Learn the construction lingo that will help with your business
Callum Hill
The construction industry has faced fresh challenges in the last year. That's why it's crucial to ensure that your company has the advantage. As you bid for jobs against your competitors, you'll be speaking to industry professionals, general contractors, subcontractors, engineers, and architects. During this process, you'll come across specific terms; if you aren't familiar with them, this will put you at a disadvantage and can affect your business.
Take a look at the glossary below for 25 of the top building terms, including words, phrases and acronyms that cover building structures, architectural plans, bidding phases, and contracts.
“Terms like ‘recycle rate’ and ‘source separated’ are becoming increasingly important as businesses and their customers expect their renovation or build to consider the environmental impact.”
Common Building Jargon
1. All-In Rate: Total expenses for a project that includes all direct and indirect costs.
2. Architect-in-Record: The name of the architectural company that is listed on the issued permits, yet who may not actually do the design for the construction project.
3. ASTM (American Society of Testing Materials): An International standards organization that offers technical standards for products, materials, systems and services in a range of industries, including construction standards.
4. Best Value Method: A construction procurement method where contractors are awarded the bid based on prices and quality measurements from previous work performance.
5. Bid: Price proposal typically based on the design specification and documents.
6. Bid Package: Construction documents where the pertinent portions of information are placed into a suitable bidding package by the contractor.
7. Bid-Hit Ratio: Ratio involving where you have successfully bid on a construction project.
8. Bid Package: Construction documents where the pertinent information is placed into a bidding package by the contractor.
9. Bid Selection: The process of examining and comparing contractors' bids to select the right one based on price and services provided.
10. Bid Solicitation: Notifying potential bidders regarding a bid opportunity as it may be a request to submit a bid or obtain a request for proposals.
11. BIM (Building Information Modeling): A 3-D modeling process that features the details of the building.
12. Blocking: A construction technique to join, fill or reinforce the building structure.
13. Blueprints: A 2-dimensional technical drawing that has all of the project's details.
14. BOQ (Bill of Quantities): An itemized contract document featuring all the materials and workmanship used to help price out the project.
15. Box Crib: A temporary structure used to add support or to reinforce heavy objects that are used during the construction process.
16. Building Engineer: An expert in design, construction and assessment technologies.
17. CAD (Computer-Aided Design): Architecture software used to create detailed building models.
18. Cant: An angled surface or line that cuts a corner off.
19. Catastrophic Failure: An accident in the construction process that causes severe damage that creates a permanent loss.
20. Change Order: A written document that modifies or changes the project's plans, price or specifications in the construction contract.
21. C&D: construction & demolition.
22. LEED: a rating system to communicate and validate the positive attributes of green building
23. Recycling rate: The amount of waste which has been reused or resold.
24. Source separated: waste in which the waste is source-separated at site in each categories.
25. Weight ticket: proof from the recycling center of classification of the waste and the weight.
Armed with this information, you'll be much better prepared for your project. Terms like 'recycle rate' and 'source separated' are becoming increasingly important as businesses and their customers expect their renovation or build to consider the environmental impact. At Yellowsack we've got you covered for both of those terms with our flexible dumpster bags. Using our service and this lingo, we'll help you to keep your project on track for success and for a greener future.
