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(786) 539-7557
Physical address:
7790 Northwest 55th Street, Doral, Florida 33166, United States
This glossary provides a basic understanding of common construction jargon. The meanings of some terms may vary depending on the specific context. This list is by no means exhaustive, but should suffice for establishing common understanding. It will be further refined with additional terminology and deeper expansion on the details provided, so remember to check back periodically!
Table of Contents
A
A structure that supports the end of a bridge or other structure.
A document that adds to or amends a contract.
Inert material such as sand, gravel, or crushed stone used in concrete.
A sum of money set aside in a contract for a specific item or work.
A metal bolt embedded in concrete to secure fixtures.
The architect legally responsible for the design of a building.
Drawings that show the actual construction of a project, including any changes made.
An organization that develops and publishes standards for materials, products, systems, and services.
B
Soil used to fill in an excavation.
A wall that supports the weight of the structure above it.
A horizontal structural member that supports loads.
A photographic print of a technical drawing.
A method of laying bricks or blocks to create a strong structure.
C
A sealant used to fill gaps and prevent leaks.
A document that modifies the terms of a contract.
A safety device that automatically interrupts an electrical circuit in case of overload.
The branch of engineering that deals with the design, construction, and maintenance of public works.
A composite material made from cement, aggregate, and water.
A person or company that contracts to provide services or supplies.
The top course of masonry or concrete that covers the edge of a wall or structure.
Diagonal bracing used to strengthen a structure.
D
The weight of the building materials themselves.
A platform or floor built above ground level.
The act of tearing down a building or structure.
A structural element that resists lateral forces, such as wind or earthquake.
A measurement of length, width, or height.
A graphical representation of a design or plan.
A gypsum board used for interior walls and ceilings.
E
A drawing that shows the front, side, or rear view of a building.
A person trained and licensed to design and supervise the construction of public and private works.
The process of digging or removing earth.
A joint in a structure that allows for movement due to temperature changes.
The front or face of a building.
A device used to join two or more pieces of material together, such as a nail, screw, or bolt.
The arrangement of windows in a building.
The final surface treatment of a material, such as paint or plaster.
The lowest part of a building, which supports the entire structure.
The structural framework of a building, typically made of wood or steel.
G
The slope of the ground.
Small, rounded stones.
A network of lines used for reference in design and construction.
A channel that carries rainwater away from the roof.
H
A horizontal beam used to support the ends of joists or rafters.
Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning.
The pressure exerted by water.
I
Material used to reduce heat transfer.
The art and science of designing the interior spaces of a building.
A worker who fabricates and erects steel structures.
J
A horizontal structural member that supports a floor or ceiling.
The junction between two or more parts of a structure.
K
A low board or molding at the base of a wall.
L
The art of designing and creating outdoor spaces.
A material used to support plaster.
Capable of supporting weight.
A slatted opening that allows for ventilation.
M
The art of building with brick, stone, or concrete blocks.
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing systems.
Woodwork produced in a mill, such as doors, windows, and moldings.
A mixture of cement, sand, and water used to bond bricks or blocks together.
N
Not capable of supporting weight.
O
The distance between the centers of two parallel members, such as studs or joists.
A layer of material placed over another.
P
Official permission to proceed with construction.
A vertical support for a structure.
A long, slender member driven into the ground to support a foundation.
The slope of a roof.
A drawing that shows the arrangement of a building or structure.
The system of pipes and fixtures for water supply and drainage.
A vertical support for a structure.
Wood that has been treated with chemicals to resist decay and insect damage.
The person responsible for overseeing all aspects of a construction project.
Q
A place where stone is extracted.
R
A sloping structural member that supports the roof.
Steel reinforcement bars used in concrete.
The covering of a roof.
The initial installation of plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems.
S
A temporary structure used to support workers and materials during construction.
A plan for the timing and sequencing of work activities.
The covering applied to the exterior of a building, such as plywood or OSB.
A drawing that shows the layout of a construction site.
A flat, horizontal concrete surface.
The underside of an overhanging part of a building, such as a roof or cornice.
The loose surface material of the earth.
The distance between two supports.
A detailed description of the materials and methods to be used in construction.
A strong alloy of iron and carbon.
A vertical framing member in a wall.
A contractor who is hired by a general contractor to perform specific work.
The layer of soil beneath the base course of a pavement.
The part of a building above ground level.
T
A pattern used as a guide for cutting or shaping materials.
A formal offer to undertake work at a specified price.
A thin, flat piece of ceramic, glass, or other material used for covering walls or floors.
Wood suitable for use in construction.
The allowable variation from a specified dimension or value.
Decorative moldings used to finish the edges of doors, windows, and walls.
U
A layer of material placed beneath a finished floor covering.
A public service, such as water, gas, or electricity.
V
A material that prevents the passage of water vapor.
A thin layer of decorative material, such as wood or stone, applied to a surface.
A rapid back-and-forth motion.
W
A vertical framing member in a wall.
The process of making a structure waterproof.
The process of protecting a structure from the effects of weather.
The process of joining metals by heating them to their melting point.
An opening in a wall that allows light and air to enter.
A system of construction using wood members.
The quality of work performed by a craftsman.
Y
The amount of material produced.
Z
The regulation of the use of land and buildings within a specific area.
