Construction Dictionary
Construction Administration Terms
Decode construction administration terms used for RFIs, submittals, meetings, field reports, closeout, and day-to-day project communication.
Popular Terms
Browse All Terms
149 terms in construction administration.
| Term | Short name | Plain-English definition |
|---|---|---|
| A | ||
| A/E Architect/Engineer | Architect/Engineer | A/E refers to the design professional team responsible for architecture and engineering services. |
| Action Item | - | An action item is a task assigned to a person or company for follow-up. |
| Agenda Item | - | An agenda item is a specific topic listed for discussion during a project meeting. |
| Alignment | - | An alignment is the horizontal or vertical path of a road, utility, rail line, curb, or other linear feature. |
| AOR Architect of Record | Architect of Record | The AOR is the licensed architect responsible for the architectural contract documents for a project. |
| Approval Workflow | - | An approval workflow is a defined sequence for reviewing and approving a document, cost item, submittal, or decision. |
| Approver | - | An approver is a person responsible for reviewing and approving, rejecting, or commenting on an item. |
| Architect Field Report | - | An architect field report documents observations from an architect's site visit. |
| As-Built Drawings | - | As-built drawings document field conditions and changes from the original construction documents. |
| As-Built Survey | - | An as-built survey records the actual installed location or elevation of completed work. |
| ASI Architect's Supplemental Instructions | Architect's Supplemental Instructions | An ASI is a written instruction from the architect that clarifies or supplements the contract documents without changing contract cost or time. |
| Asset Data | - | Asset data is structured information about equipment, systems, spaces, or components that the owner needs after construction. |
| B | ||
| Backfill | - | Backfill is material placed back into an excavation after underground or foundation work is complete. |
| Ball in Court | - | Ball in court identifies the person or company currently responsible for taking the next action on an item. |
| Benching | - | Benching is an excavation protection method where sides are cut into steps or levels. |
| Benchmark | - | A benchmark is a known point with an established elevation or location used for survey and layout. |
| Bulletin | - | A bulletin is a issued document that communicates proposed or required changes, clarifications, or additional information. |
| C | ||
| CA Construction Administration | Construction Administration | CA is the process of administering construction-phase contract requirements, communications, reviews, and documentation. |
| Cave-In | - | A cave-in is the sudden movement of soil or rock into an excavation or trench. |
| CCD Construction Change Directive | Construction Change Directive | A CCD is a directive that authorizes changed work before the owner and contractor agree on final cost or schedule impact. |
| CE Continuing Education | Continuing Education | CE is education completed to maintain knowledge, credentials, licenses, or professional development requirements. |
| Certificate of Occupancy | - | A certificate of occupancy is an approval that allows a building or space to be occupied for its intended use. |
| Change Directive | - | A change directive instructs the contractor to proceed with changed work before all commercial terms are finalized. |
| Change Event | - | A change event is a tracked issue or condition that may lead to one or more change orders. |
| Clarification | - | A clarification explains existing requirements without necessarily changing contract scope, cost, or time. |
| Closeout | - | Closeout is the process of completing contract requirements and transferring final documentation at the end of construction. |
| Commissioning Plan | - | A commissioning plan describes how building systems will be verified, tested, documented, and turned over. |
| Commitment Change Order | - | A commitment change order modifies a subcontract or purchase order. |
| Compaction | - | Compaction is the process of densifying soil, aggregate, or fill to improve strength and reduce settlement. |
| Concealed Conditions | - | Concealed conditions are hidden site or building conditions discovered after work begins. |
| Control Point | - | A control point is a known reference point used for survey, layout, measurement, or model alignment. |
| COR Change Order Request | Change Order Request | A COR is a contractor request asking for approval of a change in cost, time, or scope. |
| Correction of Work | - | Correction of work is the obligation to fix work that does not meet contract requirements. |
| Crane Pick Plan | - | A crane pick plan is a lift plan focused on a specific crane pick or sequence of picks. |
| Cut and Fill | - | Cut and fill is the process of removing material from high areas and placing material in low areas to reach design grades. |
| CxA Commissioning Authority | Commissioning Authority | A CxA is the person or firm responsible for planning and managing the commissioning process. |
