SC General Contractor key terms

A written modification to the contract that changes the scope, price, or schedule of the work. It must be signed by authorized parties before the changed work proceeds.

A scheduling method that identifies the longest sequence of dependent tasks in a project. Activities on this path have no slack, so any delay there delays the completion date.

A percentage of each progress payment withheld by the owner until the work is substantially complete or final payment is due. It protects the owner against unfinished or defective work.

A written statement in which a contractor or supplier gives up the right to file a mechanic's lien for work or materials, usually in exchange for a payment.

A list of minor incomplete or defective items compiled near the end of a project. The contractor must correct these items before final acceptance and final payment.

A breakdown of the contract price into work items with assigned values, used to evaluate progress payments. Each line should reflect the portion of the work it represents.

A formal written request from the contractor asking the designer or owner to clarify contract documents. Responses become part of the project record and may lead to a change order.

The stage when the work is sufficiently complete for its intended use, even though minor items remain. It triggers warranty start, retainage release, and the punch list period.

Project documents such as shop drawings, product data, and samples that the contractor provides to the designer for review and approval before installation.

A surety guarantee that a bidder will enter the contract and provide required bonds if awarded. If the bidder defaults, the surety pays the owner up to the bond amount.

A surety bond that protects the owner if the contractor fails to perform the contract. The surety may complete the work or pay the owner for losses up to the bond amount.

A surety bond that guarantees payment to subcontractors, laborers, and suppliers on a project. It protects the owner from liens filed by unpaid parties.

A separate bid item that allows a bidder to price an optional addition to the base scope. The owner may accept or reject it depending on available funds.

A contract where work is paid at a fixed price per unit of measured quantity, such as per cubic yard. Final payment depends on actual quantities performed.

A predetermined amount of money stated in the contract that the contractor owes the owner for each day of delay beyond the completion date.

A contract clause where one party agrees to compensate the other for certain losses or claims. It shifts legal liability to the party that caused the harm.

A written change or clarification to the bidding documents issued before bid opening. Contractors must acknowledge all addenda in their bids, and each becomes part of the contract documents.

The process of measuring and listing all materials and work items from the plans and specifications. It forms the basis for pricing an estimate.

The ratio that relates a distance on a drawing to the actual distance it represents. Common scales are shown in the title block or as a graphic bar.

A drawing that shows the exterior or interior face of a building as seen from one side, with heights and vertical relationships.

A drawing that shows a cut-through view of a building or assembly, revealing internal construction and vertical dimensions. Sections are keyed to plan views so readers can locate where the cut is taken.

An enlarged drawing of a specific connection or assembly, showing materials, dimensions, and fasteners needed for construction. Details clarify how components fit together where plan views are too small.

Written requirements that describe materials, workmanship, and quality standards for the project. They supplement the drawings and govern when the two conflict, depending on the contract's order of precedence.

An allowance added to calculated material quantities to cover cutting, breakage, and other losses during installation. It is usually expressed as a percentage of the net quantity.

Costs for running a business that are not tied to a specific work item, plus the margin the contractor expects to earn. These are added to direct costs.

The widened base of a foundation wall or column that spreads building loads over a larger area of soil. Footings are sized according to the load and the soil's bearing capacity.

A concrete slab poured directly on prepared soil, often used for floors in homes and light commercial buildings. A vapor barrier and base course are typically placed beneath it.

A field test that measures the consistency and workability of fresh concrete by how far a molded sample settles when the cone is lifted.

Keeping concrete moist and at a suitable temperature after placement so it can gain strength and durability. Curing usually lasts at least seven days for typical structural concrete.

Steel reinforcing bars placed in concrete to carry tension forces and control cracking. Rebar must be positioned, lapped, and covered as shown on the structural drawings.

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

The process of mechanically densifying soil or fill so it can support structures without excessive settling. Compaction is tested in the field, often by measuring dry density.

Temporary supports used to hold up an excavation, structure, or formwork until permanent construction can carry the loads. Shoring must be designed by a qualified person and inspected regularly.

Equipment such as hard hats, safety glasses, gloves, and boots worn by workers to reduce exposure to job-site hazards. Employers must provide required PPE and train workers on its use.

Systems and practices that prevent workers from falling from heights, such as guardrails, personal fall arrest, and safe work procedures.

A method such as sloping, benching, shoring, or a trench box used to protect workers from cave-ins in excavations. It is required for trenches five feet deep or more unless a competent person finds no hazard.

Official authorization from the local building department to begin construction according to approved plans and applicable codes. Work performed without one can result in stop-work orders and fines.

A document issued by the building official confirming that a completed building complies with codes and may be legally occupied.

A continuous and unobstructed path of travel from a building to a public way, including exits, corridors, and doors.