Understanding construction terminology is extremely beneficial. It helps to understand each process and the overall build as your project develops. By understanding the intricacies, you can ensure that you understand what your contractor is talking about at all times so that you can ensure they carry your vision out correctly.
12 Commercial Construction Terms You Need to Know
Whether you’re having renovations done or want to build a new commercial facility from scratch, make sure you understand your terms. Below we take a look at 12 terms you should know before your project starts.
As-builts
As-builts are drawings. They are also referred to as red-line drawings or record drawings. These drawings are usually the first step to any build. That’s because they set out the building as it exists. Then, the builder records all the changes to the building as they take place.
This way, as-built drawings keep a record of the building as it actually exists. The following are examples of changes recorded in as-built drawings:
- Locations
- Materials
- Dimensions
- Installations
- Fabrications
- Modifications
- Extra works
Backfill
Backfill is an important process in commercial construction. It refers to the process of reusing the soil or material to refill a hole. In other words, after the excavation process, you would compact the same soil and use it to fill a trench or hole.
Backfilling essentially protects and ensures solid foundations, roadways, and walkways.
BIM
This stands for Building Information Modelling. It’s a technological process that monitors the process of a construction build. This is done by creating a model of the building which sets out the details of the project. For example, all the measurements and descriptions of the structure.
BIM essentially monitors the process from start to finish but includes updates of the build as they occur.
Built-in
Built-in features are also referred to as casework or millwork. As the name suggests, these are features of the house that are built-in to the structure. These may include wall units, seating, cupboards, or a desk in a study nook.
Cantilever
A cantilever is a beam that extends horizontally and is only supported at one end. As a result, there is always an open space underneath the unsupported area of the beam. The most common example of a cantilever is a balcony on a building.
A cantilever is a visually interesting architectural element for modern building designs.
Cut sheet
A cut sheet is often referred to as a specification sheet or a spec sheet. This sheet sets out all the specifications of the equipment used in a build.
In other words, it sets out the size, ratings, capacities, and colors of equipment. This information is usually required when carrying out any installations.
Design-build
A design-build method is an all-inclusive approach to construction. There is one contract between the client and the design-build project manager who then oversees the project from start to finish.
Previously, design and construction would be separate contracts with separate teams. But, the design-build method is the process of utilizing one team working under the design-build project manager. This makes projects more efficient as it ensures everyone is always on the same page.
Fenestration
This term refers to openings in a building envelope – i.e. the arrangement of the windows and doors in a building.
This process is usually referred to as an aesthetic part of the build, but it is vital to the performance and proper functioning of a building.
Footings
Footings are an essential part of any construction project as they form a part of the foundation of a build. They are usually concrete with rebar reinforcement and are used to fill excavated trenches.
They essentially support the foundation and prevent any settling. Footings do not form a part of the foundation itself but are what it rests on.
Junction box
A junction box is what holds all of the electrical components of a build. This box contains all electrical connections which protect them from the weather and interference from people.
It also creates a central area for all the wiring and connections so that they can be easily located and worked on during a build.
LVT/LVP
LVT refers to Luxury Vinyl Tile while LVP refers to Luxury Vinyl Plank. These are both types of flooring.
Their difference lies in their design. The design of LVT gives the impression of a tile, while the design of LVP gives the impression of a hardwood floor.
Structural Lumber
This is any type of wood used to build the structure of the house. These may include planks, beams, posts, and timbers. Structural lumber is usually used for structural light framing or light framing.
Conclusion
If you’re about to get started on renovations or the build of your new facility, there’s no need to feel overwhelmed by the jargon. Familiarizing yourself with construction terminology is a simple step to take to help make the process easier and communicate with your contractor better.