Builder’s Glossary

B

• Blueprint
  A detailed drawing or design plan used to guide the construction of a building. It shows dimensions, layout, and materials.
• Building Control
  A local authority or private service that ensures construction work complies with UK Building Regulations. They inspect stages of a build for safety and standards.

C

• Council Tax Banding
  While not strictly a construction term, builders in London often work with clients concerned about how extensions or conversions may affect their Council Tax Band.

D

• Drywall
  Panels used to create interior walls and ceilings. Also known as plasterboard or sheetrock.

F

• Foundation
  The base of a building, usually made of concrete, that supports the entire structure and transfers weight to the ground.
• Framing
  The structural skeleton of a building — usually made from wood or steel — that gives it shape and support.

G

• General Contractor
  The main person or company responsible for managing the entire construction project, including hiring subcontractors and coordinating work.

L

• Listed Building
  A building officially designated as having historical or architectural significance. Alterations require special Listed Building Consent.
• Load-Bearing Wall
  A wall that supports weight from above (such as the roof or upper floors). Removing or altering it requires structural support.

M

• MOT Type 1 (Sub-base)
  Crushed stone used as a sub-base for driveways and patios in the UK. Named after the Ministry of Transport standards.

P

• Party Wall
  A shared wall between two adjoining properties, usually in terraced or semi-detached homes. Works on or near a party wall require a Party Wall Agreement under the Party Wall etc. Act 1996.
• Permit
  An official approval required from the local government before beginning certain construction or renovation work.
• Permitted Development
  Certain types of home improvements (like small extensions or loft conversions) that don’t need full planning permission — as long as they meet specific rules.
• Planning Permission
  Official approval from the local council (like Barnet, Westminster, Southgate, Cockfosters, Finchley or Camden) required before making certain changes to buildings or land use.
• Punch List
  A list of small tasks or fixes that need to be completed before the construction project is considered fully finished.

R

• Rough-In
  The early stage of construction when plumbing, electrical, or HVAC lines are installed before walls or finishes go up.

S

• Section 106 Agreement (S106)
  A legal agreement between developers and the local planning authority — often involving contributions to local infrastructure or affordable housing in larger London developments.
  
• Snagging
  A term used to describe minor defects or unfinished work at the end of a construction project — typically reviewed before final handover.

Z

• Zoning
  Local government rules that dictate how a piece of land can be used — for example, for residential, commercial, or industrial buildings.