Construction Management Cheat Sheet

The core ideas of Construction Management distilled into a single, scannable reference — perfect for review or quick lookup.

PiqCue — piqcue.com/construction-management/cheatsheet

Quick Reference

Critical Path Method (CPM)

A scheduling technique that identifies the longest sequence of dependent activities in a project, determining the shortest possible project duration. Any delay to a critical-path activity delays the entire project.

Earned Value Management (EVM)

A project performance measurement method that integrates scope, schedule, and cost data. It compares the planned value of work with the earned value of work actually completed and the actual cost incurred to assess project health.

Building Information Modeling (BIM)

A digital representation of the physical and functional characteristics of a facility that serves as a shared knowledge resource for information about a project, forming a reliable basis for decisions throughout its life cycle.

Design-Build Delivery

A project delivery method in which a single entity, the design-builder, holds both the design and construction contracts, providing a single point of responsibility and typically accelerating the project timeline through overlapping design and construction phases.

Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR)

A delivery method where the construction manager provides a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) and assumes the financial risk if actual costs exceed the GMP. The CM is involved during design to provide constructability input and cost feedback.

Change Order Management

The formal process of documenting, evaluating, pricing, and approving modifications to the original contract scope, schedule, or cost. Unmanaged change orders are a leading cause of disputes and budget overruns.

Lean Construction

An adaptation of lean manufacturing principles to the construction industry, focused on maximizing value and minimizing waste through collaborative planning, pull-based scheduling, and continuous improvement.

Submittal and RFI Process

Submittals are documents provided by the contractor to demonstrate that materials and equipment comply with contract specifications. Requests for Information (RFIs) are formal questions seeking clarification of design intent. Both are critical communication channels between the field and the design team.

Safety Management and OSHA Compliance

The systematic identification, assessment, and control of hazards on a construction site. In the United States, OSHA's Construction Standards (29 CFR 1926) set minimum requirements covering fall protection, scaffolding, excavation, and electrical safety.

Preconstruction Services

Activities performed before physical construction begins, including cost estimating, value engineering, constructability review, scheduling, permitting, and procurement planning. Effective preconstruction reduces risk and improves project outcomes.

Key Terms at a Glance

Addendum:A document issued during the bidding phase that modifies or clarifies the original bid documents.

As-Built Drawings:Revised drawings produced after construction, showing the actual dimensions, locations, and details of the completed work.

Bid Bond:A surety bond guaranteeing that the bidder will enter into the contract at the bid price if awarded the project.

Building Information Modeling (BIM):A digital 3D model-based process for creating and managing information about a building throughout its life cycle.

Change Order:A written agreement to modify the contract scope, cost, or schedule after the contract has been executed.

Closeout:The final phase of a construction project including punch list completion, final inspections, as-built delivery, and release of retainage.

Constructability:The ease and efficiency with which a project design can be constructed using available resources and methods.

Contingency:A budgeted reserve set aside to cover unforeseen costs or risks during a construction project.

Critical Path:The longest continuous sequence of dependent activities that determines the shortest possible project duration.

Design-Build:A project delivery method in which a single entity provides both design and construction services under one contract.

Earned Value:The budgeted cost of work actually performed, used to measure project performance against the baseline plan.

Float:The amount of time an activity can be delayed without delaying the overall project completion date.

General Conditions:The standard contract clauses that define the rights, responsibilities, and relationships of the parties involved in a construction project.

General Contractor:The primary contractor responsible for the overall construction of a project, who typically hires and coordinates subcontractors.

Guaranteed Maximum Price:A contract provision establishing the maximum amount the owner will pay, with the contractor absorbing costs above that ceiling.

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