Definitions
Common Building Industry Terms and Definitions
Architects
Qualified professionals who design buildings, prepare drawings, and oversee construction to ensure work is completed to design and safety standards.
Architectural design
The process of creating plans and drawings for buildings, focusing on function, aesthetics, and compliance with planning rules.
Architectural plans
Detailed technical drawings that show the layout, dimensions, and construction details of a building project, used for planning, building control, and construction.
Building regulations
Legal requirements in the UK covering construction standards for safety, energy efficiency, accessibility, and more.
Building Safety Act
UK legislation introduced to improve safety in the construction and occupation of buildings, focusing on accountability, quality, and risk management.
CDM 2015 (Construction Design and Management Regulations 2015)
UK regulations that set out the responsibilities of all parties involved in construction for safety and health.
Conservation
The process of protecting and maintaining buildings of historical or cultural significance.
Consultants
Independent professionals who ensure that building work complies with building regulations.
Designs for planning
Drawings and documents required for submitting a planning application, showing the proposed building’s appearance, layout, and impact. Once planning has been secured, drawings should be developed with more detail to allow for accurate project pricing.
Extension
Adding extra space to an existing building, either by building out or up.
Federation of Master Builders
The largest trade association in the UK construction industry, representing small and medium-sized building companies.
First fix
Work carried out before plastering, including structural framing, wiring, and plumbing installations.
Footings
The concrete base below foundations that spreads the load of the building into the ground.
Heritage property
Buildings with historic value, sometimes protected due to cultural importance.
Interior design
Planning and designing the internal spaces of a building, focusing on layout, finishes, lighting, and furnishings.
JCT Contracts
Standard form construction contracts published by the Joint Contracts Tribunal, widely used in the UK for building projects.
Listed building planning consent
Permission required to alter or extend a listed building, on top of standard planning permission.
Listed buildings
Properties on the official register of buildings of special architectural or historic interest, protected by law.
MVHR (Mechanical Ventilation with Heat Recovery)
A system that provides continuous ventilation while recovering heat from exhaust air to improve energy efficiency.
Party wall agreements
Legal agreements with neighbours when building work affects shared walls or structures close to property boundaries.
Period property
A building built before 1914, often with historic or architectural significance.
Planning permission
Consent from a local authority to carry out building work or changes to a property that affect appearance or use.
Plate
A timber element, often called a wall plate, placed on top of walls to support roof rafters or trusses.
Preliminary costs
Initial costs for surveys, drawings, professional fees, and early investigations before construction begins.
Renovation
Updating and improving existing buildings, including repairs, modernisation, and redecoration.
Roof
The structure covering the top of a building, made up of rafters, trusses, and coverings such as tiles or slate.
Second fix
Finishing work after plastering, such as fitting sockets, switches, skirting, doors, and final plumbing connections.
Self-build / new build
Construction of a new home, either managed directly by the homeowner or by contractors.
SSIP Accreditation
Safety Schemes in Procurement accreditation, demonstrating a company’s compliance with health and safety standards.
Structure
The main framework of a building, including walls, floors, roof, and supporting elements.
Structural engineer
A professional who calculates the strength, stability, and durability of structures, advising on materials and construction methods.
Structural engineer’s design
Drawings and calculations showing how structural elements (steel, timber, foundations) are safely designed and specified.
Substructure
The part of the building below ground level, including foundations, footings, and ground floors.
Sustainable construction
Building practices that reduce environmental impact through material choice, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and long-term performance.
Temporary works
Structures or systems used during construction to support the building process, like scaffolding or propping.
VAT
Value Added Tax, charged at 20% on most building work. Some works, such as new builds or certain conversions, may qualify for reduced or zero rates.
Warranty
A guarantee provided by a builder or manufacturer covering the repair or replacement of defects or issues for a specified period after completion.