0 comments(s)
The contractual duties and responsibilities of the architect and engineer during the construction phase of a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A written form of security from a surety company, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing complete execution of the contract and all supplemental agreements ...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A term used to represent all executed agreements between the owner and contractor; any general, supplementary or other contract conditions; the drawings and specifications; all addenda issued prior to...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The difference between the original contract price and the final completed cost including all adjustments by approved change order.
0 comments(s)
A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to all persons providing labor, materials, equ...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing the completion of the work in accordance with the term...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The elapsed number of working days or calendar days from the specified date of commencing work to the specified date of completion, as specified in the contract.
0 comments(s)
The total agreeable amount payable by the owner to the contractor for the performance of the work under the contract documents.
0 comments(s)
The time period set forth established in the contract documents for completing a specific project; usually stated in working days or calendar days. The contract time can only be adjusted by valid time...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An official representative of the owner with specific authority to act in his behalf in connection with a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A properly licensed individual of company that agrees to furnish labor, materials, equipment and associated services to perform the work as specified for a specified price.
0 comments(s)
A written provision in the contract documents giving the contractor the option of selecting certain specified materials, methods or systems without changing in the contract sum.
0 comments(s)
A written statement of the Contractor's experience and qualifications submitted to the Owner during the contractor selection process. The American Institute of Architects publishes a standard Contract...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A numbering system given to specific kinds of work for the purpose of organizing the cost control process of a specific project.
0 comments(s)
All costs incurred by the contractor in the proper performance of the work required by the plans and specifications for a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A written agreement with the owner under which the contractor or the architect and engineer is reimbursed for his/her direct and indirect costs and, in addition, is paid a fee for his services. The fe...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The set of activities that must be completed on time for the project completion date to be met. Activities on the critical path have no slack time.
0 comments(s)
A planning scheduling and control line and symbol diagram drawn to show the respective tasks and activities involved in constructing a specific project.
0 comments(s)
The CSI Master Format is a system of numbers and titles for organizing construction information into a regular, standard order or sequence. By establishing a master list of titles and numbers Master F...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A vertical line on the chart indicating the current date.
0 comments(s)
D
A written document and record that has two main purposes: 1. they furnish information to off-site persons who need and have a right to know important details of events as they occur daily and hourly,...
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. Usually on the front page of the agreement 2. If not on front page it may be the date opposite the signatures when the agreement was actually signed 3. or when it was recorded 4. or the date the...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The date established in a written notice to proceed from the owner to the contractor.
0 comments(s)
The date certified by the architect when the work or a designated portion thereof is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the contract documents, so the owner may occupy the work or designated po...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The boundaries that separate your space from your neighbors' and from the public corridor.
0 comments(s)
A graphical representation consisting of plan views, interior and exterior elevations, sections, and other drawings and details to depict the goal or purpose for a building or other structure.
0 comments(s)
When a Prime or Main contractor bids or negotiates to provide Design and Construction services for the entire construction project.
0 comments(s)
A written agreement between and contractor and owner wherein the contractor agrees to provide both design and construction services.
0 comments(s)
The second phase of the architect's basic services wherein the architect prepares drawings and other presentation documents to fix and describe the size and character of the entire project as to archi...
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. An individual part or item 2. A graphical scale representation (drawing at a larger scale) of construction part(s) or item(s) showing materials, composition and dimensions.
0 comments(s)
All items of expense directly incurred by or attributable to a specific project, assignment or task. Direct Costs, Hard Costs, and Construction Costs are synonymous.
0 comments(s)
1. A term used to represent that portion of the contract documents that graphically illustrates the design, location and dimensions of the components and elements contained in a specific project 2. A...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The length of an activity, excluding holidays and other non-working days.
0 comments(s)
E
1. To calculate approximately the amount, extent or value of something 2. To form an opinion of estimated costs.
0 comments(s)
A calculation of costs prepared on the basis of a detailed analysis of materials and labor for all items of work, as contrasted with an estimate based on current area, volume or similar unit costs. *1...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A process of calculating the amount of material, labor and equipment required for a given project necessary to complete the work as specified.
