Embedded Files
If you’ve ever heard terms on a jobsite and didn’t fully understand them—you’re not alone.
If you’ve ever heard terms on a jobsite and didn’t fully understand them—you’re not alone.
Learn the language of construction. Click any term below to go deeper with real-world explanations and examples.
Learn the language of construction. Click any term below to go deeper with real-world explanations and examples.
A
Addendum
Addendum
A document issued before bidding that modifies or clarifies the original plans.
AHU (Air Handling Unit)
AHU (Air Handling Unit)
A mechanical unit that conditions and circulates air in an HVAC system.
As-Built Drawings
As-Built Drawings
Drawings that reflect actual installed conditions after construction.
B
Backfill
Backfill
Soil placed back into an excavation after construction work is complete.
Ballasted Roof
Ballasted Roof
A roofing system held in place by stone or pavers instead of fasteners.
Blocking
Blocking
Framing added to support fixtures, equipment, or finishes.
Blueprints (Construction Drawings)
Blueprints (Construction Drawings)
A full set of drawings showing how a building is designed and built.
Bulkhead
Bulkhead
A dropped ceiling used to conceal ductwork or structure.
By Others
By Others
Work that is not included in your contract scope.
C
Change Order
Change Order
A modification to the project’s scope, cost, or schedule.
Chase Wall
Chase Wall
A wall built to conceal plumbing or ductwork.
Cold Joint (Concrete)
Cold Joint (Concrete)
A joint where new concrete meets already set concrete.
Concrete Slump
Concrete Slump
A test that measures the consistency of fresh concrete.
Control Joint
Control Joint
A planned break to control cracking.
Cornerbead
Cornerbead
Trim used to protect and finish drywall corners.
D
Deflection Track
Deflection Track
Framing that allows vertical movement without damage.
Dowels
Dowels
Rebar used to connect separate concrete pours.
E
Embed
Embed
A component placed in concrete for future connections.
Establishment Period
Establishment Period
The time after planting when landscaping needs extra care.
Expansion Joint
Expansion Joint
A gap that allows building movement.
F
Field Verify
Field Verify
A note requiring measurements to be confirmed in the field.
Finish Schedule
Finish Schedule
A table showing materials used in each space.
Fire Rated Assembly
Fire Rated Assembly
A system designed to resist fire for a specific time.
Firestopping (Head of Wall)
Firestopping (Head of Wall)
Sealing at the top of a wall to maintain fire rating.
Fully Adhered Roofing
Fully Adhered Roofing
Roofing glued directly to the surface below.
Fur Out Wall
Fur Out Wall
A wall built off another wall to create space.
G
General Conditions
General Conditions
Project overhead costs like supervision and site setup.
GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price)
GMP (Guaranteed Maximum Price)
A contract with a capped project cost.
Gypsum Board
Gypsum Board
Material used for interior walls and ceilings.
H
Hardscape
Hardscape
Non-living landscaping like concrete and pavers.
Hydrozoning
Hydrozoning
Grouping plants by water needs.
I
ICF Wall
ICF Wall
Concrete wall poured into insulated forms.
In-Wall Rough-In
In-Wall Rough-In
Installation of systems inside walls before finishes.
Irrigation
Irrigation
A system used to water landscaping.
L
Lift (Earthwork)
Lift (Earthwork)
A compacted layer of soil.
M
Maintenance Access Clearance
Maintenance Access Clearance
Space required to access equipment.
Mechanically Attached Roofing
Mechanically Attached Roofing
Roofing secured with fasteners.
Metal Stud Framing
Metal Stud Framing
Steel framing used for interior walls.
Mission Critical
Mission Critical
Facilities that must operate without interruption.
Mock-Up
Mock-Up
A sample installation used to set quality standards.
N
NIC (Not-in-Contract)
NIC (Not-in-Contract)
Work shown but not included in your scope.
R
O
Over-Excavate
Over-Excavate
Removing extra soil to reach stable ground.
P
Parapet Wall
Parapet Wall
A wall that extends above the roofline.
Preconstruction
Preconstruction
Planning phase before building begins.
Project Closeout
Project Closeout
Final phase where documents and deliverables are completed.
PTP (Pre-Task Plan)
PTP (Pre-Task Plan)
A safety and planning document before work starts.
Punchlist
Punchlist
A list of items to fix before completion.
Q
Quality Assurance (QA)
Quality Assurance (QA)
Processes to ensure quality standards are followed.
Quality Control (QC)
Quality Control (QC)
Inspection of work to verify quality.
R
Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
Reflected Ceiling Plan (RCP)
A drawing showing ceiling elements.
Resilient Channels
Resilient Channels
Metal strips used for sound control.
Return Air (HVAC)
Return Air (HVAC)
Air returned to the HVAC system for reuse.
RFI (Request for Information)
RFI (Request for Information)
A formal question to clarify plans.
Roof Curb
Roof Curb
A raised frame for rooftop equipment.
Roof Drain
Roof Drain
A system that removes water from a roof.
Roof Flashing
Roof Flashing
Material used to prevent water leaks at joints.
Roof Warranty
Roof Warranty
A guarantee covering roofing materials or installation.
S
Sanitary Piping
Sanitary Piping
A system that carries wastewater out of a building.
Scarify (Concrete)
Scarify (Concrete)
Roughening concrete for better bonding.
Scope of Work
Scope of Work
Defines what is included in a contract.
Shaftwall
Shaftwall
A fire-rated wall enclosing vertical shafts.
Site Logistics
Site Logistics
Planning movement of materials and workers.
Sleeve
Sleeve
An opening for pipes through walls or slabs.
Soffit
Soffit
A lowered ceiling area.
Softscape
Softscape
Living landscaping elements.
Sound Batts
Sound Batts
Insulation used to reduce sound.
Soundwall (STC)
Soundwall (STC)
A wall designed for sound control.
Specifications
Specifications
Written requirements for materials and installation.
Stub-Out
Stub-Out
A short pipe left for future connection.
Submittals
Submittals
Documents submitted for approval before installation.
SWPPP
SWPPP
A plan to control stormwater and pollution.
T
Tapered Insulation
Tapered Insulation
Sloped insulation that directs water to drains.
TPO Roofing
TPO Roofing
A single-ply roofing membrane.
T-Square
T-Square
A drafting tool used for straight lines.
Type X Drywall
Type X Drywall
Fire-resistant drywall.
V
VAV Box
VAV Box
A device that controls airflow in HVAC systems.
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