Construction Terminology Cheat Sheet
Planning
Assignable Square Footage (ASF)
Usable square footage within a physical space (measured from finished wall to finished wall).
Addendum (Addenda)
Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying the bidding documents. An addendum is generally issued by the owner to the
contractor during the bidding process and as such, addenda are intended to become part of the contract documents when the
construction contract is executed.
Feasibility Study
A study based on a Project Program to determine a project budget, schedule and requirements for starting a Capital Improvement
Project. The feasibility study usually includes a conceptual design, site investigation such as geotechnical and utility infrastructure, cost
estimating including construction costs, project management fees, financing requirements and investigation into any issue that will have
an effect on the outcome of the project. A report is provided to describe if the project is feasible and what will be required to move
forward with the project.
Group I Equipment
Building Elements that are considered “part of the building”. These items are typically built into the structure of the building and are
not movable. ie: wall mounted items, lighting, cabinetry, a/v equipment, etc.
Group II Furniture/Equipment
Furniture/Equipment are movable and can be relocated from one space to another with ease. ie: tables, chairs, desks, office furniture,
classroom equipment, lab equipment, etc. Also known as FF&E (Furniture, Fixtures and Equipment).
Gross Square Footage (GSF)
Square footage that includes all unusable space within a building, ie: corridors, custodian closets, inside walls, utility spaces, etc.
Major & Minor Capital Improvement Project
A Major Capital Improvement Project is any project using Campus or CSU financing over $632,000. All projects under $632,000 are
considered Minor Capital Improvement Projects.
Performance Specifications
Performance Specifications contain the minimum acceptable standards and results to be achieved rather than dictating methods. This
includes specifying a minimum acceptable quality standard (above normal code requirements) and aesthetic values. Using performance
specifications in lieu of material specifications allow the design/build team the greatest flexibility in meeting the project goals.
Project Program and Programming
A Project Program is all the physical requirements of a Capital Improvement Project. This includes all occupancy and use requirements
as well as infrastructure requirements to meet the user’s needs. The Project Program is not a design, but the basis for the design.
Programming is the process of creating the Project Program and usually involves a series of meetings with all the potential stakeholders
to determine the requirements for the project.
Design
CSI Master Format
The CSI Master Format is a system of numbers and titles for organizing construction information into a regular, standard order or
sequence. By establishing a master list of titles and numbers Master Format promotes standardization and thereby facilitates the
retrieval of information and improves construction communication. It provides a uniform system for organizing information in project
manuals, for organizing project cost data, and for filing product information and other technical data
Construction Documents (CD Phase)
Detailed plans indicating how to construct the physical spaces of a building – or All drawings, specifications and addenda associated
with a specific construction project.
Constructability Review
Review of plans and specifications either by a contractor or third party reviewer to ensure accuracy and proper detail of the
construction plans.
CSI Master Format
The CSI Master Format is a system of numbers and titles for organizing construction information into a regular, standard order or