0 comments(s)
F
A visual inspection of a building and on-site improvements for functional or physical deterioration; prepare optional Replacement Cost Estimate for making recommendations to improve functional and phy...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A method of construction management which involves a continuous design-construction operation. When a prime or main contractor starts the construction work BEFORE the plans and specifications are comp...
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. An abbreviation for furniture, fixtures and equipment 2. Items classified as personal property rather than real property 3. An abbreviation generally associated with interior design and planning ...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written order effecting a minor change or clarification in the work not involving an adjustment to the contract sum or an extension of the contract time.
0 comments(s)
A written request to a subcontractor or vendor, usually from the general or main contractor, site for services or materials.
0 comments(s)
The action of the owner accepting the work from the contractor when the owner deems the work completed in accordance with the contract requirements. Final acceptance is confirmed by the owner when mak...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A final site review of the project by the contractor, owner or owner’s authorized representative prior to issuing the final certificate for payment.
0 comments(s)
The last payment from the owner to the contractor of the entire unpaid balance of the contract sum as adjusted by any approved change orders.
0 comments(s)
A set contract amount for all labor, materials, equipment and services; and contractors overhead and profit for all work being performed for a specific scope of work.
0 comments(s)
A construction cost ceiling agreed to between the owner and architect or engineer for designing a specific project.
0 comments(s)
G
The schedule of activities for a project. A Gantt Chart shows start and finish dates, critical and non-critical activities, slack time, and predecessor relationships.
0 comments(s)
A written portion of the contract documents set forth by the owner stipulating the contractor’s minimum acceptable performance requirements including the rights, responsibilities and relationshi...
Read more
0 comments(s)
When a prime or main contractor bids the entire work AFTER the final design, plans and specifications are complete and have been approved by the owner.
0 comments(s)
Properly licensed individual or company having primary (prime) responsibility for the work.
0 comments(s)
H
I
1. A term sometimes used to describe TI'S or Tenant Improvements. 2. Improvements can be in the form of new construction or remodel work.
0 comments(s)
1.The act of indemnifying. 2. The condition of being indemnified.
0 comments(s)
One free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others and does not owe a "fiduciary duty". Example: architect, engineer, prime or main contractor, construction manager at-ri...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A contractor’s or consultant’s overhead expense; expenses indirectly incurred and not chargeable to a specific project or task. The terms Indirect costs and soft costs are synonymous .
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. The act of inspecting. 2. An official examination or review of the work completed or in progress to determine its compliance with contract requirements.
0 comments(s)
An independent vehicle for the disbursement and accounting of construction funds allowing construction obligations to be paid (progress payments) when work is completed, inspected and approved. Job Co...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A list prepared by the owner or his/her authorized representative of items of work requiring immediate corrective or completion action by the contractor.
0 comments(s)
One who is appointed or employed to inspect something.
0 comments(s)
A term used to represent the visible elements, materials and applications applied to a building’s interior excluding furniture, fixtures and equipment.
0 comments(s)
A list sent to a purchaser containing the items and charges of merchandise.
0 comments(s)
L
1. A written form of security from a surety (bonding) company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to the owner in the event the con...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A term used to mean Tenant Improvements. Generally, this term is used when building in retail stores as contrasted with the term Tenant Improvements which are generally associated with office building...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written document from the contractor to the owner that releases the Lien, Mechanic’s or Material following it’s satisfaction.
0 comments(s)
1. An written document from a contractor, subcontractor, material supplier or other construction professional(s), having lien rights against an owner’s property, relinquishes all or part of thos...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The right to take and hold or sell an owner’s property to satisfy unpaid debts to a qualified contractor for labor, materials, equipment or services to improve the property.
0 comments(s)
A single entry amount to cover all labor, equipment, materials, services, and overhead and profit for completing the construction of a variety of unspecified items of work without the benefit of a cos...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written contract between the owner and contractor wherein the owner agrees the pay the contractor a specified sum of money for completing a scope of work consisting of a variety of unspecified items...
Read more
0 comments(s)
M
A form consisting of three columns (individuals name, individuals title, and company the individual represents). This form is given to all persons attending any meeting. Each person attending the meet...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written report consisting of a project number, project name, meeting date and time, meeting place, meeting subject, a list of persons attending, and a list of actions taken and/or discussed during t...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An activity with a duration of zero (0) and by which progress of the project is measured. A milestone is an informational marker only; it does not affect scheduling.
