AR General Contractor key terms

A legal claim filed against a property by a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier who was not paid for labor, materials, or services that improved the property. It can force a sale of the property to satisfy the debt.

A surety bond guaranteeing that a contractor will complete a project according to the contract terms. If the contractor defaults, the surety pays the owner up to the bond amount to finish the work.

A written, signed amendment to the contract that modifies the scope, price, or schedule of the work. Both owner and contractor typically must approve it before the changed work proceeds.

A percentage of each payment withheld by the owner until the project reaches substantial completion or final acceptance. It protects the owner against incomplete work and unresolved claims.

The stage when the work is sufficiently complete for the owner to use it for its intended purpose, with only minor items remaining. It often starts warranty periods and allows release of retainage.

A contract clause where one party agrees to cover losses, damages, or legal costs another party may suffer from specified events. It shifts risk among owner, contractor, and subcontractors.

A written modification to bidding or contract documents issued before bids are opened, such as a revised drawing or corrected specification. Bidders must acknowledge it in their proposal.

A credential issued by the Arkansas Contractors Licensing Board that authorizes a person or company to bid and perform construction work above set cost thresholds. It requires proven experience, exams, and insurance.

A scheduling technique that identifies the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project. Delays on this path push the project completion date unless the schedule is adjusted.

The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the project completion date or a later activity. Activities on the critical path have zero float.

Product data, shop drawings, samples, or mockups the contractor sends to the design professional for review and approval before materials or equipment are installed on the project.

A formal written question from the contractor to the designer asking for clarification of drawings, specifications, or contract requirements. The answer becomes part of the project record.

A written list of minor incomplete or defective work identified near the end of a project that the contractor must correct before final acceptance and final payment.

An itemized breakdown of the contract price allocated to each portion of the work. It is used to review progress payments based on the percentage of work completed.

The final phase of a project where the contractor completes punch list items, submits warranties, as-built drawings, and final documentation, and turns the project over to the owner.

The process of measuring and counting the materials and labor needed from drawings and specifications to produce a detailed estimate. Accuracy here strongly affects bid price and profit.

A percentage or lump sum added to an estimate to cover unknown costs such as unforeseen conditions, price changes, or minor design gaps. It is not meant to fund added scope.

A specific dollar amount included in a contract for work or materials not yet fully defined, such as light fixtures. The actual cost is reconciled later and the contract price adjusts.

A fixed cost per measured unit of work, such as dollars per cubic yard of concrete. Multiplying the unit price by the quantity gives the total cost for that item.

A drawing that shows the project as seen from directly above, displaying layout, dimensions, and the locations of walls, openings, and equipment.

A drawing showing the vertical face of a building or interior wall, including heights, finishes, and the vertical arrangement of doors, windows, and materials.

A written document describing the quality, materials, standards, and workmanship required for the project. It complements the drawings, and together they define the full scope of work.

The ratio that relates a distance measured on a drawing to the actual distance it represents, such as one-quarter inch equals one foot. Using the wrong scale causes major estimating errors.

A field test that measures the consistency and workability of fresh concrete by filling a standard cone, removing it, and measuring how far the concrete settles.

The process of keeping concrete moist and at a suitable temperature after placement so it develops strength and durability. Proper curing reduces cracking and improves long-term performance.

Temporary molds, usually wood or metal, that hold fresh concrete in the desired shape and position until it hardens enough to support itself and construction loads.

The widened lower portion of a foundation that spreads building loads over a larger soil area, reducing settlement and preventing excessive pressure on the ground beneath the structure.

Mechanical densification of soil or fill by removing air voids, usually with rollers or tampers. Proper compaction increases bearing capacity and reduces settling under foundations and slabs.

A low-permeability sheet material placed under a slab or in a crawl space to block moisture movement from the soil into the building. It helps prevent dampness, mold, and floor finish failures.

A wall that supports structural loads from above, such as floors and roof, and transfers them to the foundation. Removing or altering it without proper design can cause collapse.

An individual designated by the employer who can identify existing and predictable hazards and has authority to take prompt corrective action, as required by OSHA construction standards.

Systems and practices that prevent workers from falling from heights, including guardrails, safety nets, personal fall arrest, and safe work procedures. OSHA requires it at six feet in construction.

A method such as sloping, benching, shoring, or a trench box used to protect workers from cave-ins in excavations. It is required at five feet deep unless stable rock is present.

A space with limited entry and exit that is not designed for continuous occupancy, such as a tank or manhole. Entry may require atmospheric testing, a permit, and an attendant.

Clothing and gear worn to reduce exposure to workplace hazards, such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and respirators. Employers must provide it, train workers, and enforce its use.

The OSHA-required program that ensures workers know about chemical hazards through container labels, safety data sheets, and training. It applies to hazardous chemicals used or stored on site.

A site-specific plan required under stormwater permits that identifies pollution sources and describes best management practices, inspections, and controls to keep sediment and pollutants out of runoff.