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Glossary / Definition List

Below you will find a glossary of the key terms used in the CIRI website to describe construction work.

Builder

For the purposes of Building Control Regulations a builder is the competent entity undertaking to construct, and certify, the construction of building works. A builder is defined as an entity with a single point of responsibility under a prime contract in its totality for a client, or for delivery for sale, of buildings and building works including associated services and specialist elements.

Single House:

A single domestic residential unit, including related services.

Housing scheme:

A number of detached, semi-detached, or terraced residential units (but not apartments or duplexes) forming a single estate, including site infrastructure and associated services.

Apartment Buildings:

One or several multi-user residential building(s) containing individual apartments and common areas, including site infrastructure and associated services.

Residential Extension and Refurbishment:

An extension and/or refurbishment of a single residential unit or group of residential units.

Commercial Buildings:

A building other than a residential building, including any building developed for industrial or public purposes. Including but not limited to occupancies for assembly, business, education, institutions, food sales and service, merchants and storage.

Commercial Extension and Refurbishment:

An extension and/or refurbishment of a Commercial Building (as defined above).

Commercial Fit-Out:

A Fit-Out comprises internal works only to a shell & core or existing Commercial Building (as defined above) to provide accommodation and services for an end user, or occupier.

Heritage Works:

The specialist conservation and restoration of heritage projects and sites.

Civil Engineering Works:

The construction, upgrading, and maintenance of infrastructure and facilities in the areas of roads, bridges, transportation, structures, environmental, water, ports and harbours and rivers but excluding site infrastructure forming part of a commercial or residential development.

Building Services Contractors

Electrical, mechanical, and lifts (vertical transportation) contractors who contract, or subcontract under a secondary contract, to provide electrical and mechanical services to builders and/or directly to clients in new or existing residential and commercial buildings.

Specialist Elements

Contract or sub-contract under a secondary contract to provide specialist services to builders and/or directly to clients.