Buildings are an integral part of our lives. They provide us shelter and a place to live, work, and play. Understanding the building terminology is essential for anyone who wants to get involved in the construction industry. Whether you are a homeowner, contractor, or architect, it is important to familiarize yourself with terms related to building.

This article will provide an overview of some of the most common terms used in building and construction so that you can better understand the process. We will discuss topics such as materials, measurements, and tools so that you can become more knowledgeable about this field.

What Does Commercial Construction Mean?

Building, remodeling, and designing commercial structures are all included in commercial construction. Developers, as well as regional and federal governments, fund the use of heavy machinery in projects.

By submitting proposal bids, developers and contractors compete for construction contracts. The better the plan, the more likely it will be chosen for the project. The amount needed to start and finish a build depends on its size, budget, and scope. Value engineering can also be used to predict the project plan that is both accurate and economical.

Below is a detailed explanation of some of the commercial construction glossary:

  • Aggregate

A material made of sand or crushed stone is known as an aggregate. Aggregates are an essential component of building foundations used in materials like concrete.

  • Backfilling

The filling in trenches or holes left by excavation, particularly near foundations.

  • Beam

A building’s main walls are supported by beams parallel to them at ceiling height.

  • BIM

Building information modeling (BIM) creates a computer model of a building that contains all of that structure’s details, from its fundamental design to the smallest measurements.

  • CAD (Computer-Aided Design)

The term “computer-aided design” (CAD) refers to the use of architectural software to create precise models of buildings to hasten the design process, encourage greater creativity, and guarantee greater measurement accuracy.

  • Caulking

A flexible, rubbery substance is applied to joints to fill in gaps.

  • Ceiling Joists

These parallel framing members, supported by load-bearing walls, support ceiling loads.

  • Circuit Breaker

An electrical panel switch that turns off electricity to specific areas of the building.

140 Common Construction Terms To Remember | ProEst

  • Concrete

A building material made of cement, gravel, sand, and water that has been hardened. Slabs, columns, and other kinds of structures use it.

  • Catastrophic Failure

An accident during the building process results in significant damage and permanent loss.

  • Change Order

A written record that modifies or alters the project’s specifications, cost, or other details as stated in the construction contract.

  • Concrete Cover

Reinforced concrete, as there is the shortest distance between the reinforcement and the exterior concrete surface.

  • Concrete Slab

A horizontal platform made of concrete is used to build a building’s floor or ceiling.

  • Construction Build Out

It is renovating or altering an existing commercial space for commercial activities.

  • Construction Drawings

The last-ever preconstruction plans for the entire structure.

Conclusion

You can better comprehend the meaning of specific construction techniques, projects, and contracts by understanding the building definitions and acronyms listed above. These terms are frequently used in other professions like cost estimating, engineering, and architecture; hence it is vital to understand them.