wood, steel or concrete is used to support loads and transfer them to the foundation, columns or walls.
Blueprints
are detailed drawings that show the design and layout. Multiple copies will identify electrical and mechanical systems, rough-ins and outlets.
Building code
sets standards for the design and construction of buildings to meet objectives such as health, safety, fire protection, accessibility and resource conservation.
Change Order
written agreement to alter the scope of work. These are unforeseen issues related to design changes or additions that affect cost or timelines.
Completion Certificate
a document issued by local authorities that certifies the entire project is complete and meets all required standards. It is the sign-off and final payment to the contractor.
Concrete
cement, sand, gravel and water blended and hardened into a solid mass.
Drywall
panels made of plaster to form surfaces for painting.
Ductwork
metal pipe structure that delivers air from the HVAC system to all building areas.
Egress
safe exit from a building that complies with safety codes. This would include how doors and gates are constructed.
Electrical Panel
Where all electrical power circuits are housed in a box that distributes electricity to a building.
Electrical Safety Certificate
confirms all electrical systems have been installed correctly and meet safety standards.
Elevator or Lift Certificate
this confirms elevators and/or lifts have been installed correctly and are safe to operate. An elevator safety inspector will be required to issue this certificate.
Excavate
dig and remove soil, rock, and debris to prepare for site construction.
Fire Safety Certificate
this verifies that the building complies with all fire safety regulations, including fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and emergency exits.
Footing
part of the foundation that spreads the structure’s weight over a larger area and prevents the building from sinking.
Foundation
base structure typically made of concrete that provides stability and prevents the building from settling or shifting.
Framing
the structure of the building is made of wood or steel that supports and shapes the walls, roof and floors.
General Contractor
the winning bidder is responsible for overseeing, managing and coordinating the subcontractors to ensure that work is completed to specifications and requirements.
Grade
ground levels around the construction site and building will need to be “graded” to ensure proper drainage and support of the foundation.
Handover
the final stage of the project when it is completed.
HVAC
Heating, ventilation and Air conditioning systems.
HVAC Certification
verifies that heating, ventilation and air conditioning are correctly installed and meet health and safety standards.
Insulation
materials used in walls, ceilings and floors to reduce insulate heat and cold to improve energy efficiency.
Joist
horizontal beams used to support floors or ceilings that distribute the floor or roof weight to the foundation or walls.
Load-bearing walls
Includes all walls that support roofs or upper floors; they support the structure’s weight above it.
Minor variance
A deviation from the by-law is considered “minor” but significant enough that the development wouldn’t comply without official approval, such as building heights, parking lot changes, and property setbacks.
Mortar
made from cement, sand and water that holds bricks or stones together.
Plumbing System
pipes and drains for water supply and waste disposal.
Plumbing Certification
This ensures that all plumbing systems, including water and sewage, are installed correctly and functionally.
Plywood
layers of wood glued together to form sheets for walls and other structures.
Progress Billings
payments throughout the project based on the completion of work. Your architect should review all billings to certify that the work has been completed per the contract conditions.
Punch List
a list of tasks and deficiencies that must be corrected to meet the contract specifications.
Rebar
steel rods are used to embed the concrete to make it strong and support the structure.
Retainage
the final amount is held back until all punch lists or deficiencies have been rectified and inspections are complete, verifying that they have been resolved.
RFI (Request for Information)
these items will be discussed during regular construction meetings. They refer to uncertainties or discrepancies in the project documents that need clarifying to proceed with the next steps in the construction.
Rough-ins
the infrastructure of plumbing, electrical and HVAC connections before walls are constructed.
Sheathing
boards or sheets to cover walls, floors, or roofs before applying the final surface. This can include foam board, strand board or plywood, strengthening and stabilizing structures.
Site Grading Certificate
you may or may not have to have an inspection that includes stormwater management systems to ensure the property is graded correctly.
Slab
a solid base for the building structure usually made of concrete that forms floors or the foundation.
Studs
vertical framing made of wood or steel to support drywall, and insulation provides a frame for doors and windows.
Subcontractor
hired to perform specific tasks that the general contractor may not have the expertise to perform. This could include plumbers, electricians and HVAC technicians.
Substantial Completion
indicates when the owner can take possession of the building and begin using it, even though some work still needs to be completed.
