Glossary of Terms

Budget Estimate / Budget Price

An estimate of or ballpark idea of costs given as a preliminary figure where incomplete information is available.

Building Code

Legal requirements to which building works must conform. Works ‘built to code’ comply with these legal requirements.

Bulkhead

A step down in a ceiling to create a lower level. Often used for decorative effect.

Certification / Certifiers

Previously an inspection and documentation process carried out by councils to ensure that building works met council requirements. Changes in legislation have resulted in private practitioners being able to approve buildings and building works.

Contract Administration

The administration process associated with processing accounts, invoices, contract documentation and job costing associated with projects.

Contract Sum

The value of the project which will be paid by the client, as agreed in the contract.

Contractor

A company or individual licensed to do certain construction activities, eg a plumbing contractor, electrical contractor.

Defects Liability Period

Timeframe determined by the contract in which defective works will be completed or fixed.

Design and Construct

A turnkey process where the company looks after both the design and construction.

Door Furniture

Door furniture, hinges, door handles, door closers, and other accessories that are used in hanging and operating a door.

Drawings

Another word for building plans.

Electrical Services

Power points and outlets, light fittings, switchboards, safety switches, emergency lights, and exit signs.

Finish / Finishes / Interior Finish

The product selection for laminates, tiles, paint, fabrics, etc.

Fitout

Generally applies to work other than base building works i.e. internal partitions, workstations, joinery items such as reception desks, cupboards, benches, and items such as signage, loose furniture, etc.

Joinery

Items of manufactured furniture, such as reception desks and office desks, benches, cupboards, board room tables. Joinery is usually custom made and can take several weeks from placing the order to delivery on site, making it a long lead time item.

Long-Lead Items

Items like joinery or certain furniture items that takes a length of time to arrive on site after being ordered. This delay between order and delivery may be caused by the item being custom made or refinished, or due to the location of the item, such as Italian glass mosaic tiles.

Mechanical Services

Refers to air conditioning items and installation such as ducting, condensers, and outlets.

Nominated Contractor

A specific contractor recommended by the client or consultant because of their expertise, a pre-existing relationship, or previous work history.

Partitions

Interior walls. Generally fixed but may be removable, made of plasterboard, glass, or other materials.

PC Sum

A single item estimate included in an otherwise firm quote. A PC sum is included where incomplete information makes it impossible to accurately quote an item.

Practical Completion

Describes when construction works have been completed in accordance with the contract, and the shop or office is suitable for occupancy or trading. At practical completion minor defects may still be outstanding.

Preliminary Design Phase / Concept or Sketch Design

Concept or sketch plans.

Preliminary Drawings

Building or other plans created to aid the decision making and discussion process when planning a fitout or refurbishment. Preliminary drawings are altered as changes or new decisions are made to produce final drawings.

Prelims / Preliminaries

Administrative and overhead costs including profit margins.

Principle Contractor

The main contractor engaging other subcontractors and that has ultimate responsibility for the project / building works.

Progress Claim

An invoice for a percentage of the total value of the contract issued during the construction of projects with a longer than average schedule of works. A progress claim for 40% of the contract sum may be issued when or after 40% of total construction has been completed.

Project Manager

Your contact at Witbrook Office Interiors who is an expert in managing construction projects. The Project Manager plans, coordinates, oversees, and takes responsibility for all aspects of a fitout or refurbishment from initial planning to final completion and beyond.

Reflected Ceiling Plan

A plan drawn of the ceiling as if drawn from someone with a mirror view of the ceiling, on top looking down. A reflected ceiling plan relates closely to the floor plan and is often created to ensure the accuracy of existing plans.

Refurb or Refurbishment

To update or restore an existing building, shop, or office without rebuilding the structure. Refurbishing may include major or minor building works, or simply aesthetic changes such as repainting and installing new furniture.

Schedule / Construction Program / Building Program

A program or timetable for the completion of a fitout or renovation. A schedule of works shows start and completion dates, and when each trade will be on the worksite. Project Managers use schedules of works to coordinate trades, track construction progress, and ensure that the project will be completed on handover day.