Glossary

Construction project management terms.

Plain-English definitions of the terms that come up on every job — written for people who run the work, not for a textbook.

As-built drawings: Revised drawings produced at project close that record exactly how the work was actually constructed, including all changes from the original design.
Change order: A formal amendment to the construction contract that modifies the scope, price, or schedule after work has begun.
Critical path: The longest sequence of dependent tasks that determines the shortest possible project duration — any delay on it delays the whole project.
Lien waiver: A document in which a contractor, subcontractor, or supplier waives their right to file a mechanic’s lien, usually in exchange for payment.
Look-ahead schedule: A short-horizon (usually 3–6 week) detailed schedule of upcoming work, pulled from the master schedule to coordinate crews and constraints.
Punch list: A list of remaining or deficient items to be completed or corrected before a project is considered finished.
RFI (Request for Information): A formal question raised during construction to clarify drawings, specs, or conditions before work proceeds.
Submittal: Documentation a contractor submits for approval — shop drawings, product data, or samples — confirming materials and methods meet the specs before installation.

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