Glossary of Key Construction Terminology

Whether you are a professional contractor or planning to renovate residential homes in the future, it’s best to know the different construction terms so that you are not left out of conversations during the various stages of a project. 

Check out our glossary of the latest construction terminologies before diving into your next project.

A

• Alterations and Additions: Modification of the existing structure, often for a change of building use

• Architect: A skilled professional who plans, designs and oversees construction projects

B

• Bid: A contractor or supplier’s submission, typically as part of a tender process

• BIM: Building Information Modelling allows construction professionals to collaboratively plan, design and construct a digital representation of a project with realistic dimensions

• Builder: Typically, the main contractor on construction projects—often distributes contracts to varied third parties, known as subcontractors, to perform work on their behalf

C

• Computer-Aided Design (CAD): Allows designers to produce 2D drawings and 3D virtual models of buildings, structures, machines and parts

• Concept Stage: During this project stage the concept or schematic design is being developed. In most cases, the developer will formulate an idea of the purpose of the site and conceive what they will build to achieve this. The developer appoints an architect, who will produce a concept design for the building

• Consultant: Provides professional or expert advice in a particular area that cannot be provided by the design specifier or the main contractor. Consultants can work through all stages of construction

• Construction Stage: This project stage encompasses early works, such as demolition, clearing and site remediation, and the commencement of construction, including the concrete slab being laid or the building foundation being established

• Contract: A formal written or spoken agreement between parties that is legally binding. It outlines the rights and responsibilities as agreed between, for example, a builder and a client

• Contractor: Commonly referred to as the builder, they carry out the main building works and are responsible for the day-to-day oversight of the construction site and management of vendors and trades (subcontractors). The general contractor considers the cost of materials, equipment and the cost of labour to provide the owner or developer with an approximate price for the project

D

• Design: The design of the building forms the basis of the documents which eventually become the detailed plans for the building

• Design/Construct: The same company is appointed to complete the designs and undertake the construction. A design/construct builder can be appointed at the early planning stage or at the documentation stage. This contract type is often considered to be cost-effective

• Developer: An individual or organisation who acquires land and develops or redevelops it through construction

• Development Types: New; extension; alterations and additions; refurbishment; interior design; and reinstatement

E

• Engineer: A skilled professional who deals in the planning, design, construction, operation, renovation and maintenance of buildings

• Engineering, Procurement and Construction Contract (EPC): Commonly used in the renewable energy industry. An EPC contractor is responsible for the design, procurement and construction of the project, using technical and functional specifications from the project owner or principal

F

• Feasibility Study: A developer conducts a feasibility study to examine the financial viability and demand in an area for their proposed project

• Front-End Engineering Design (FEED): An engineering design approach used to estimate a rough investment cost. It provides a basis for more detailed design and engineering plans

G

• Green Star Rating: Independent verification that a project’s design, construction and operation are sustainable

I

• Interior Design: Upgrade and aesthetic enhancement of the interior of an existing building; usually ties in with a refurbishment

• Interior Designer: The person employed to design the interior decoration of a building  

L

• Lease: Land development rights that are provided to developers to construct a building on the property

M

• Main Contractor: The person or organisation who is responsible—controls and manages—the project. They may distribute contracts to subcontractors to perform work on their behalf

P

• Product Supplier: A person or business that supplies materials, products or services to customers

• Project: The organised process of work carried out on a building, structure, or infrastructure, including construction, renovation or even demolition

• Project Manager: Responsible for the management of projects, from planning, executing, monitoring and controlling projects

R

• Refurbishment: Upgrade and/or fit out to the interior or exterior of an existing building

• Reinstatement: Renovations, repairs and fit-out undertaken to an existing building to restore it to its previous state

• Residential Projects: Land developed for residential purposes, such as apartments, houses and estates

S

• Sales Pipeline: A visual representation of where prospects are up to in the sales process

• Site: An area or piece of land on which construction work is being or will be performed

• Services Projects: Projects that the public needs, such as schools, aged care facilities, and police stations

• Subcontractor: An individual, hired by the main contractor, who specialises in a specific aspect of the project, such as plumbing, electricity, or painting

• Supplier: A business seeking to provide goods or services to a buyer

T

• Tender: An opportunity issued by a buyer who is seeking the supply of goods or services