Construction Organizations Key Terms

Understand the key terms relating to construction organizations

By Howard Robertson

Initially, construction organizations were just associations of professionals who came together to share their knowledge and expertise. Now, however, these organizations also take up various construction projects and also assist employees or members in updating their professional skills and training them on the latest OSHA regulations.

In this guide we will cover some of the key terms related to construction organizations that you will hear from professionals in the construction industry. This guide explains technical terms, such as construction managers, inspectors, architects and CSLB.

Construction managers

A construction manager is in charge of the construction project. The construction managers ensure the quality of the work done and the schedule for it. Their responsibilities include planning the project, supervising employees and handling billing issues.
Try: Read through the ‘Occupational Outlook Handbook’ by the U.S. Department of Labor for a thorough description of the job of construction managers.

Construction inspectors

A construction inspector inspects and approves various aspects of the construction process. At the end of each phase, the inspector asses the work done and the safety of the structure constructed.
Try: The Learning Pulse.com provides more information about the work of a construction inspector.

Architects

An architect designs the building structure. Before undertaking any designing work, an architect has to obtain a license or professional degree as per the requirements of the different states.
Try: Browse through StateUniversity or Bureau of Labor Statistics for more information about architects.

CSLB (Contractors State License Board)

All construction organizations must follow certain standards that have been set by the Contractors State License Board (CSLB). The CSLB regulates the entire construction industry.
Try: You can learn more about this key term at Contractors State License Board.

Construction safety

All personnel working in the construction industry must be aware of construction safety and they should actively practice safety rules. Construction safety involves the knowledge of matters such as first aid, electrical safety, fall protection, hazards of power lines and proper operation of equipment.
Try: For more information on construction safety training, browse through The Construction Safety Council’s Web site. Safety Management Group, a professional service organization, provides detailed information about the safety training programs relating to the construction industry.

Construction insurance

All construction organizations must be aware of various types of construction insurance plans. In order to avoid penalties, organizations must have the minimum insurance policy required by the state.
Try: ARCHITECT Online, a part of Hanley Wood network, provides description about various types and facets of construction insurance.

Construction software

Many organizations use construction software to manage different facets of the building process, such as documentation, scheduling the phases of building and managing the budget.
Try: For more information about construction software, you can read through information at Software Advice.

ASTM E1946 - 07

ASTM International (formerly American Society for Testing and Materials) promotes the building standard E1946 - 07. This procedure outlines the standard practice for measuring the cost risk of buildings and building systems.
Try: You can learn more about this standard at ASTM International.