Glossary

A


Accessibility Features: Construction elements designed to make buildings usable by people with disabilities.
 

Asbestos Abatement: The removal of asbestos-containing materials from a building.



 

B


Bid: A proposal by a contractor to complete a construction project for a specific amount of money.
 

Blueprints: Detailed architectural plans used to guide construction projects.
 

Building Code: Regulations that specify the standards for constructed objects such as buildings and non-building structures.



 

C


Change Order: A formal document indicating modifications to the original construction plan.
 

Cost Estimate: An assessment of the financial expenditure required for a construction project.



 

D


Demolition: The process of tearing down buildings and other structures.
 

Drywall: A board made from gypsum plaster pressed between thick sheets of paper, used for walls and ceilings.



 

E


Egress: A path or opening for going out; an exit.
 

Electrical Wiring: The system of electrical conductors and devices in a building.
 

Energy Efficiency: The goal of reducing the amount of energy required to provide products and services.

F


Finish Carpentry: The final touches of carpentry work, such as molding, trim, stairs, and other design elements.
 

Foundation: The lowest load-bearing part of a building, typically below ground level.
 

Framing: The fitting together of pieces to give a structure support and shape.



 

G


General Contractor: A professional responsible for overseeing the entire construction project and managing all subcontractors.



 

H


HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Systems used to control the temperature and air quality in buildings.



 

I


Insulation: Material used to prevent the passage of heat, sound, or electricity.



 

J


Job Site Safety: Practices and policies to ensure safety and health standards at a construction site.



 

K

[update coming soon]



 

L


Landscaping: The process of making a yard or other piece of land more attractive by altering the existing design, adding ornamental features, and planting trees and shrubs.
 

LEED Certification: Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, a widely used green building rating system.
 

Lien Waiver: A legal document from a contractor, subcontractor, or other party to a construction project stating they have received payment and waive any future lien rights to the property.
 

Load-Bearing Wall: A wall that carries the weight of the roof and upper floors.
MILCON (Military Construction): Construction projects for military facilities and infrastructure.


 

M
[update coming soon]
 

N


Non-Load Bearing Wall: A wall that supports only itself.



 

O
[update coming soon]
 

P


Permit: An official document granting permission to conduct construction or renovation.
 

Plumbing: The system of pipes, drains, fittings, valves, and fixtures installed for water distribution and waste removal.
 

Project Management: The process of planning, organizing, and overseeing the construction process to ensure a successful outcome.
 

Project Timeline: The schedule outlining the start and finish dates of a construction project.
 

Punch List: A document listing work not conforming to contract specifications that the contractor must complete before final payment.



 

Q


Quality Control: The process of ensuring construction materials and methods meet specified standards.



 

R

Renovation: The process of improving a broken, damaged, or outdated structure.
 

Restoration: The act of returning a property to its former condition.
 

Retention: The holding back of a portion of the payment to a contractor until satisfactory completion of the project.
 

Roofing: The construction of the protective covering on the top of a building.



 

S


Seismic Retrofitting: Strengthening older buildings to make them more resistant to seismic activity.
 

Siding: The protective material attached to the exterior of a building.
 

Subcontractor: Specialized professionals contracted by the general contractor to perform specific tasks.




T

[update coming soon]



 

U
[update coming soon]


V
Value Engineering: An approach that seeks to maximize function while minimizing cost and time in a construction project.

 

W
[update coming soon]

 

X
[update coming soon]

 

Y
[update coming soon]

 

Z


Zoning Laws: Legal stipulations defining how a specific area of land can be used.