Allowance - A fixed sum for a specific portion of the work used when the exact character or quality of an element of the work is not known at the time of bidding. The final price will be determined when the final product is selected. Allowances are typically linked to areas of question within a design or to items that a homeowner will have to select.

Budget Estimate – A bid for a specific plan that includes all structural components up to and including drywall – all non-structural components will be included as allowances. The Budget Estimate includes detailed structural drawings, detailed scope and detailed structural schedules.

Certified Aging In Place Specialist – TM (CAPS) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize design/construction of areas or details in a home that will allow a person to live comfortably as they age and as physical abilities may change.

Certified Graduate Remodeler - TM (CGR) is an exclusive professional designation designed to emphasize business management skills as the key to a professional remodeling operation. The CGR designation requires that graduates meet prescribed standards of business practice, possess a minimum of five years remodeling industry experience, have a proven track record of successful project management, complete a comprehensive education curriculum, and pledge to uphold the program's code of ethics.

Change Order – Document created by builder, based on cost information from builder and/or trade contractors and/or vendors, signed by homeowner before any work is completed that alters the fixed price listed on a contract agreement. Change order can be positive or negative.

Conceptual drawings – Drawings produced by the designer during the design phase and presented to homeowners and/or draftsman for discussion or for conversion into computer drawings.

Construction Details – Drawing showing specific details of how a something will be constructed.

Contract Proposal – The final contract (including a fixed price) signed by Homeowner. The Contract Proposal includes detailed structural and finished drawings, detailed scope and detailed structural and finish schedules.

Drafting – Conversion of all conceptual drawings, structural and finish components and selections into a set of plans.

Elevations - A horizontal view of a building, or object, from one side.

Finish – All components of construction installed after the structural portion is complete. Examples – trim work, cabinetry, flooring, paint, etc.

Fixed Price – A final price that will not change unless there are unforeseen circumstances or the client changes the scope or specifications of the project.

Floor Plan - A view of a building floor, looking down from above, showing its horizontal elements, such as, walls, doors, windows, cabinetry, etc.

Perspectives - A 2 dimensional drawing that represents a 3 dimensional view with vanishing points.

Plan(s)/Drawing(s) (Set of) – A combination of all graphic and written documentation that includes floor plans, construction details, elevations, perspectives, sections and schedules.

Preliminary Estimate - The probable cost is presented, but the final contract will be based on actual costs. The preliminary bid includes basic preliminary drawings, detailed scope and basic schedules.

Rendering – Color representation of a perspective. Renderings are not often used as color variation from computer to printer to actual color often vary.

Scope – A detailed list by category (ex. Framing, Concrete, etc.) listing exactly what functions of a project will be completed within each category.

Schedules – Tables laid out in the last pages of a set of plans that include the detailed list of specifications.

Sections - A drawing that represents a slice through a building (usually a vertical slice).

Specifications – Documentation of the specific material or fixture to be used in each detail of a project.

Structural – All components of construction considered to be part of the “structure” of a building up to and including drywall. Examples – excavation, concrete, framing, etc.

Sustainable Building – Building with the life of the home in mind. Examples of sustainable options include but aren’t limited to ICF foundations, foam insulation, geothermal heating/cooling, Energy Star appliances, etc.

Trade Contractor (sub contractor) – Individual or company under contract of builder, hired to complete a specific portion of a project.

Unforeseen Circumstances – Items/issues that could not have been discovered without the project having been started. Examples – excavation/discovery of rock or other impediment, demolition/discovery of termites or mold.

Vendor (supplier) – Individual or company that provides material to be used in a project.