0 comments(s)
O
A service offered by constructionplace.com where any bidder or estimator is given access to project specific RFP (Request for Proposal) information. This option is for those seeking bids/estimates fro...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An individual or corporation that owns a real property.
0 comments(s)
A written form of contract between architect and client for professional architectural services.
0 comments(s)
A term used to describe an Owner who takes on the responsibilities of the general contractor to build a specific project.
0 comments(s)
Contract between owner and contractor for a construction project.
0 comments(s)
Contract between construction manager and client for professional services.
0 comments(s)
P
1. A written form of security from a surety (bonding) company to the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to the owner in the event the con...
Read more
0 comments(s)
The written material containing the minimum acceptable standards and actions, as may be necessary to complete a project. Including the minimum acceptable quality standards and aesthetic values expecte...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An abbreviation for Program Evaluating and Review Technique.
0 comments(s)
A diagram that illustrates, charts and reports a projects estimated start and completion times; and work in progress.
0 comments(s)
1. A line drawing (by floor) representing the horizontal geometrical section of the walls of a building. The section (a horizontal plane) is taken at an elevation to include the relative positions of ...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A term sometimes used to describe a building department official who examines the building permit documents.
0 comments(s)
A person who forms a scheme or method for doing something; an arrangement of means or steps for the attainment of some object; a scheme, method, design; a mode of action.
0 comments(s)
A term used to represent all drawings including sections and details; and any supplemental drawings for complete execution of a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A process used for the purpose of establishing below market dollar budget(s), overall project scheduling and design criteria; also identification and selection of the most feasible planning, design an...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A screening process wherein the owner or his/her appointed representative gathers background information from a contractor or construction professional for selection purposes. Qualifying consideration...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An activity that must be completed before another activity can begin.
0 comments(s)
1. The drawings that precede the final approved drawings. 2. Usually these drawings are stamped or titled "PRELIMINARY"; and the "PRELIMINARY" is removed from the drawings upon be...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written notice given to the property owner of a specific project by the subcontractors and any person or company furnishing services, equipment or materials to that project. The notice states if bil...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written contract directly between a prime or main contractor or subcontractor for work on a specific project.
0 comments(s)
1. Any contractor having a contract directly with the owner. 2. Usually the main (general) contractor for a specific project.
0 comments(s)
1. The leading participant of professional practice.
0 comments(s)
One who is professionally engaged in a branch of engineering.
0 comments(s)
An ordered list of events to take place or procedures to be followed for a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A payment from the owner to the contractor determined by calculating the difference between the completed work and materials stored and a predetermined schedule of values or unit costs.
0 comments(s)
A line diagram showing proposed and actual starting and completion times the respective project activities.
0 comments(s)
A word used to represent the overall scope of work being performed to complete a specific construction job.
0 comments(s)
All costs for a specific project including costs for land, professionals, construction, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, financing and any other project related costs.
0 comments(s)
A written list of all parties connected with a specific project. The list usually includes a classification or description of the party (i.e.., Owner, Architect, Attorney, General Contractor, Civil En...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A qualified individual or firm authorized by the owner to be responsible for coordinating time, equipment, money, tasks and people for all or specified portions of a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A organized book setting forth the bidding requirements, conditions of the contract and the technical work specifications for a specific project.
0 comments(s)
A qualified individual authorized by the owner to assist in the administration of a specific construction contract.
0 comments(s)
A limited visual inspection to identify the general features and major deficiencies of the property. Any area not exposed to view, is concealed, or is inaccessible is not included in this inspection.
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written offer from a bidder to the owner, preferably on a prescribed proposal form, to perform the work and to furnish all labor, materials, equipment and/or services for the prices and terms quoted...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written document from a buyer to a seller to purchase materials, services, equipment or supplies with acceptable purchase terms indicated.
0 comments(s)
Q
An individual or firm with a recognized degree, certificate, or professional standing; or who by extensive knowledge, training and experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her abilities to identi...
Read more
0 comments(s)
R
1. An abbreviation for Request for Information. 2. A written request from a contractor to the owner or architect for clarification or information about the contract documents following contract award...
