101 Construction Terms and Definitions: A Comprehensive Guide
This is a writing sample from Scripted writer Krista Hillis
Learn about common construction terminology with this go-to resource.
The construction industry is massive and complex, covering many sectors and niche areas. Whether you work in ironwork, plumbing, framing, heavy equipment operation, or all of the above, you will come across thousands of construction terms and definitions. And as technology and trends emerge, more industry jargon is added to the list.
Knowing construction terminology is paramount for understanding project specifications and communicating properly throughout the various phases, and it's an integral part of effective construction management.
If you're getting started in construction management, this glossary of construction terminology will be your new go-to resource.
101 construction terms (and definitions)
Have you searched for "words in construction" or "construction terms" to enhance your understanding of how the industry operates? This comprehensive list has you covered with 101 construction terms and definitions.
Adhesive: A substance that sticks to materials or allows objects to stick together, such as resin, epoxy, and glue. Adhesives are often applied with a caulking gun.
Aggregate: A particulate material made of sand or crushed stone, gravel, recycled concrete, etc.—it is a fundamental part of building foundations.
Agile project management: Adapting to a situation as it develops, making changes to a project as needed. Project management software can be helpful in implementing Agile project management.
All-in rate: The total expenses for a project, including direct and indirect costs.
Alternate bid: An amount that may increase or decrease the base bid if the project scope change meets approval.
Appraisal: The opinion a cost consultant provides concerning a property's valuation.
Architect: A qualified individual or organization responsible for designing and planning structures for construction—they complete drawings for the building process.
ASTM: The American Society of Testing Materials (ASTM) is an international standards organization that creates technical construction standards for products, systems, services, and materials.
Back charge: Money held back or charged to a contractor after a project ends to cover the cost of an expense, damage, or incomplete work.
Backfill: Refilling an excavated hole with the material dug out previously.
BAS: A building automation system (BAS) is an energy management system that connects and automates interior functions, centralizing control of a building's electrical, HVAC, fire, security systems, etc.
Beam: Material, often made from steel or wood, that spans across a building to support the floor or roof.
BIM: Building information modeling (BIM) involves creating a computer model of a building, including details of that structure—from its basic layout to the smallest measurements.
Blocking: Short pieces of lumber to join, fill, or reinforce a structure to increase strength.
Blueprint: A design or technical drawing that includes crucial construction details.
BOQ: A bill of quantity (BOQ) is a contract document that features all workmanship and materials to better price a project.
Bottleneck: A point in construction where trade workers must complete or clear items before more work can continue—for example, waiting on the delivery of materials or equipment.
Box crib: Temporary wooden structures used to support heavy objects during construction.
Builder: Typically, the builder is the primary construction contractor, distributing contracts to all other parties.
Building code: Construction requirements enacted into law and enforced by government agencies—all parties must follow this set of rules when planning and building.
CAD: Computer-aided design is the software used to create, modify, analyze, and optimize a design.
Cantilever: A long, projecting beam supported only on one end.
Catastrophic failure: An abrupt and irrecoverable mishap within the construction process.
Caulking: A type of sealant that prevents water and moisture from getting into cracks and crevices. It is commonly used around pipes, windows, and doors.
Circuit: A complete path that electricity flows through.
Change order: A document that changes or modifies an element of a project—either the plans, price, or specifications.
Cofferdam: A watertight enclosure that allows an area to be pumped out or drained to ensure a dry, safe working environment.
Commercial projects: Commercial-based construction, such as office buildings, restaurants, or hotels.
Concrete: A building material made of sand, gravel, and water poured into molds or forms. It is used for posts, driveways, slabs, foundations, etc.
Concrete slab: The horizontal, poured platform used to build the floor or ceiling of a building.
Contract: A formal, legally binding agreement.
Construction daily reports: A documented record of field notes, including weather conditions, work completed, materials delivered, etc.
Construction management software: Software used to manage many aspects of a project.
Consultant: Someone who provides professional advice throughout varying stages of construction.
Cost-plus contract: A contract where a contractor receives payment for all expenses plus a payment for profit.
CPM: Critical path method (CPM) is used for project scheduling. Managers can leverage software to break down required activities and tasks for generating necessary timelines.
CRM: Customer relationship management (CRM) is software used to manage interactions and relationships with company clients—both existing and new.
Cross bracing: X-shaped, diagonal supports that improve structural performance and stability.
Dampproofing: Dampness and moisture are among the most common construction problems. This procedure prevents the absorption of moisture into walls.
Datum: The point of reference for which future measurements can be made—especially for leveling.
Demolition: The act of knocking down or destroying a structure.
Dependencies: Tasks that contractors must complete before the next task can begin, such as running wiring before installing electrical features.
Derrick barge: Floating cranes, often used for offshore construction.
Diagrid: Framework of diagonally intersecting material, such as metal, wood, or concrete, used in the construction of buildings.
Drill: A standard power tool used to drive screws into walls, floors, and other applications/materials. Drill bits can also drill out holes—for example, to run wiring through wall studs.
