📚 Construction Glossary
Comprehensive glossary of construction terms, definitions, and industry jargon.
A
Addendum - A written modification to contract documents issued before bids are received.
As-Built - Drawings showing the project as actually constructed, differing from original plans.
ASI (Architect's Supplemental Instruction) - Written instruction from architect modifying work.
B
Backcharge - Charge to subcontractor for corrective work or damages.
Bid - Offer to perform work at specified price.
Bond - Financial guarantee ensuring performance or payment.
Break-Even - Revenue level where profit equals zero.
C
Change Order - Written modification to contract changing scope, price, or time.
COI (Certificate of Insurance) - Document proving insurance coverage.
Contingency - Budget reserve for unforeseen costs.
Cost Code - Numbering system for tracking costs by category.
D
Daily Report - Daily documentation of work performed, weather, manpower.
Draw - Payment request based on work completed.
Drywall - Interior wall finish material (gypsum board).
E
EMR (Experience Modification Rate) - Workers' comp insurance modifier based on safety record.
Estimate - Projected cost of work.
Excavation - Removal of earth for construction.
F
Foreman - Field supervisor overseeing crew.
Foundation - Structural base supporting building.
Framing - Structural skeleton of building.
G
GC (General Contractor) - Prime contractor managing entire project.
GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - Electrical safety device.
Grout - Mortar used to fill joints between tiles or blocks.
H
Hard Bid - Fixed-price competitive bid.
HVAC - Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning.
I
Invoice - Bill for work performed or materials supplied.
J
Job Costing - Tracking costs by project or job.
Joint - Connection between two materials.
L
Lien - Legal claim against property for unpaid work.
Lien Waiver - Document waiving lien rights, usually in exchange for payment.
Load-Bearing - Structural element supporting weight.
M
Markup - Percentage added to cost to determine selling price.
Mechanic's Lien - Lien for construction work or materials.
Mortar - Binding material for masonry.
N
NTP (Notice to Proceed) - Authorization to begin work.
O
OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
Overhead - Indirect costs not attributable to specific project.
P
Pay Application - Request for payment based on work completed.
Preliminary Notice - Notice preserving lien rights.
Prevailing Wage - Minimum wage required on public works projects.
Punch List - List of items to be completed or corrected.
R
RFI (Request for Information) - Written question about plans or specifications.
Retainage - Percentage of payment withheld until project completion.
Rough-In - Installation of systems before finishes (electrical, plumbing).
S
Schedule of Values - Breakdown of contract amount by line item.
Submittal - Documentation submitted for approval before installation.
Substantial Completion - Project is functionally complete.
T
T&M (Time & Material) - Billing method based on actual time and materials.
Takeoff - Quantifying materials from plans.
W
Warranty - Guarantee of workmanship or materials.
WIP (Work in Progress) - Unbilled work completed.
Related Resources
- Construction Abbreviations - Common abbreviations
- RFI Management Guide - Using RFIs
Understanding construction terminology helps you communicate effectively and avoid misunderstandings.