Cutting Through the Jargon: Building Terms Made Simple

If you’ve ever looked at a building quote or spoken to a contractor and thought, “What does

that even mean?” you’re not alone. The building industry is full of jargon, acronyms, and

technical terms that can leave you feeling confused or unsure about what you’re really

signing up for.

At Project Builders, we believe you should never feel left in the dark. That’s why we make a

point of explaining things in plain language. Here are some common terms you might come

across and what they actually mean.

Provisional Sum (PS)

This is an estimate for part of the work where the exact cost isn’t known yet like earthworks

or drainage. The final price could be more or less than the allowance, depending on what’s

uncovered during the build.

Prime Cost Item (PC Item)

This refers to an allowance for a specific item, such as bathroom fittings, tiles, or

appliances. If you choose something more expensive than the allowance, the price will

increase. Sometimes gets used interchangeably with Provisional Sum.

Consents

This is the official approval you need from the council before certain building work can begin.

It ensures your project meets building codes and regulations. Not every project requires a

consent, but many do. A building consent is council approval that ensures your project

complies with the New Zealand Building Code, for example, structural changes, plumbing, or extensions. Some projects may also need a resource consent if they affect the

environment, your neighbours, or the overall use of the land (like building close to a

boundary or exceeding height limits).

Preliminary & General (P&G)

These are the overhead costs required to run your project things like scaffolding, health and

safety, site setup, and project management. They’re essential for the job to run smoothly,

even though they aren’t physical materials in your home.

Variations

A variation is any change to the original plan or scope of work like upgrading a benchtop,

moving a wall, or adding an extra power point. Variations usually affect both the timeline and

the cost.

Why It Matters

Understanding these terms helps you make better decisions and avoids surprises along the

way. A builder should never hide behind jargon it’s our job to make sure you feel informed,

confident, and in control throughout your project.

At Project Builders, we explain your quote in plain language, break down all the details, and

are always available to answer questions no matter how small. Because when you

understand what’s happening, the process feels a whole lot less stressful.

Thinking about a building? Let’s talk in simple terms and start with a clear plan.