Drywall: Paneling used for walls and ceilings (also referred to as plasterboard).
Ducts: Passages for ventilation, heating, and air systems to direct air throughout a structure or building.
Elevation: An architect-created drawing that shows one side of the building, showcasing the finished appearance and height dimensions—four elevations are typically drawn.
Encasement: The encasing or covering of all interior and exterior building components, including roofing and piping.
Estimate: The approximate pre-construction cost to help managers or project planners create a budget.
Excavation: The operation, tools, and equipment used to move rock, dirt, and other materials. This process is often necessary for foundations and building roads.
Falsework: Temporary structures that support a separate structure while under construction—such as temporary steelwork, scaffolding, etc.
Feasibility study: The study a developer conducts to determine the demand and financial viability of an area for a proposed project.
Footing: The portion of a building's foundation that helps redistribute a structure's weight from the foundation into the earth and soil below.
Foreman: A construction site's leading supervisor in charge of a work crew—ensures the completion of daily tasks based on the established timeline.
Formwork: The molds used to form concrete for structural purposes.
Foundation: The base of a structure that anchors and supports it as the lowest load-bearing part of a building.
General contractor: The person responsible for day-to-day oversight of a site. They typically work directly with the property owners.
Green-star rating: An internationally recognized rating system to verify a building or community project is sustainable.
Holdback: Typically, 10% of a contract is held back to protect the buyer. Withholding this portion of the invoice ensures work completion.
HVAC: This term stands for heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
Inspection: The review process to ensure construction complies with contract, zoning, and code requirements.
Insulation: The material placed in the walls and ceiling to stop heat and sound from exiting or entering a space.
Joist: Horizontal elements connected to a perpendicular beam for load transfer—for example, floor joists.
Jigsaw: A power tool used for cutting curves and shapes, typically in wood.
Lean construction: A process that maximizes value while minimizing waste. It emphasizes team collaboration.
Lien: A claim contractors or subcontractors make for unpaid work on a project they completed adequately.
Live load: An engineering term for loads that are not constant, referring to anything that enters or leaves a building—such as people, furniture, vehicles, etc. Since the weight of live loads can impact the stability of a structure, it helps engineers calculate maximum occupancy.
Lookout: Wooden joist that cantilevers from the exterior wall to support the sheathing phase while providing a nailing surface for the fascia.
MEP: Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing are the technical aspects that make a building habitable for occupants.
Mortar: A mixture of sand and cement to bind materials, such as brick, stone, and block.
NIC: Stands for "not in contract."
Pallet: A flat, wooden platform for storing or moving materials—typically with a forklift.
Particle board: Sheets or panels made from sawdust and resin.
Procurement: The act of obtaining a service or product.
Plywood: Strong, thin wooden boards made from two or more layers glued together—often sold in 4'x8' sheets.
Preliminary drawings: Drawings created during a project's early stages.
Punch list: A detailed document listing work that doesn't meet the customer's specifications.
Purlin: A horizontal beam across the length of a roof that adds structural support.
PVC: Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) is a common form of plastic, often used to make PVC pipes.
Rafter: The supporting (usually sloping) timbers that support a roof.
Renovation: The remodeling or reconstruction of a building to enhance aesthetics or adhere to safety requirements.
Rim joist: Also known as a band board, the rim joist provides lateral support to end joists.
Rough-in: This construction stage is when contractors install electrical, mechanical, and plumbing lines into the project. The basic framing is complete, but the final connections still require completion.
RTT: Requester for tender (RTT) invites vendors to submit bids to supply services and products to complete a project.
Rubblization: The process of breaking up worn-out concrete into small pieces to use as a base material.
Scope of work: A document outlining the construction project's work.
Shiplap: Wooden board paneling used for exterior or interior finishing—boards are rabbeted to create an overlapping joint.
Studs: This framing element refers to upright supports in the walls of buildings. It is also used to attach drywall, sheathing, etc.
Subcontractor: A person or business that performs part of the work specified in another, larger contract.
Subfloor: The foundation layer below the flooring surface offers a structurally flat surface, most commonly constructed with plywood.
Substructure: An underlying structure, such as a foundation below a house. It is the portion of the building that sits below the ground.
Superstructure: A structure built on top of another structure—such as a house built on top of a foundation.
Table saw: A versatile saw used to cut across (crosscut) or with a wood's grain (rip).
Takeoff: A list of the types and quantities of materials needed for a phase of the construction project—or for it to be completed in its entirety.
Trade: An occupation or craft typically involving manual skill, such as a plumber, framer, or electrician.
Trim: Another term for molding, trim is used for decorative and practical purposes to encase windows and doors or trim out ceilings, floors, and cabinets.
Underpinning: A technique used to strengthen the foundation of an existing structure by adding beams, base pining, or concrete.
VIF: Stands for "verify in field," indicating that the dimensions on a drawing require additional verification at the site.
Warping: Deformity in wood from changes in moisture content.
Zoning: A method in which a municipality divides lands into zones—each with its own set of regulations and acceptable use.
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