Construction Dictionary
Construction term comparisons
Practical side-by-side explanations for terms that construction teams often confuse in contracts, administration, scheduling, and closeout.
RFI vs ASIUnderstand the difference between a request for information and an architect's supplemental instruction.CCD vs Change OrderCompare a construction change directive with a formal change order.GMP vs Cost Plus ContractLearn how a guaranteed maximum price differs from a cost plus construction contract.Submittal vs Shop DrawingClarify how submittals and shop drawings relate during construction administration.Record Drawings vs As-Built DrawingsCompare record drawings and as-built drawings for construction closeout.Substantial Completion vs Final CompletionUnderstand the milestones that separate usable work from fully complete contract work.Pay Application vs InvoiceCompare construction pay applications with invoices submitted for payment.Allowance vs ContingencyLearn the difference between an allowance and contingency in construction pricing.RFI vs SubmittalUnderstand when a contractor should submit an RFI and when they should submit a submittal.Design-Build vs Design-Bid-BuildCompare two common construction project delivery methods.CPM Schedule vs Lookahead ScheduleCompare master scheduling logic with short-term field planning.RFP vs RFQUnderstand the difference between a request for proposal and a request for qualifications.A101 vs A201Compare two common AIA contract documents used for owner-contractor agreements and general conditions.A133 vs CMARUnderstand how AIA A133 relates to construction manager at risk delivery.RFP vs ITBCompare requests for proposals with invitations to bid in construction procurement.Shop Drawing vs Product DataUnderstand two common submittal types used during construction review.Subgrade vs SubbaseCompare the prepared ground and base layers used below slabs, pavement, and site work.MasterFormat vs UniFormatCompare two CSI classification systems used for specifications, estimating, and construction information.QA vs QCUnderstand quality assurance and quality control in construction.Estimate vs Quantity TakeoffCompare cost estimating with quantity takeoff work.Permit vs InspectionClarify two common authority processes in construction.Mechanic's Lien vs Lien WaiverCompare lien rights and lien waiver documents used around construction payment.Rough-In vs Finish WorkCompare concealed rough-in work with visible finish work.Warranty vs GuaranteeUnderstand warranty and guarantee language in construction closeout and product requirements.