Who this glossary is for
Residential projects stumble when procurement, site management, and suppliers mean different things by the same word. These definitions target fitted kitchens in dwellings on UK sites: apartment blocks, conversions, and multi-property programmes. They are written for cite-and-reuse in briefs, not as legal or contract advice.
For bulk procurement context, read bulk kitchen supply for property developers in the UK. For specification discipline, read how to specify kitchens for multi-unit residential schemes.
Common abbreviations on UK sites
| Abbreviation | Meaning | Typical kitchen context |
|---|---|---|
| MEP | Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing | First-fix positions for sinks, hobs, extractors, and power |
| POD | Proof of delivery (often used interchangeably with delivery ticket) | Condition and shortage evidence when packs arrive |
| RAMS | Risk assessments and method statements | Site induction and high-rise delivery methods |
| O&M | Operation and maintenance manuals | Handover packs for managing agents after plot sign-off |
| GA | General arrangement (drawing) | Early plan used for budget; may not be survey-accurate |
Call-off
Ordering kitchens in agreed batches against a pre-priced framework or schedule, rather than ad hoc purchase each time. Common on developer programmes and portfolio rollouts where voids or floors complete at different times.
Crane bundle (lift bundle)
Kitchen packs grouped for a single crane or hoist movement, often sized to platform limits, traffic management, and time slots. Pricing and risk should say who re-bundles if the lift slips.
Delivery ticket (proof of delivery)
Site sign-off that records time, condition, shortages, and where goods were left. Essential when arguing about damage discovered after unpack.
Dry-lining gate
A programme checkpoint: kitchens should not fully enter the room until linings and plasterboard work reach the agreed state, so carcasses are not used as workbenches or damaged by wet trades.
Golden specification (golden kitchen)
The approved standard kitchen for a unit type, with SKUs documented. Variations should be exceptions with reasons, not silent swaps on site.
Goods in (goods inward)
The process and location where the site accepts deliveries: who signs, where packs sit, and how congestion in the laydown area is managed.
Handover wave
A batch of plots or floors handed over to sales, lettings, or clients together. Kitchen supply should mirror waves so finished units are not left sitting with unprotected worktops.
Lift hold
A reserved lift or hoist window for bulky kitchen components. Conflicts with other trades are a frequent cause of failed delivery days.
MEP sign-off
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing readiness: positions, first-fix completeness, and testing states that the kitchen supplier or fitter needs before install proceeds safely and to warranty terms.
Phased delivery
Multiple delivery dates aligned to site readiness, instead of one single site fill. Pairs with storage limits and protection rules after install.
Plot package
The scoped kitchen for one dwelling type on a development: carcasses, doors, worktops, splashbacks, sinks, taps, and the agreed appliance pack. Variants (handed plans, accessible units) should be listed as separate plot types.
Programme
The time-logic of the build or refurbishment: which floors or properties are ready for measure, delivery, and install on which dates. Kitchen manufacturing slots should follow the programme, not the other way around.
Protection after install
Temporary covers, film, and rules for following trades so worktops, sinks, and appliances are not scratched or contaminated before handover.
SKU
Stock keeping unit: a specific catalogue code for a door, carcass, handle, or appliance. SKU-level specs reduce drift and make replacements predictable across tenanted stock.
Snagging
The defect list after install: alignment, damage, missing items, and adjustment. A clear snagging window and ownership speed up handover.
Supply-only
Supplier delivers packed kitchens; your nominated fitter or site joinery installs against the agreed specification. Interface risk sits with how well the contract splits measure, tolerance, and MEP coordination.
Supply and fit
Supplier delivers and installs, or subcontracts install under a single commercial umbrella subject to contract. Often simpler for warranty and snagging if scope is clear.
Site storage
Where packs wait before install: dry, secure, and within manual handling limits. If storage is effectively zero, the programme must allow just-in-time drops.
Use these terms in your next brief
Consistent language reduces RFQ noise and helps main contractors, clerks of works, and suppliers align. When you want a priced programme to match your gates, brief us via developer packages or portfolio and bulk kitchens, or get a quote with plans and wave dates.