Building, Construction and Engineering Terminology

Published on August 3, 2026 by Staff Writer

A construction professional wearing a blue hard hat holds architectural plans while inspecting a building site with cranes in the background.

From the first feasibility study to the final punch list, a building project depends on architects, engineers, contractors, project managers and owners sharing a clear understanding of the plans and requirements. Knowing common terminology makes it easier to discuss design decisions, costs, schedules, contracts and work completed on-site.

This glossary defines 40 common terms from building design, engineering, construction management, procurement and digital drafting. Definitions can vary by contract, organization and jurisdiction.

For a specific project, consult its documents and local requirements to see whether the terms in this list are applied differently.

Common Building, Construction and Engineering Terms

Addendum

Written information issued during bidding to clarify, correct or modify the original bidding documents. Accepted addenda usually become part of the construction contract.

Alternate Bid

A separate price submitted for a specified change to the base bid, such as using a different material or construction method. The amount may be added to or deducted from the base price.

Architect's Supplemental Instruction (ASI)

A document an architect uses to clarify the construction documents or order a minor change that does not alter the contract price or completion date.

As-Built Drawings

Updated drawings that record changes made during construction. They show the final locations, dimensions and arrangement of building components.

Assignable Square Footage (ASF)

The floor area available for a designated use, such as an office, classroom, laboratory or storage room. It generally excludes corridors, mechanical spaces, walls and other shared areas.

Bidding Documents

The materials provided to prospective contractors when inviting bids. They may include instructions, bid forms, drawings, specifications, proposed contract terms and addenda.

Building Envelope

The physical components that separate a building's interior from exterior conditions. The envelope commonly includes the roof, exterior walls, windows, doors, foundations, insulation and weather barriers.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A process for creating and managing a digital model of a building or infrastructure project. The model can include information about its design, materials, energy and utility systems, costs, schedule and maintenance.

Change Order

A written amendment authorizing a change to the construction contract. It may adjust the work, contract price, project schedule or all three.

Construction Documents

The detailed drawings and written specifications used to price, permit and construct a project. They communicate dimensions, materials, systems, installation requirements and other technical information.

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

A project delivery method in which the owner contracts separately with the designer and construction manager. The construction manager advises during design and later takes responsibility for completing the construction work under the contract.

Constructability Review

A structured review of drawings, specifications and project requirements to identify conflicts, missing details, impractical methods or other issues that could affect construction.

Critical Path

The sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible project duration. Delaying one of these activities usually delays the entire project unless the schedule is adjusted elsewhere.

Date of Substantial Completion

The date when construction is complete enough for the owner to occupy or use the project for its intended purpose, although minor corrective work may remain.

DWG

A digital file format commonly used to store two-dimensional and three-dimensional design data for buildings, products and manufacturing equipment. It is associated with AutoCAD but can also be opened by many other computer-aided design programs.

Estimate

A forecast of the labor, materials, equipment, services and other costs required to complete a defined scope of work.

Feasibility Study

An early evaluation of whether a proposed project is practical and achievable. It may examine the site, budget, schedule, technical requirements, utilities, regulations, financing and potential risks.

Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment (FF&E)

Movable or replaceable items used within a completed building, such as desks, chairs, tables, shelving, laboratory equipment and certain appliances.

General Conditions

Contract provisions that explain administrative procedures and the responsibilities of the owner, contractor, designer and other project participants.

Geographic Information System (GIS)

A digital system used to collect, organize, analyze and display location-based information. GIS can support site planning, utility mapping, infrastructure management and environmental analysis.

Global Positioning System (GPS)

A satellite-based navigation system that provides location and time information. Construction and engineering teams use GPS for surveying, mapping, machine guidance, field data collection and transportation and logistics operations.

Gross Square Footage (GSF)

The total floor area within a building's exterior walls. It includes assignable rooms as well as corridors, stairs, mechanical spaces, structural areas and other support spaces.

Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP)

The highest amount an owner agrees to pay a contractor for defined work, subject to approved changes, allowances and other conditions stated in the contract.

Job Order Contracting (JOC)

A procurement method that uses a long-term contract and established unit prices to complete recurring repairs, renovations and minor construction projects.

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing (MEP)

The building systems that provide services such as heating, cooling, ventilation, power, lighting, water, drainage and fire protection. MEP drawings coordinate these systems with the architectural and structural design, while related industrial services support their maintenance, troubleshooting and repair.

Performance Specifications

Requirements that state the results, quality or operating standards a completed product or system must achieve without prescribing every material or installation method.

Plan Check

A review conducted by a building department or another authority to determine whether project plans comply with applicable building, fire, zoning, accessibility and engineering requirements.

Preliminary Design

A design stage in which the project's layout, dimensions, materials, systems and major components are developed in greater detail before construction documents are prepared.

Project Program

A predesign document describing the spaces, functions, occupancy needs, equipment, infrastructure and other physical requirements that the completed project must accommodate.

Punch List

A list of unfinished or deficient work identified near the end of construction.

Request for Information (RFI)

A formal question submitted by a contractor or another project participant to clarify drawings, specifications, contract requirements or site conditions.

Request for Proposal (RFP)

A document inviting qualified firms to propose how they would provide a service or complete a project. Responses may be evaluated on qualifications, approach, schedule and price.

Renovation

Work performed to update, repair, reconfigure or improve an existing building or space without replacing the entire structure.

Rough Order of Magnitude (ROM)

An early estimate of cost or duration prepared before the project scope and design are fully defined.

Schedule of Values

An itemized breakdown showing how the total contract price is divided among different portions of the work. It is commonly used to review requests for progress payments.

Schematic Design

The initial design phase that establishes the project's general layout, scale, relationship between spaces and overall approach.

Scope of Work

A written description of the tasks, responsibilities, deliverables, materials and limits included in a project or contract.

Specifications

Written requirements for a project's materials, products, performance, installation, workmanship, testing and quality.

Time and Materials (T&M)

A payment arrangement based on hours worked, materials purchased, equipment used and agreed fees or markups.

Value Engineering

A review of materials, systems and construction methods intended to control costs while maintaining the project's required function, quality, safety and performance.

Additional Readings on Construction and Engineering

These government and university resources cover construction, engineering, project planning, building standards, digital modeling, mapping and workplace safety.