Planning glossary
Allowance
A visible quantity or cost added for a named uncertainty, such as cutting loss or incomplete product selection.
Example
A 5% placement allowance is shown after raw slab volume rather than hidden inside the dimensions.
Related concepts
Waste factor
An explicit material-specific allowance for cuts, layout, breakage, and other named purchasing loss.
Read definitionContingency
A budget amount for defined project uncertainty, applied to a stated cost base rather than used to hide missing scope.
Read definitionTakeoff
A traceable list of measured and counted project quantities tied to geometry and assembly assumptions.
Read definitionUse the term in context
Definition boundaryThis planning definition is not a substitute for the definition in an adopted code, standard, contract, manufacturer instruction, or professional document. Confirm the controlling meaning for the project.