| D | ||
| Daily Log | - | A daily log is a record of jobsite activity for a specific day. |
| Datum | - | A datum is a reference surface, point, or coordinate basis used for measuring elevations or locations. |
| Demobilization | - | Demobilization is the process of removing temporary facilities, equipment, and project resources after work is complete. |
| Dewatering | - | Dewatering is the removal or control of water from an excavation, work area, or soil condition. |
| Distribution List | - | A distribution list is a group of people who receive a project document, notice, meeting record, or workflow update. |
| Document Control | - | Document control is the system for organizing, distributing, tracking, and preserving project documents. |
| Drawing Log | - | A drawing log tracks drawing numbers, titles, revisions, dates, and distribution status. |
| E | ||
| E203 Building Information Modeling and Digital Data Exhibit | Building Information Modeling and Digital Data Exhibit | E203 is an AIA exhibit used to address BIM and digital data expectations on a project. |
| Earthwork | - | Earthwork is construction work involving excavation, fill, grading, compaction, and movement of soil or rock. |
| EOR Engineer of Record | Engineer of Record | The EOR is the licensed engineer responsible for engineering documents for a project or discipline. |
| Erosion Control | - | Erosion control uses measures that reduce soil movement caused by rain, wind, or construction activity. |
| Excavation | - | Excavation is the removal of soil, rock, pavement, or other material to create space for construction. |
| Excavation Permit | - | An excavation permit is an approval or checklist used before digging begins. |
| F | ||
| Fabricated Frame Scaffold | - | A fabricated frame scaffold is a scaffold built from manufactured frame sections and platforms. |
| Field Layout | - | Field layout is the process of marking project locations in the field from drawings, coordinates, or models. |
| Field Order | - | A field order is a written direction issued in the field to address work or coordination needs. |
| Final Completion | - | Final completion is the point when all contract work, closeout documents, and remaining obligations are complete. |
| Final Payment | - | Final payment is the last payment made after required work, closeout documentation, releases, and contract conditions are satisfied. |
| Foreman | - | A foreman is a field leader who directs daily work for a crew or trade. |
| FPT Functional Performance Test | Functional Performance Test | An FPT verifies that a building system performs its required functions under defined operating conditions. |
| G | ||
| G704 Certificate of Substantial Completion | Certificate of Substantial Completion | G704 is an AIA form used to document the date and conditions of substantial completion. |
| G706 Contractor's Affidavit of Payment of Debts and Claims | Contractor's Affidavit of Payment of Debts and Claims | G706 is an AIA closeout form used to support final payment by addressing payment of project debts and claims. |
| G706A Contractor's Affidavit of Release of Liens | Contractor's Affidavit of Release of Liens | G706A is an AIA closeout form used to support release of lien rights at final payment. |
| G707 Consent of Surety to Final Payment | Consent of Surety to Final Payment | G707 is an AIA form used when a surety consents to final payment. |
| G709 Proposal Request | Proposal Request | G709 is an AIA form used to request pricing or information for a possible change before a change order is issued. |
| G710 Architect's Supplemental Instructions | Architect's Supplemental Instructions | G710 is an AIA form used for architect instructions that clarify or supplement the contract documents without changing cost or time. |
| G711 Architect's Field Report | Architect's Field Report | G711 is an AIA form used to document an architect's field observations. |
| G712 Shop Drawing and Sample Record | Shop Drawing and Sample Record | G712 is an AIA form used to track shop drawings, samples, and related submittals. |
| G714 Construction Change Directive | Construction Change Directive | G714 is an AIA form used to document a construction change directive. |
| G716 Request for Information | Request for Information | G716 is an AIA form used to document a request for information. |
| G731 Change Order, Construction Manager-Adviser Edition | Change Order, Construction Manager-Adviser Edition | G731 is an AIA change order form used with construction manager as adviser project structures. |
| G808 Project Directory and Design Data Summary | Project Directory and Design Data Summary | G808 is an AIA form used to summarize project directory information and design data. |
| G809 Project Abstract | Project Abstract | G809 is an AIA form used to summarize key project information. |
| G810 Transmittal Letter | Transmittal Letter | G810 is an AIA form used to transmit project documents or information. |
| GC General Contractor | General Contractor | A GC is the contractor responsible for managing construction work and coordinating subcontractors. |