Read more
0 comments(s)
Amounts expended for or on account of the project which, in accordance with the terms of the appropriate agreement, are to be reimbursed by the owner.
0 comments(s)
A written action properly executed by and individual or firm supplying labor, materials or professional services on a project which releases his mechanic's lien against the project property.
0 comments(s)
A cost of constructing a building or structure that would have similar utility, but constructed with modern materials, current building standards, design and layout less depreciation. A land value and...
Read more
0 comments(s)
An architect permanently assigned at a job site who supervises the construction work for the purpose of protecting the owner's interests during construction.
0 comments(s)
An individual permanently assigned at a job site for the purpose of representing the owner's interests during the construction phase.
0 comments(s)
1. An abbreviation for Request for Proposal. 2. A written request from the requestor (usually the ower or a contractor) to a contractor, design professional or subcontractor for an estimate or cost p...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A loose term used to describe the rapid succession (completion) of similar projects over a given time period.
0 comments(s)
S
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 clearly states the common goal of safe and healthful working conditions. A Safety Report is prepared following a regularly scheduled project safety inspe...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A plan for performing work or achieving an objective.
0 comments(s)
A statement furnished by the contractor to the architect or engineer reflecting the portions of the contract sum allotted for the various parts of the work and used as the basis for reviewing the cont...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A preliminary sketch or diagram representing the proposed intent of the designer.
0 comments(s)
The first phase of the architect's basic services in which the architect consults with the owner to ascertain the requirements of the project and prepares schematic design studies consisting of drawin...
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. A chart, a diagram, or an outline of a system being proposed 2. An orderly combination of related construction systems and components for a specific project or purpose.
0 comments(s)
A written range of view or action; outlook; hence, room for the exercise of faculties or function; capacity for achievement; all in connection with a designated project.
0 comments(s)
The place where a structure or group of structures was, or is to be located (a construction site).
0 comments(s)
Site Manager Someone that works on the site to oversee the project.
0 comments(s)
The flexibility with non-critical jobs that allows their start dates to be adjusted without affecting the project completion date.
0 comments(s)
Soft Costs are cost items in addition to the direct Construction Cost. Soft Costs generally include architectural and engineering, legal, permits and fees, financing fees, construction Interest and op...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A section of the conditions of the contract, other than the General Conditions and Supplementary Conditions, which may be prepared for a particular project. Specific clauses setting forth conditions o...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A detailed, exact statement of particulars, especially statements prescribing materials and methods; and quality of work for a specific project. The most common arrangement for specifications substant...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A drawing or illustration sufficiently complete and detailed for use on other projects with minimum or no changes.
0 comments(s)
A measurement unique to a specific manufactured item.
0 comments(s)
A listing of minimum acceptable ethical principals and practices adopted by qualified and recognized professional organizations to guide their members in the conduct of specific professional practice.
Read more
0 comments(s)
A copy or summary of any account covering a stated period.
0 comments(s)
The period of time in which legal action must be brought for an alleged damage or injury. The period commences with the discovery of the alleged damage or injury; or in construction industry cases wit...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A written agreement in which a specific amount is set forth as the total payment for completing the contract.
0 comments(s)
A term used to represent the proportioning of structural members to carry loads in a building structure.
0 comments(s)
The load bearing assembly of beams and columns on a foundation. The beams and columns are generally fabricated off site and assembled on site. Other systems such as non load bearing walls, floors, cei...
Read more
0 comments(s)
1. Something constructed 2. A building put together based on specific plans and specifications.
0 comments(s)
An individual or firm having a written contract with a subcontractor to perform a portion of the work.
0 comments(s)
1. A term used to represent an examination of soil conditions below the ground. 2. Investigations include soil borings and geotechnical laboratory tests for structural design purposes.
0 comments(s)
A written form of agreement between the prime or main contractor and another contractor or supplier for the satisfactory performance of services or delivery or material as set forth in the plans and s...
Read more
0 comments(s)
A qualified subordinate contractor to the prime or main contractor.
0 comments(s)
A written document from a subcontractor given to the prime or main contractor by the subcontractor guaranteeing performance of his/her contract and payment of all labor, materials, equipment and servi...
Read more