The glossary is a comprehensive collection of terms, phrases, and definitions related to the field of general contracting. It includes information on the role of a general contractor, the various tasks and responsibilities they are responsible for, and the different types of construction projects they manage. It also includes definitions of technical terms, such as permits, inspections, and construction materials. This glossary is intended to serve as a useful resource for anyone looking to understand the basics of general contracting and the terminology used in the industry.
Accessibility
The process of designing and building a home or building to be easily accessible and usable for people with disabilities.
Additions
An extension or addition to an existing home.
Air sealing
The process of sealing gaps and cracks in a building to reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency.
Asbestos abatement
The process of removing asbestos, a toxic material that was commonly used in building materials before it was banned, from a property.
Bathroom remodel
The process of updating or improving a bathroom, which can include new fixtures, tile, and cabinetry.
Bid
An offer made by a contractor to perform a construction project at a specific price.
Budget
A financial plan for a construction project, outlining projected expenses and revenue.
Building codes
Regulations that govern the construction of buildings, including safety and accessibility standards.
Building permit
A legal document issued by a government agency that allows a property owner or contractor to begin construction on a building or remodel project.
Carpentry
The trade of cutting, shaping, and installing wood and other building materials to create structures and fixtures, such as walls, roofs, and decks.
Carpet installation
The process of laying carpet in a room or area.
Change order
A document that formally requests changes to the scope of work or cost of a construction project.
Completion
The act of finishing a construction project.
Construction insurance
Insurance that covers risks associated with a construction project, such as property damage and injuries.
Construction loan
A loan specifically for the purpose of financing a construction project.
Construction materials
The materials used in a construction project, such as lumber, drywall, and roofing materials.
Construction project
A project involving the building, remodeling, or repair of a structure.
Contractor
An individual or company that performs construction work.
Cost estimate
A projection of the cost of a construction project, based on a detailed analysis of the project scope and materials.
Deck construction
The process of building a deck, which is an outdoor living space that is typically made of wood or composite materials.
Demolition
The process of tearing down an existing structure or portion of a structure.
Design-build
A project delivery method where the design and construction of a project are contracted by a single entity.
Design
The process of creating a plan for a construction project.
Driveway installation
The process of creating a driveway on a property, which can be made of asphalt, concrete, or other materials.
Drywall
A type of wall finishing material made of gypsum plaster that is used to create smooth and durable surfaces.
Electrical
The system of wires, circuits, and other components that provide electricity to a home.
Elevator installation
The process of installing an elevator in a building.
Energy efficiency
The process of reducing the amount of energy used in a building or home, through the use of energy-efficient appliances, materials, and design.
Excavation
The process of digging or removing earth from a site in preparation for a construction project.
Fence installation
The process of installing a fence on a property, which can be made of wood, vinyl, or other materials.
Fire protection
The process of installing systems and materials to protect a building from fire.
Flooring
The material used to cover the floors of a home, such as hardwood, tile, or carpet.
Foundation
The base or structure upon which a building is constructed.
Framing
The process of constructing the skeleton of a building, including the walls, floors, and roof.
General contractor
A professional who manages and coordinates all aspects of construction projects, including hiring subcontractors, obtaining building permits, scheduling inspections, and ensuring that the project is completed on time and within budget.
Geothermal heating and cooling
A type of heating and cooling system that uses the earth’s constant temperature to heat and cool a building.
Green building
A type of building design and construction that focuses on using materials and techniques that are environmentally friendly and energy efficient.
Green roofing
The process of installing a roof that is covered with vegetation, which can improve energy efficiency and reduce stormwater runoff.
Hardwood flooring
A type of flooring made of solid wood, typically used for aesthetic and durability purposes.
Hiring
The process of selecting and employing an individual for a job or task.
Home automation
The use of technology to control and automate home systems, such as lighting and heating.
Home inspection
A review of a home’s systems and components by a professional inspector, to identify any issues or defects that may need to be addressed.
Home renovation
The process of improving or updating a home, which can include remodeling, additions, and repairs.
Home staging
The process of preparing a home for sale by making it look as attractive as possible to potential buyers.
Home warranty
A contract that provides coverage for repairs or replacements of certain systems and appliances in a home.
HVAC
Heating, Ventilation and Air conditioning systems that provide temperature control, air circulation, and air filtration for a building.
Inspection
A review of a construction project by a government agency to ensure that it meets building codes and other regulations.
Inspection
A review of a construction project by a government agency to ensure that it meets building codes and other regulations.
Insulation
The process of adding materials to a building to reduce heat loss or gain, and to improve energy efficiency. Insulation materials can include fiberglass, cellulose, and foam.
Interior design
The process of decorating and designing the interior of a home or building.
Kitchen remodel
The process of updating or improving a kitchen, which can include new cabinetry, countertops, and appliances.
Landscaping
The process of designing and maintaining the outdoor areas of a property, including lawns, gardens, and outdoor structures.
Lead paint abatement
The process of removing lead paint, a toxic material that was commonly used in paint before it was banned, from a property.
LEED certification
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification is a globally recognized symbol of sustainability achievement.
Lighting
The process of selecting and installing lights in a home or building.
Masonry
The craft of building structures with bricks, concrete blocks, stone, and other similar materials.
Painting
The process of applying paint to a surface.
Permit
A legal document issued by a government agency that allows a property owner or contractor to begin construction on a building or remodel project.
Plastering
The process of applying a mixture of cement, lime, and sand to walls and ceilings to create smooth and durable surfaces.
Plumbing
The system of pipes, fittings, and fixtures that carries water and waste in and out of a home.
Project management
The process of planning, coordinating, and overseeing a construction project from start to finish.
Radon mitigation
The process of reducing the levels of radon gas, an odorless and radioactive gas that can be harmful to human health, in a building.
Rainwater harvesting
The process of collecting and storing rainwater for later use, such as irrigation or toilet flushing.
Remodeling
The process of making changes or improvements to an existing home.
Repairs
The process of fixing or restoring something that is broken or damaged.
Retaining wall construction
The process of building a wall that is used to hold back soil or other materials to prevent erosion or collapse.
Roofing
The material and installation used to cover the roof of a home, such as shingles or metal.
Scheduling
The process of arranging and organizing events or tasks in a specific order.
Septic system installation
The process of installing a septic system, which is used to treat and dispose of wastewater, in a property.
Solar panel installation
The process of installing solar panels on a property to generate electricity from the sun.
Solar water heating
The process of using solar energy to heat water for a building.
Stucco installation
A type of exterior finish made of a mixture of cement, lime, sand, and water, applied to walls and other surfaces.
Subcontractor
A specialized contractor hired by a general contractor to perform specific tasks on a construction project.
Subcontractor
A specialized contractor hired by a general contractor to perform specific tasks on a construction project.
Sustainability
The practice of designing and building in a way that is environmentally responsible and resource-efficient.
Swimming pool construction
The process of building a swimming pool on a property.
Tile work
The process of creating decorative and functional surfaces using tiles made of ceramic, porcelain, or stone.
Time schedule
A plan that outlines the timeline for a construction project, including milestones and deadlines.
Ventilation
The process of providing fresh air to a building and removing stale air, to improve indoor air quality and energy efficiency.
Waterproofing
The process of applying materials and techniques to prevent water from penetrating a building or structure.
Well drilling
The process of drilling a hole in the ground to access underground water sources.
Wind power
The process of generating electricity using wind turbines.
Zoning
The process of dividing a municipality into different areas and regulating the use of land in each area.