Construction glossary12 terms at launch

The same acronym should mean the same thing in the room.

Plain-English definitions for the records, controls, and commercial terms construction teams use every day, with regional synonyms where the language changes.

BOQ

Bill of Quantities

An itemized document describing and quantifying construction work for pricing, tender comparison, valuation, and commercial control.

DPR

Daily Progress Report

A daily project record covering work completed, labor, equipment, weather, delays, safety, visitors, instructions, and supporting evidence.

ITP

Inspection and Test Plan

A quality-control plan that defines inspection stages, tests, acceptance criteria, responsibilities, records, and witness or hold points for a work activity.

Method statement

A controlled document describing how a construction activity will be carried out, including sequence, resources, responsibilities, controls, and safety measures.

NCR

Non-Conformance Report

A controlled quality record documenting work, material, or a process that does not meet an applicable requirement and requires disposition and corrective action.

PTW

Permit to Work

A controlled authorization confirming that defined high-risk work may proceed within a specified area, time window, and set of precautions.

Retention

A percentage of certified payment withheld under a construction contract as security for completing obligations and correcting defects.

RFI

Request for Information

A formal construction document used to request clarification when drawings, specifications, site conditions, or instructions are unclear or conflicting.

Snagging / punch list

The process and record used to identify incomplete, defective, or non-compliant work that must be corrected before acceptance or closeout.

Submittal

A contractor's formal submission of product data, shop drawings, samples, calculations, or other information for project review before procurement or installation.

Variation order

A formal instruction or agreement that changes the contracted scope, quantity, quality, sequence, or conditions of construction work.

WBS

Work Breakdown Structure

A hierarchical breakdown of a project's scope into manageable deliverables, work packages, activities, and tasks.