Construction & Execution

Key Construction Project Terms: Design, Pricing and Execution

Construction projects use a wide range of technical and commercial terms. This practical glossary explains common terminology used in design, tendering, pricing, contracting and site execution.

Construction projects bring together architects, engineers, consultants, contractors, suppliers and clients. Understanding the terminology used between these parties makes drawings, quotations, meetings and site communication much easier.

Below are some of the most important terms, grouped into design, pricing and tendering, contracts and site execution.

1. Design and Drawing Terms

Concept Design

The initial design stage where the main idea, layout, massing and overall design direction are developed.

Schematic Design – SD

A stage where the concept is developed into clearer plans, spaces and building systems.

Design Development – DD

Further development and coordination of architectural, structural and MEP design before detailed construction documentation.

Construction Drawings

Detailed drawings used to communicate how the project is intended to be constructed.

IFC – Issued for Construction

Drawings or documents formally issued for construction according to the project's document-control procedure.

Shop Drawings

Detailed drawings prepared by the contractor, subcontractor, fabricator or supplier showing how specific work will be fabricated or installed.

As-Built Drawings

Drawings updated to record the completed installation and actual constructed conditions.

RCP – Reflected Ceiling Plan

A drawing showing ceiling layouts, levels, lighting, diffusers and other ceiling elements.

MEP

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing systems.

FFL – Finished Floor Level

The final elevation of a completed floor surface.

Specification

Written technical requirements defining materials, products, workmanship and performance requirements.

2. Pricing and Tendering Terms

BOQ – Bill of Quantities

A structured document listing work items and quantities used for pricing and commercial evaluation.

Quantity Takeoff

Measuring and calculating quantities from drawings and project documents.

Estimate

An assessment of the expected cost of completing particular work or an entire project.

Quotation

A commercial offer submitted by a supplier or contractor for specified goods or work.

RFQ – Request for Quotation

A formal request asking suppliers or contractors to provide prices for a defined scope.

Tender

The formal process through which bids or proposals are invited and evaluated for a project or package of work.

Bid

An offer submitted by a contractor or supplier in response to a tender or procurement request.

Unit Rate

The price assigned to one unit of work, such as AED/m², AED/m³ or AED/item.

Lump Sum

A fixed total price agreed for a defined scope of work, subject to the contract terms.

Provisional Sum

An allowance included in the contract for work that is not sufficiently defined at the time of tendering or contract preparation.

Contingency

A budget allowance intended to address defined or anticipated uncertainty and risk, depending on the project's cost-management approach.

3. Procurement and Contract Terms

Client / Employer

The party commissioning and funding the project.

Consultant

The professional entity appointed to provide design, supervision or other specialist services.

Main Contractor

The contractor responsible for delivering the main construction scope under its contract.

Subcontractor

A company appointed by a contractor to execute a specific package, such as MEP, gypsum, joinery or waterproofing.

Supplier

A company providing materials or products.

Vendor

A broader commercial term for an entity selling or supplying goods or services.

Scope of Work – SOW

A description of the work, responsibilities and deliverables included within a package or contract.

Variation / Change Order

A formally managed change to the original contracted work that may affect cost, time or scope.

VO – Variation Order

A commonly used abbreviation for a formal variation instruction/order, depending on the contract terminology.

Payment Certificate

A document used in the contractual payment process to certify an amount due based on evaluated work and the applicable contract conditions.

Retention

An amount withheld from payments as provided by the contract and released according to agreed conditions.

FIDIC publishes internationally used standard forms of construction and engineering contracts, although the exact meaning and procedure for contractual terms always depends on the contract being used.

4. Site and Execution Terms

Method Statement

A document describing how a particular construction activity will be carried out.

Material Submittal

Technical information submitted for review or approval of a proposed material or product.

Material Sample

A physical sample submitted to demonstrate the proposed material, color, texture or finish.

Mock-up

A sample installation or representative portion of the work constructed to review appearance, workmanship or technical details before wider execution.

RFI – Request for Information

A formal request for clarification when drawings, specifications or other project information require additional information.

Inspection Request

A request submitted for inspection of completed or ongoing work according to the project's quality procedures.

NCR – Non-Conformance Report

A record identifying work, material or a process that does not comply with specified requirements.

Snag List / Punch List

A list of incomplete, defective or corrective items identified near completion and requiring rectification.

Testing & Commissioning – T&C

Testing, adjustment and verification of building systems before final operation and handover.

Handover

The process of transferring the completed project or works to the client according to contractual requirements.

5. Planning and Project Management Terms

Project Schedule

The planned sequence and timing of project activities.

Milestone

A significant project event or target date.

Critical Path

The sequence of activities that determines the earliest possible project completion date based on the schedule logic.

Lead Time

The time required between ordering or initiating an item and its availability or completion.

Procurement

The process of obtaining the required works, materials, equipment or services.

Progress Report

A report summarizing project progress, completed work, upcoming activities, issues and other relevant information.

Conclusion

Construction terminology becomes easier when understood as part of the project workflow:

Design → Drawings & Specifications → BOQ & Estimate → Tender & Quotations → Contract → Submittals & Shop Drawings → Construction → Inspections → Testing → Snagging → Handover

Architects and interior designers do not need to perform every commercial or contractual role, but understanding these terms makes coordination with clients, consultants, quantity surveyors, contractors and suppliers significantly more effective.

References

FIDIC — Contracts and Agreements: https://fidic.org/books
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) — Construction Standards and Guidance: https://www.rics.org/
Project Management Institute (PMI) — Project Management Standards: https://www.pmi.org/standards
National Institute of Building Sciences — Whole Building Design Guide: https://www.wbdg.org/