HVAC equipment that circulates and conditions air through ductwork. 

Drawings updated to reflect what was actually installed in the field. 

Soil placed back into an excavation after foundations, utilities, or structures are installed. 

Short pieces of wood or metal framing installed between studs or joists to provide backing and support for attaching materials, fixtures, or equipment. 

Work or materials that are provided and installed by another contractor or party, not the trade currently responsible for the scope.

A formal modification to contract scope, cost, and/or schedule. 

A framed wall built to conceal and provide space for plumbing, ductwork, or other building services running vertically or horizontally through the structure. 

A weak point in concrete formed when a new concrete pour is placed against hardened concrete, creating a visible seam between placements. 

 A designed separation in materials such as concrete, masonry, or drywall that allows movement and helps prevent cracking caused by shrinkage or temperature changes.

A metal or plastic trim installed on the outside corners of drywall to create a straight, durable edge for finishing. 

A metal track installed at the top of a wall that allows the structure above to move without transferring load to the non-structural metal stud wall below. 

A steel plate, anchor, or component cast into concrete to provide a connection point for structural steel, equipment, or other building elements.

A designed gap between building sections or materials that allows movement caused by temperature changes, settlement, or structural shifts without causing damage. 

To physically confirm dimensions, conditions, or locations at the jobsite before fabrication, installation, or ordering materials. 

A wall, floor, or ceiling system constructed with specific materials and methods to resist fire for a designated period of time, such as one or two hours. 

Thin strips of wood or metal installed on a wall or ceiling to create a level surface for attaching finish materials such as drywall or paneling. 

The non-living built elements of a site such as concrete, paving, stone, retaining walls, and other constructed surfaces. 

An ICF (Insulating Concrete Form) wall is cast-in-place concrete poured into stacked foam forms with rebar inside.

A horizontal layer of soil placed and compacted in controlled thicknesses during earthwork to achieve proper density and stability. 

To roughen or grind the surface of concrete using mechanical equipment to improve bonding for new concrete, coatings, or repairs. 

A wall framing system made from cold-formed steel studs and tracks used to construct interior and exterior non-structural walls. 

Indicates work or materials that are not included in the current contractor’s scope and are the responsibility of another party. 

A thin metal channel installed between drywall and framing to reduce the transmission of sound and vibration through a wall or ceiling assembly. 

A formal question submitted to the design team to clarify drawings or specifications. 

The stage of construction when plumbing, electrical, HVAC, and other building systems are installed before walls and ceilings are closed in with finishes. 

To remove soil deeper or wider than the planned excavation limits, usually to replace unsuitable material with properly compacted fill. 

The planning phase of a project where the team develops budgets, schedules, logistics plans, and constructability reviews before work begins in the field. 

A list of incomplete or deficient items to correct before final acceptance. 

The process of inspecting and verifying that construction work meets the requirements of the drawings, specifications, and contract documents. 

A raised framed or metal box installed on a roof to support and seal around rooftop equipment such as HVAC units, exhaust fans, or skylights. 

A drainage fitting installed in a roof that collects rainwater and directs it into the building’s storm drainage piping system. 

Metal or waterproof material installed at roof edges, penetrations, and transitions to prevent water from entering the roofing system. 

A clear description of the tasks, materials, and responsibilities required to complete a specific portion of the project. 

A fire-rated wall assembly built to enclose vertical building systems such as elevators, stairwells, or mechanical shafts. 

A plan that shows how the construction site will be organized and operated, including access points, material storage, cranes, temporary facilities, and traffic flow. 

A short section of pipe or tube installed through a wall, floor, or foundation to create a protected opening for another pipe, conduit, or service line to pass through. 

The finished underside of an architectural element such as a roof overhang, beam, canopy, or ceiling drop. 

The living landscape elements of a site such as grass, trees, plants, soil, and irrigation. 

A wall assembly designed to reduce the transmission of sound between rooms or spaces by using materials and construction methods that improve acoustic performance. 

A short section of pipe, conduit, or duct that extends from a wall, floor, or ceiling to provide a future connection point for fixtures or equipment. 

Documents provided by contractors to show that materials and equipment meet project requirements before installation. 

A site plan required by environmental regulations that outlines measures used to prevent stormwater runoff from carrying sediment and pollutants off a construction site.

Roof insulation manufactured in sloped panels and installed to create positive drainage that directs water toward roof drains or scuppers. 

A drafting tool with a long straight blade and perpendicular head used to draw straight horizontal lines on construction drawings. 

A single-ply roofing membrane system commonly used on commercial buildings, consisting of a heat-welded white membrane installed over insulation and roof decking.