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Common Terminologies Of Construction That You Need To Know

A: Hey, Mr. B! Great to have you onboard. We’ll start with the floor plan, and once we’ve got the elevation sorted, you’ll get a clearer picture. I’ve got a feeling contemporary style might be right up your alley.

B: Uh… I’m sorry but I have no idea what you just said.

Elevation, HVAC, facade – these are fancy words for common people and common words for professionals in the construction industry. Knowing the meaning behind these common construction terminologies is crucial for clear communication with architects, builders, and contractors. 

But is it only necessary for clear communication? 

No, it also helps you make informed decisions about materials and costs, manage your budget, and ensure the quality of work. Knowing these terms also aids in effective project oversight and avoids misunderstandings.

Let’s take a look at the common construction terminologies. 

 

Common Terminologies In Architecture Stage

The architectural design phase involves a unique set of terms and concepts that can be a little unfamiliar and a lot confusing. Floor plans, elevations, and blueprints – are certain architectural terms that will help you and your architect to accurately capture your ideas and bring them to life in the final design.

Here are some common terms you’ll likely come across during the architecture stage. 

 

Basic Architectural Terms

Term Meaning
Elevation A drawing showing the exterior of a building from a specific viewpoint.
Floor Plan A top-down view of a floor, showing the layout of rooms, walls, and openings.
Section A drawing showing a vertical slice through a building, revealing its interior structure and materials.
Site Plan A plan showing the location of a building on a specific site, including landscaping, utilities, and access points.
Rendering A visually appealing representation of a proposed building, often created using computer-aided design (CAD) software.

 

Architectural Styles and Elements

Term Meaning
Classical Based on ancient Greek and Roman architecture, often characterized by columns, arches, and symmetry.
Modern Emphasizes clean lines, functional design, and a focus on materials and structure.
Contemporary A blend of modern and traditional elements, often incorporating innovative materials and techniques.
Facade The exterior face of a building.
Balcony A platform projecting from the exterior wall of a building, often with a railing.
Bay Window A window that projects outward from the wall of a building, creating additional space.

 

Construction and Design Elements

Term Meaning
Foundation The base of a building that supports the superstructure.
Framing The structural skeleton of a building, typically made of wood, steel, or concrete.
Roofing The covering of a building, protecting it from the elements.
HVAC Heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Plumbing The system of pipes and fixtures for water supply and waste removal.
Electrical The system of wiring and fixtures for electrical power.

 

Architectural Drawings and Documents

Term Meaning
Blueprints A set of architectural plans, often printed on blue paper.
Specifications A written document detailing the materials, finishes, and construction methods to be used in a project.
Building Permit A government document authorizing construction to begin.
Zoning Regulations Rules governing the use of land and buildings within a specific area.

 

Common Construction Terminologies

Now that the floor plans and elevations are done, we’ll move into the next category: Foundation, scaffolding, clearing, grading, etc. 

Your construction involves more than blueprints and budgets, it requires a clear and accurate understanding of the industry-specific terms. Let’s take a look at the common construction terminologies to help you enhance your communication with your builder and contractor. 

 

Construction Terminologies in Pre-Construction Phase

Term Meaning
Site Selection Choosing the appropriate location based on factors like zoning, accessibility, and infrastructure.
Planning and Design Developing architectural plans, engineering drawings, and specifications.
Permitting Getting necessary approvals and permits from the Government authorities.
Budgeting Estimating the project’s cost and creating a financial plan.
Material Procurement Sourcing and ordering materials needed for construction.
Demolition Removing existing structures if necessary.
Clearing and Grading Preparing the site for construction by clearing debris and leveling the ground.
Utilities Installing temporary utilities like water, electricity, and sanitation.

 

Common Terminologies in Construction Phase

Term Meaning
Excavation Digging trenches or pits for the foundation.
Formwork Building temporary structures to hold the concrete.
Reinforcement Placing steel bars or rebar for structural integrity.
Concrete Pouring Pouring concrete into the forms to create the foundation.
Curing Allowing the concrete to harden and gain strength.
Framing Building the structural framework of the building using wood, steel, or concrete.
Exterior Walls Installing exterior walls, including insulation and cladding.

 

Construction Terminologies in Post-Construction Phase

Term Meaning
Plumbing Installing plumbing systems for water supply and waste removal.
Electrical Wiring the building for electrical power and lighting.
HVAC Installing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
Drywall Installing drywall sheets for interior walls and ceilings.
Painting Painting interior walls, ceilings, and trim.
Flooring Installing flooring materials like hardwood, tile, or carpet.
Cabinets and Countertops Installing kitchen and bathroom cabinets and countertops.
Exterior Trim Installing exterior trim, such as moldings and fascia.
Landscaping Creating landscaping features like lawns, gardens, and walkways.
Inspections Conducting final inspections by building officials to ensure compliance with codes and regulations.
Punch List Addressing any remaining issues or defects.
Occupancy Permit Obtaining a permit allowing the building to be occupied.

 

To Conclude,

Now that you know these common construction terminologies, you’ll be in a stronger position to handle your home construction. 

The basic construction terminology will make it easier to communicate with your contractors, make smart decisions, and keep the construction on track. With this knowledge, you’ll be able to oversee every step of the process and ensure your vision comes to life just as you imagined. 

You’re now better prepared for a smooth and successful completion of your dream home – Good luck!

 

Frequently Asked Questions

What are some common terms used in building drawing?

Building drawings use terms like floor plans, sections, elevations, details, schedules, and dimensions to convey information about the structure’s layout, materials, and construction methods.

What are the common terms used on a construction site in India?

In India, common construction site terms include:

  • Masonry terms: bricks, mortar, plaster, and concrete.
  • Carpentry terms: timber, beams, joists, and plywood.
  • Plumbing terms: pipes, fittings, fixtures, and sanitary ware.
  • Electrical terms: wiring, switches, sockets, and lighting fixtures.
  • General terms: site, foundation, superstructure, and finishing.

What are the 20 words associated with building construction?

Foundation, Framing, Exterior, Interior, Roof, Walls, Flooring, Windows, Doors, Plumbing, Electrical, HVAC, Insulation, Drywall, Masonry, Concrete, Steel, Wood, Site, Blueprint.

What is the purpose of learning construction terminologies?

Learning construction terminologies is crucial for effective communication and understanding within the industry. It helps professionals navigate blueprints, discuss project details, and collaborate efficiently with architects, engineers, and contractors.

Are these terms specific to residential construction?

Yes, there are terms specific to residential construction. These include: Kitchen, Bathroom, Bedroom, Living room, Garage, Deck, Patio, Porch, Balcony, Foyer, Attic, Basement, Subdivision, HOA.

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