Glossary of building terms
Building a house brings words you don't normally use. Here is what they mean in a sentence or two, along with the service in which we can help.
Building approval
The decision that allows construction to start. A new Building Act has applied in Slovakia since 1 April 2025 and changed the approval process. We explain which procedure applies to your building for your specific plans.
We help with this in: Engineering services
Building authority
The office that decides on building approval and final approval. It reviews the documentation and the statements of other authorities and organisations.
Chartered civil engineer
An engineer authorised by the Slovak Chamber of Civil Engineers for certain construction activities, such as design. They are personally responsible for their work.
Client (developer)
The person or organisation who commissions and pays for the building. It can be a private individual, a developer, a company or a public body.
Consulted authorities
Authorities that protect particular public interests, such as the environment, transport or fire safety, and therefore give their opinion on a building.
We help with this in: Engineering services
Design clash
A place where two disciplines get in each other's way, for example a pipe running through a beam. Easy to fix in the design, expensive on site.
We help with this in: Design coordination
Design disciplines
The specialist parts of a design, each drawn up by different experts: structure, plumbing and drainage, electrics, ventilation, fire safety and more.
We help with this in: Design coordination
Detailed construction design
The most detailed stage of documentation. Its drawings and details tell the builder exactly what to build and how.
We help with this in: Project documentation
Engineering services (inžinierska činnosť)
Representing the client in everything related to approvals: dealing with authorities, collecting statements, submitting applications and overseeing the process.
We help with this in: Engineering services
Feasibility study
The first stage of a design. It checks whether and how an idea can be built on a specific site, before money goes into a detailed design.
We help with this in: Project documentation
Fire safety
The part of the design that deals with preventing fire from spreading and letting people escape safely.
We help with this in: Design coordination
Inspection report
An expert check of building services such as electrics or gas, after which the technician issues a report. These reports are usually part of the documents for the final approval.
We help with this in: Final inspection and approval
Kolaudácia (final approval)
The procedure at the building authority once a building is finished. The authority checks that it was built as approved and can be used safely. Only then can you move in or start using it.
We help with this in: Final inspection and approval
Layout
How the rooms are arranged and connected. A good layout means the space is comfortable to live or work in.
We help with this in: Technical advice
Plumbing and drainage
The water supply and drainage inside a building: where water comes from, where it goes and how the pipes run.
We help with this in: Design coordination
Project documentation
The set of drawings and technical reports that describe a building. It comes in stages, from the study to the detailed construction design.
We help with this in: Project documentation
Statement
A written opinion on the building from an authority, utility operator or other affected party. The building authority needs these both for approval and for the final approval.
We help with this in: Engineering services
Structural engineering
The part of the design that deals with the load-bearing structure, so the building can safely carry itself, people, furnishings, snow and wind.
We help with this in: Design coordination
Utility network operator
The company that runs the water, sewerage, electricity, gas or telecom network. It states whether and how a building can connect and whether existing lines are affected.
We help with this in: Engineering services
Ventilation
The equipment and ducts that exchange air in a building, and in some cases heat or cool it.
We help with this in: Design coordination
The explanations are simplified so anyone can follow them. We will tell you the exact procedure for your building, as it depends on the project and current regulations.
Prefer to talk it through?
We will call you and explain exactly what applies to your building.