Check Valve A valve that permits passage through a pipe in only one direction. Circuit The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground. Circuit Breaker A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box.
It is designed to 1 shut of the power and 2 to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit measured in amperes. Class "A" Optimum fire rating issued by Underwriter's Laboratories on roofing.
The building codes in some areas require this type of roofing for fire safety. Class "C" Minimum fire rating issued by the Underwriters' Laboratories for roofing materials.
CO An abbreviation for "Certificate of Occupancy". This certificate is issued by the local municipality and is required before anyone can occupy a space. It is issued only after the local municipality has made all inspections and all monies and fees have been paid. Codes Prevailing regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements set forth by governmental agencies associated with building construction practices and owner occupancy, adopted and administered for the protection of public health, life safety and welfare.
Cold Air Return The ductwork and related grills that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating. Collar Beam Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure. Column A vertical structural compression member which supports loads. Normally 2 separate supplies of air are brought in: one high and one low. Compressor A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added.
A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan to remove heat. Concrete The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods rebar or wire screening mesh.
Condensing Unit The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat. Conduit, electrical A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed. Construction Documents All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific construction project. Construct To assemble and combine construction materials and methods to make a structure.
Construction Cost 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 paid to the architect and engineer and consultants, the cost of the land, rights-of-way or other costs which are defined in the contract documents as being the responsibility of the owner. Construction Documents A term used to represent all drawings, specifications, addenda, other pertinent construction information associated with the construction of a specific project.
Construction Documents Phase 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 may assists the owner in the preparation of bidding forms, the conditions of the contract and the form of agreement between the owner and contractor.
Construction Document Review 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 feasible and are in accordance with the proposed loan or project appraisal. Construction Management Organizing and directing men, materials, and equipment to accomplish the purpose of the designer. Construction Management Contract A written agreement wherein responsibilities for coordination and accomplishment of overall project project design and construction are given to a construction management firm.
The building team generally consists of the owner, contractor and designer or architect. Construction Phase The fifth and final phase of the architect's basics services, which includes the architect's general administration of the construction contract s. Consultant One hired by the owner or client to give professional advise. Contract 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.
Contract Administration The contractual duties and responsibilities of the architect and engineer during the construction phase of a specific project. Contract Bond 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 pertaining thereto and for the payment of all legal debts pertaining to the construction of the project.
Contract Documents 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 execution of the contract; and any other items specifically stipulated as being included in the contract documents.
Contract Over-run under-run The difference between the original contract price and the final completed cost including all adjustments by approved change order. Contract Payment Bond 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, equipment, or services in accordance with the contract.
Contract Performance Bond 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 terms of the contract. Contract Period 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.
Contract Sum The total agreeable amount payable by the owner to the contractor for the performance of the work under the contract documents. Contract Time 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 extensions through change order. Contractual Liability The liability assumed by a party under a contract. Contractor 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. Contractor's Option 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.
Contractor's Qualification Statement A written statement of the Contractor's experience and qualifications submitted to the Owner during the contractor selection process. Contracting Officer An official representative of the owner with specific authority to act in his behalf in connection with a specific project.
Control Joint Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors to "control" where the concrete should crack. Corbel The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf. Corner Braces Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
Cornice Overhang of a pitched roof , usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and appropriate trim moldings. Cost Codes A numbering system given to specific kinds of work for the purpose of organizing the cost control process of a specific project. Cost of Work All costs incurred by the contractor in the proper performance of the work required by the plans and specifications for a specific project.
The fee is usually stated as a stipulated sum or as a percentage of cost. Counter Flashing A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry.
Counterfort A foundation wall section that strengthens and generally perpendicular to a long section of foundation wall. Crawl Space Shallow space below the floor of a building built above ground, generally surrounded with a foundation wall.
Cricket A second roof built on top of the primary roof to increase the slope of the roof or valley. A saddle-shaped, peaked construction connecting a sloping roof with a chimney. Designed to encourage water drainage away from the chimney joint. Critical Path 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. Critical Path Method C. A planning scheduling and control line and symbol diagram drawn to show the respective tasks and activities involved in constructing a specific project.
