Glossary

Activity
1. A scheduling term 2. The smallest work unit within a project; the basic building block of a project.

ADA
The Americans with Disabilities Act which gives civil rights protection to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion. It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local government services, and telecommunications.

Addendum
(Addenda) Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the bidding documents. An addendum is generally issued by the owner to the contractor during the bidding process and as such, addenda are intended to become part of the contract documents when the construction contract is executed.

Agent
One authorized by a client (principal) to act in his/her stead or behalf and owes the client a "fiduciary duty" (Trust). Example: Construction Manager for fee but classified as an independent contractor for tax purposes. A construction manager for fee does not have any financial responsibility whereas a construction manager at-risk does have financial risk similar to a general contractor.

Agreement
An arrangement between the parties regarding a method of action.

Alterations
1. A term used to describe partial construction work performed within an existing structure 2. Remodeling without a building addition.

Alternate Bid
Amount stated in the bid to be added or deducted from the base bid amount proposed for alternate materials and/or methods of construction.

Application for Payment
Contractor's written request for payment for completed portions of the work and, for materials delivered or stored and properly labeled for the respective project.

Architect
One who designs and supervises the construction of buildings or other structures.

Architect-Engineer
An individual or firm offering professional services as both architect and engineer.

Architects Basic Services
A recognized series of phases performed by an architect as follows: 1st Schematic Design Phase, 2nd Design Development Phase, 3rd Construction Document Phase, 4th Bidding or Negotiated Phase, 5th Construction Phase.

Architectural Drawing
A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the building.

As-Built Drawings
(also known as Record Drawing) Contract drawings marked up to reflect changes made during the construction process. It is good practice to make As-Built drawings by marking the changes on reproducible drawings such as sepias for the duplication purposes later.