Daily Construction Report A written document and record that has two main purposes: (1) they furnish          information to off-site persons who need and have a right to know important details of events as they occur daily and hourly, and (2) they furnish historical documentation that might later have a legal bearing in cases of disputes. Daily reports should be as factual and impersonal as possible, free from the expression of personal opinions and feelings. Each report should be numbered to correspond with the working days established on the progress schedule. In the event of no-work days, a daily report should still be made, stating "no work today" ( due to rain, strike, or other causes). The report includes a description of the weather; a record of the total number of employees, subcontractors by name, work  started and completed today, equipment on the job site, job progress today, names and titles of visitors, accidents and/or safety meetings, and a remarks column for other job related information.

Date of Agreement (1) Usually on the front page of the agreement (2) If not on front page it may be the date opposite the signatures when the agreement was    actually signed (3) or when it was recorded (4) or the date the agreement

was actually awarded to the contractor.

Date of Commencement of the Work The date established in a written notice to proceed from the owner to the contractor.

Date of Substantial Completion The date certified by the architect when the work or a designated portion thereof is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the contract documents, so the owner may occupy the work or designated

portion thereof for the use for which it is intended.

Demising Walls The boundaries that separate your space from your neighbors' and from the public corridor.

Design A graphical representation consisting of plan views, interior and exterior elevations, sections, and other drawings and details to depict the goal or purpose for a building or other structure.

Design-Build Construction When a Prime or Main contractor bids or negotiates to provide Design and Construction services for the entire construction project.

Design-Construct Contract A written agreement between and contractor and owner wherein the contractor agrees to provide both design and construction services.

Design-Development Phase The second phase of the architect's basic services wherein the architect prepares drawings and other presentation documents to fix and describe the size and character of the entire project as to architectural, structural, mechanical and electrical systems, materials and other essentials as may be appropriate; and prepares a statement of probable construction cost.

Detail (1) An individual part or item (2) A graphical scale representation (drawing at a larger scale) of construction part(s) or item(s) showing materials, composition and dimensions.

Direct Cost  (or expense) All items of expense directly incurred by or attributable to a specific project, assignment or task. Direct Costs, Hard Costs, and Construction Costs are synonymous. (see Construction Costs and Hard Costs)

Drawings (1) A term used to represent that portion of the contract documents that graphically illustrates the design, location and dimensions of the components and elements contained in a specific project (2) A line drawing.

Duration The length of an activity, excluding holidays and other non-working days.

Engineer (see Professional Engineer)

Estimate (1) To calculate approximately the amount, extent or value of something (2) To form an opinion of estimated costs.

Estimate of Construction Cost, Detailed A calculation of costs prepared on the basis of a detailed analysis of materials and labor for all items of work, as contrasted with an estimate based on current area, volume or similar unit costs.        

Estimating A process of calculating the amount of material, labor and equipment required for a given project necessary to complete the work as specified.

Fast Track Construction (Fast Tracking) A method of construction management which involves a continuous design-construction operation. When a prime or main contractor starts the construction work BEFORE the plans and specifications are complete. (See Design-Build Construction)

Field Order A written order effecting a minor change or clarification in the work not involving an adjustment to the contract sum or an extension of the contract time.

Field Report (see Daily Construction Report)

Field Work Order A written request to a subcontractor or vendor, usually from the general or main contractor, site for services or materials.

Final Acceptance The action of the owner accepting the work from the contractor when the owner deems the work completed in accordance with the contract requirements. Final acceptance is confirmed by the owner when making the final payment to the contractor.

Final Inspection A final site review of the project by the contractor, owner or owner’s authorized representative prior to issuing the final certificate for payment.

Final Payment The last payment from the owner to the contractor of the entire unpaid balance of the contract sum as adjusted by any approved change orders. (see Final Acceptance)

Finish Date The date that an activity or project is completed.

Fixed Fee A set contract amount for all labor, materials, equipment and services; and contractors overhead and profit for all work being performed for a specific scope of work.

Fixed Limit of Construction Costs A construction cost ceiling agreed to between the owner and architect or engineer for designing a specific project. (See Budget)

FF&E (1) An abbreviation for furniture, fixtures and equipment (2) Items classified as personal property rather than real property (3) An abbreviation generally associated with interior design and planning of retail stores or office         facilities.

Gantt Chart The schedule of activities for a project. A Gantt Chart shows start and finish dates, critical and non-critical activities, slack time, and predecessor relationships.

General Conditions A written portion of the contract documents set forth by the owner stipulating the contractor’s minimum acceptable performance requirements including the rights, responsibilities and relationships of the parties involved in the performance of the contract. General conditions are usually included in the book of specifications but are sometimes found in the architectural drawings.

General Contractor Properly licensed individual or company having primary (prime) responsibility for the work.

General Contracting (the traditional method) When a prime or main contractor bids the entire work AFTER the final design, plans and specifications are complete and have been approved by the owner. (see Design-Build Construction           and Fast Track Construction)

Hard Costs (see Construction Costs and Direct Costs)

Independent Contractor One free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or others and does not owe a "fiduciary duty". Example: architect, engineer, prime or main contractor, construction manager at-risk.

Improvements (1) A term sometimes used to describe TI'S or Tenant Improvements.(2) Improvements can be in the form of new construction or remodel work. (see TI'S)

Indemnification (1)The act of indemnifying. (2) The condition of being indemnified.

Indirect Cost (or expense) A contractor’s or consultant’s overhead expense; expenses indirectly incurred and not chargeable to a specific project or task. The terms Indirect costs and soft costs are synonymous . (see Soft Costs)

Inspection (1) The act of inspecting. (2) An official examination or review of the work completed or in progress to determine its compliance with contract requirements.

Inspection List (punch list) A list prepared by the owner or his/her authorized representative of items of work requiring immediate corrective or completion action by the contractor.

Inspection Report Sometimes used to describe an Inspection List. (see Inspection List)

Inspector One who is appointed or employed to inspect something.

Interior Finish A term used to represent the visible elements, materials and applications applied to a building’s interior excluding furniture, fixtures and equipment. (see FF&E)

Invoice A list sent to a purchaser containing the items and charges of merchandise. (see Statement)