Cross Bracing Boards nailed diagonally across studs or other boards to make framework rigid. Cross Bridging Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting. Cross Tee Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams. By establishing a master list of titles and numbers Master Format promotes standardization and thereby facilitates the retrieval of information and improves construction communication.
It provides a uniform system for organizing information in project manuals, for organizing project cost data, and for filing product information and other technical data. Cupola A small structure built on top of a roof to provide ventilation.
Cure To allow concrete to dry slowly by keeping it moist to allow maximum strength. Current Date Line A vertical line on the chart indicating the current date. Daily Construction Report A written document and record that has two main purposes: 1. Daily reports should be as factual and impersonal as possible, free from the expression of personal opinions and feelings. Each report should be numbered to correspond with the working days established on the progress schedule. In the event of no-work days, a daily report should still be made, stating "no work today" due to rain, strike, or other causes.
Date of Agreement 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. Date of Commencement of the Work The date established in a written notice to proceed from the owner to the contractor.
Date of Substantial Completion 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 portion thereof for the use for which it is intended. Dead Load All the weight in a structure made up of unmovable materials. Demising Walls The boundaries that separate your space from your neighbors' and from the public corridor.
Design 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. Design-Build Construction When a Prime or Main contractor bids or negotiates to provide Design and Construction services for the entire construction project. Design-Construct Contract A written agreement between and contractor and owner wherein the contractor agrees to provide both design and construction services.
Design-Development Phase 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 architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, materials and other essentials as may be appropriate; and prepares a statement of probable construction cost.
Detail 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. Direct Cost or expense All items of expense directly incurred by or attributable to a specific project, assignment or task. Dormer An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings. Downspout A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater down from the roof's horizontal gutters.
Draw The amount of progress billings on a contract that is currently available to a contractor under a contract with a fixed payment schedule.
Drawings 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 line drawing. The panels are nailed or screwed onto the framing and the joints are taped and covered with a 'joint compound'. Duration The length of an activity, excluding holidays and other non-working days.
Back to the top. Easement The right to use land owned by another, such as a utility company's right-of-way. Egress A means of exiting a space. Normally a 4' X 4' window is the minimum size required. Electrical Rough Work performed by the electrical contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires, and outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed before insulation.
Electrical Trim Work performed by the electrical contractor when the project is nearing completion. The electrician installs all plugs, switches, light fixtures, smoke detectors, appliance "pig tails", bath ventilation fans, wires the furnace, and "makes up" the electric panel.
The electrician does all work necessary to get ready for and to pass the electrical final inspection. Elevation The drawings of the front, sides, or rear face of a building. Estimate 1. To calculate approximately the amount, extent or value of something 2. To form an opinion of estimated costs. Estimate of Construction Cost, Detailed 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.
Estimating A process of calculating the amount of material, labor and equipment required for a given project necessary to complete the work as specified. Excavation Cavity or pit produced by digging the earth in preparation for construction.
Fabrication Work done on parts of a structure at the factory before delivery to the building site. Fast Track Construction Fast Tracking A method of construction management which involves a continuous design-construction operation. See Design-Build Construction. 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 of retail stores or office facilities.
Field Order 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.
Field Work Order A written request to a subcontractor or vendor, usually from the general or main contractor, site for services or materials. Final Acceptance The action of the owner accepting the work from the contractor when the owner deems the work completed in accordance with the contract requirements.
Almost anything you could possibly want to know about any word or technique in construction. Hundreds of up-to-date terms, materials, drawings and pictures with detailed descriptions.
This concise student edition of the most widely used dictionary for construction and design professionals offers clear explanations of essential construction-related terms and concepts. Illustrated throughout with explanatory drawings and photographs, it is an indispensable reference for beginning and advanced students in construction, architecture, design, facility management, real estate, and.
Means Illustrated Construction Dictionary. If you are either using a contractor from another part of the country, or are building in an area that you are not familiar with, be aware, that construction terms can be used in different manners throughout the nation.
A particular term used very commonly in the northeast, may not even enter the glossary of established terms in the south. Also, the same term, in different areas of the country, can have a totally different meaning, so be very careful!
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