Billing
This is a partial payment made to a contractor, supplier, or service provider for work that has been completed to date. It is the standard for construction billing
Progress Payment, Pay App, Requisition, AIA Req
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI). MasterFormat is a widely accepted organizational system that standardizes the information and specifications used in construction projects.
What are Construction Divisions
Term used to describe name contractors responsible for Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing systems within the construction and building industries.
MEP Contractors
Workplace or project site where union membership is not required as a condition of employment
Open Shop
Typically used as a slang term meaning - Start a job
Break ground
These forms are used by contractors to apply for progress payments and provide an itemized breakdown of work completed, making them integral to construction accounting.
AIA G702/G703
Formal document used to modify the terms, scope, cost, or schedule of an existing construction contract. Can be caused by unforeseen conditions, changes in design, or additional work requested by the client or other stakeholders.
Change orders
Document sent to ownership/architect for review and approval prior to starting a job
Submittal
Final proposal or bid submitted by a contractor or supplier after all rounds of negotiations have been completed.
Best and Final. Typically a call or D-Scope meeting
Term used to describe professionally reviewed drawings and specs
What are Stamped Drawings
This type of waiver serves as proof that payment has been received and cleared
Unconditional Lien Waiver
Allows the property owner or tenant to use the building while final details or outstanding issues are resolved.
Temporary Certificate of Occupancy - TCO
Set of drawings prepared by a subcontractor for review by an architect or engineer
Shop Drawings
Process of comparing and analyzing bids from multiple vendors, contractors, or suppliers to ensure they are evaluated on a consistent and fair basis
What is Bid Leveling
Name for the type of work where the basic structure of the building is completed, including the external walls, windows, roof, and sometimes elevators.
Core and Shell
This is filed when payment has not been received and places a legal claim on the property, which must be resolved before the property can be sold, refinanced, or transferred.
Mechanics Lien - "lien the job"
This party is responsible for managing and overseeing construction projects from start to finish.
General Contractor - GC
Formal process used to ask questions of an architect or engineer
Request for Information RFI
Letter sent prior to the contract notifying a contractor that they have been awarded a job
Letter of Intent, Notice to Proceed
Term used to describe the construction to make a space customized for the end user. Office space, doctors office etc
U.S. federal law enacted in 1931 that requires contractors and subcontractors on federally funded or assisted construction projects exceeding $2,000 to pay their workers prevailing wages and fringe benefits.
Davis Bacon egg and cheese
Formal notice issued by a contractor, or government authority to halt work on a project. Typically due to safety concerns or regulatory violations
Stop Work Order
Term used to refer to drawings in the "bid phase" which are incomplete drawings typically 50-60% done
Design Development DD
When a project goes into rebid an costs are reviewed and scope is cut. Often called "optimization"
What is the term used to describe accounts receivable or total amount of money owed to a contractor.
What is money "on the street"