| Grade | - | Grade is the intended elevation, slope, or finished surface level for sitework or construction. |
| H | ||
| Hoist | - | A hoist is a device used to lift or lower materials, equipment, or suspended platforms. |
| I | ||
| Issue | - | An issue is a tracked project item that needs review, action, or resolution. |
| Issue Log | - | An issue log tracks open issues, responsibility, status, due dates, and resolution notes. |
| J | ||
| Jacking Operation | - | A jacking operation uses jacks to lift, move, or position heavy construction elements. |
| L | ||
| Laydown Area | - | A laydown area is a designated place on or near the site for storing materials, equipment, or prefabricated assemblies. |
| Lift Plan | - | A lift plan defines how a crane or lifting operation will be performed safely. |
| M | ||
| Means and Methods | - | Means and methods are the contractor's chosen techniques, sequences, procedures, and resources for performing the work. |
| Meeting Minutes | - | Meeting minutes are the written record of topics, decisions, assignments, and open items from a project meeting. |
| Mobilization | - | Mobilization is the process of preparing people, equipment, materials, and temporary facilities so construction work can begin. |
| O | ||
| O&M Manual Operations and Maintenance Manual | Operations and Maintenance Manual | An O&M manual is a closeout document that explains how to operate and maintain installed systems or equipment. |
| OAC Owner-Architect-Contractor Meeting | Owner-Architect-Contractor Meeting | An OAC meeting is a regular project meeting between the owner, architect, and contractor. |
| Observation | - | An observation is a documented field note about work, quality, safety, progress, or a condition that needs attention. |
| Offset | - | An offset is a measured distance from a reference line, alignment, gridline, or control point. |
| Owner Change Order | - | An owner change order modifies the prime contract between the owner and contractor. |
| Owner's Representative | - | An owner's representative is a person or firm that helps the owner manage project decisions, communication, risk, and performance. |
| P | ||
| PCO Potential Change Order | Potential Change Order | A PCO is a possible change that is being tracked before it becomes an approved change order. |
| Photo Documentation | - | Photo documentation is the organized use of photos to record jobsite conditions, progress, inspections, or completed work. |
| Preconstruction Meeting | - | A preconstruction meeting is held before construction starts to align the team on procedures, responsibilities, schedule, safety, and administration. |
| Program Management | - | Program management coordinates multiple related projects or a larger capital program. |
| Project Engineer | - | A project engineer supports construction management tasks such as RFIs, submittals, drawings, meeting minutes, and document control. |
| Project Executive | - | A project executive is a senior leader responsible for project or program performance at a higher level than day-to-day management. |
| Protective System | - | A protective system is a method used to protect workers from excavation cave-ins and related hazards. |
| Punch List | - | A punch list is a list of incomplete or deficient work items that must be corrected before final closeout. |
| Q | ||
| QA Quality Assurance | Quality Assurance | QA is the planned process for preventing quality problems before work is installed. |
| QA/QC Quality Assurance / Quality Control | Quality Assurance / Quality Control | QA/QC refers to the processes used to plan, verify, inspect, and document construction quality. |
| QC Quality Control | Quality Control | QC is the process of inspecting, testing, documenting, and correcting actual work to confirm it meets requirements. |
| R | ||
| Record Drawings | - | Record drawings are final drawings updated to reflect documented changes made during construction. |
| Registered Professional Engineer | - | A registered professional engineer is a licensed engineer responsible for engineering decisions within their authority. |
| Rejected Work | - | Rejected work is work that is not accepted because it does not conform to the contract documents. |
| Request for Clarification | - | A request for clarification asks the design team or owner to clarify unclear information before work proceeds. |
| RFI Request for Information | Request for Information | An RFI is a formal request used to clarify drawings, specifications, contract documents, or project requirements during construction. |
| RFI Manager | - | An RFI manager is the person responsible for routing, tracking, and closing RFIs. |
| Rigging | - | Rigging is the equipment and method used to lift, secure, and move loads. |
| Right of Way | - | Right of way is land or access legally reserved for roads, utilities, rail, public use, or other defined purposes. |
| S | ||
| Scaffold | - | A scaffold is a temporary elevated platform and support structure used for workers, tools, or materials. |
| Sediment Control | - | Sediment control uses measures that keep disturbed soil from leaving the construction site. |
