CODE WORDS
This two-word phrase describes the drawings and documents that tell the crew what is supposed to be built.
👉 What are construction plans?
This government document gives you permission to legally perform certain construction work.
👉 What is a building permit?
This person typically focuses on the visual, functional, and aesthetic design of an interior space.
👉 Who is an interior designer?
This is the amount a homeowner actually pays for a construction project.
👉 What is the project cost?
Before the new kitchen, bathroom, or basement can be built, this usually happens first.
👉 What is demolition?
When a contractor says they're going to "open up the walls," they're usually looking for this hidden stuff.
👉 What are existing conditions?
This type of permit is commonly required when adding or modifying electrical wiring.
👉 What is an electrical permit?
This drawing shows a space as if you're looking down from above, displaying walls, doors, rooms, and other features.
👉 What is a floor plan?
Cabinetry, countertops, flooring and appliances would generally fall into this category of project expenses.
👉 What are finish materials?
This stage involves installing things like plumbing, electrical wiring, and HVAC before the walls are closed up.
👉 What is rough-in?
This three-letter abbreviation refers to a document that formally changes the original scope, price, or schedule of a project.
👉 What is a CO — Change Order?
This inspection typically happens after permitted work has been completed to verify that it meets applicable requirements.
👉 What is a final inspection?
This architectural drawing shows what a building or room will look like from the outside.
👉 What is an elevation?
This percentage is typically added to account for unexpected conditions or expenses during a renovation.
👉 What is a contingency?
Before drywall goes up, these systems are typically inspected.
👉 What are the rough mechanicals?
If someone says a project is "to code," they're saying it meets these legally adopted minimum requirements.
👉 What are building codes?
You start a major renovation without pulling the required permits. This can create problems when it's time to sell the house because the work may not be properly documented.
👉 What are un-permitted improvements?
This person is generally responsible for designing buildings and may prepare architectural drawings and specifications.
👉 Who is an architect?
You discover significant water damage behind a wall after demolition. This is the kind of expense your original estimate may not have included.
👉 What is an unforeseen condition?
After drywall, cabinets, flooring, trim, paint, and fixtures are installed, the project enters this stage where the remaining details are completed.
👉 What is finish work / punch list?
On a construction drawing, this abbreviation commonly refers to the "finished floor elevation."
👉 What is FFE?
A permit requirement can vary based on this combination of factors, including the type of work and where the property is located.
👉 What are local jurisdiction and project scope?
A wall that supports the structure above it is known by this term.
👉 What is a load-bearing wall?
A homeowner chooses a $15,000 upgrade during construction. If the contractor documents it and adjusts the contract accordingly, this is called...
👉 What is a change order?
The final walkthrough identifies these remaining small items that need to be corrected or completed before the project is considered finished.
👉 What is a punch list?