| Self-Performing Contractor | - | A self-performing contractor performs work with its own crews instead of subcontracting all of it out. |
| Sheeting | - | Sheeting is material used in a shoring system to hold soil in place. |
| Shop Drawing | - | A shop drawing is a contractor- or fabricator-prepared drawing showing how specific work will be fabricated, assembled, or installed. |
| Shoring | - | Shoring is temporary support used to hold soil, structures, or excavations in place during construction. |
| Signal Person | - | A signal person directs crane or equipment movement using agreed hand, voice, or radio signals. |
| Silt Fence | - | A silt fence is a temporary sediment control barrier used to slow runoff and capture sediment. |
| Site Instruction | - | A site instruction is a written direction about work or site activity issued during construction. |
| Site Logistics Plan | - | A site logistics plan shows how the construction site will be organized and accessed during the work. |
| Sloping | - | Sloping is an excavation protection method where sides are cut back at an angle to reduce cave-in risk. |
| Snag List | - | A snag list is a list of incomplete or defective work that must be fixed before handover. |
| Spoil | - | Spoil is soil, rock, or material removed from an excavation. |
| Spotter | - | A spotter helps guide vehicles, equipment, or lifts where visibility or clearance is limited. |
| Staging | - | Staging is the planned placement or sequencing of materials, equipment, people, or work areas to support construction. |
| Startup | - | Startup is the process of preparing equipment or systems for operation for the first time. |
| Station | - | A station is a measured point along an alignment, road, utility, or civil feature. |
| Subcontractor | - | A subcontractor is a company hired by a contractor to perform a specific portion of the construction work. |
| Subgrade | - | Subgrade is the prepared soil surface that supports pavement, slabs, foundations, or other construction above it. |
| Submittal | - | A submittal is information submitted by a contractor for review, such as product data, samples, shop drawings, or schedules. |
| Submittal Manager | - | A submittal manager is the person responsible for managing a submittal through review and closeout. |
| Submittal Package | - | A submittal package is a grouped set of related submittal items sent or reviewed together. |
| Submittal Register | - | A submittal register is a list of required submittals for a project. |
| Submittal Workflow | - | A submittal workflow defines the review path a submittal follows before it is closed. |
| Submitter | - | A submitter is the person or company responsible for sending a submittal for review. |
| Substantial Completion | - | Substantial completion is the point when the project is sufficiently complete for the owner to use it for its intended purpose. |
| Superintendent | - | A superintendent is the field leader responsible for coordinating day-to-day construction activities on site. |
| Survey | - | Survey is the measurement and mapping of site features, boundaries, elevations, control points, or installed work. |
| T | ||
| TAB Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing | Testing, Adjusting, and Balancing | TAB is the process of testing, adjusting, and balancing HVAC or hydronic systems so they perform as intended. |
| Temporary Certificate of Occupancy | - | A temporary certificate of occupancy allows limited occupancy before all final requirements are complete. |
| Temporary Power | - | Temporary power is an electrical system used to support construction before permanent power is available. |
| Temporary Works | - | Temporary works are temporary structures, supports, or systems needed to build permanent work safely. |
| Topographic Survey | - | A topographic survey maps existing elevations, contours, site features, and physical conditions. |
| Trade Contractor | - | A trade contractor performs a specific construction trade or specialty scope. |
| Traffic Control Plan | - | A traffic control plan shows how vehicles, pedestrians, workers, and construction activity will be managed around a site. |
| Transmittal | - | A transmittal is a document used to formally send drawings, submittals, samples, reports, or other project information. |
| Trench | - | A trench is a narrow excavation commonly used for utilities, foundations, or drainage work. |
| Trench Box | - | A trench box is a protective shield used inside a trench to help protect workers from cave-ins. |
| U | ||
| Uprights | - | Uprights are vertical members in a trench shoring system placed against the excavation face. |
| Utility Locate | - | A utility locate identifies existing underground utilities before excavation or drilling. |
| W | ||
| Wales | - | Wales are horizontal members in a shoring system that help transfer soil loads to supports. |
| Warranty | - | A warranty is a promise or obligation related to the quality, performance, repair, or replacement of work or products. |
| Witness Statement | - | A witness statement is a written account from someone who observed an event, condition, incident, or dispute. |