seasoned timber refers to timber that has been dried to a moisture content between 10% and 15% . This process, known as seasoning, involves removing the bound moisture contained in the walls of the wood cells to produce timber that is stable and less prone to warping or splitting

"segregation of aggregate" refers to the separation or non-uniform distribution of aggregate particles within a concrete mix. This phenomenon can lead to inconsistencies in the concrete's composition, affecting its strength, durability, and overall performance.

A septic system, in the context of Australian commercial construction projects, refers to an on-site wastewater management system designed to collect, treat, and safely dispose of wastewater from commercial premises in unsewered areas . It is an underground network of pipes carrying effluent from a building to designated treatment areas using tanks, chambers, pits, trenches, or mulched areas

"Services" typically refers to the various systems and installations that are essential for the operation and functionality of a building. These services are integral to ensuring that the building is safe, comfortable, and efficient for its occupants.

"sheet flooring" refers to a type of flooring material that is supplied in large sheets rather than individual tiles or planks. This type of flooring is commonly used for its ease of installation, durability, and ability to cover large areas with minimal seams. Sheet flooring can be made from a variety of materials, including vinyl, linoleum, rubber, and composite materials, each offering different properties such as water resistance, sound insulation, and ease of maintenance.

In the context of Australian commercial construction projects, sheeting refers to a type of material or layer applied to a building's exterior or interior to provide various benefits, including thermal insulation, weather resistance, and structural support.

In Australian commercial construction projects, the term "sill" refers to a horizontal structural member that is positioned at the bottom of a window or door opening. It serves as a support for the window or door frame and is typically made of timber, steel, or concrete. The sill is an essential component of the window or door assembly, providing stability and strength to the structure.

a skillion roof is defined as a roof with a single large flat surface, set at a relatively steep pitch . It is characterized by its single, steeply inclined plane, often referred to as a single-pitched or shed roof . The pitch, or angle of slope, is a defining feature of a skillion roof, ranging from a subtle angle to a steep incline

"skirting" refers to the trim or molding that is installed at the junction where the interior wall meets the floor. It is also commonly known as a "skirting board" or "baseboard."

a "slab" refers to a flat, horizontal structural element made of concrete that is used to create floors, ceilings, and sometimes roofs. Concrete slabs are a fundamental component in building construction due to their strength, durability, and versatility. They are typically reinforced with steel bars or mesh to enhance their load-bearing capacity and to prevent cracking.

a "Slab on Grade" (SOG) refers to a type of foundation that consists of a concrete slab poured directly on the ground. This method is commonly used for its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. The slab serves as both the foundation and the ground floor of the building. 

A "slip joint" refers to a structural component designed to accommodate movement between two building elements. This movement can be due to thermal expansion and contraction, settlement, seismic activity, or other dynamic forces. Slip joints are crucial in ensuring the structural integrity and longevity of a building by allowing controlled movement and preventing stress buildup that could lead to cracking or structural failure.

a soffit refers to the underside or the exposed surface beneath any overhead component of a building. This can include the underside of an arch, a balcony, a beam, a cornice, or the eaves of a roof. In the context of ceilings, the soffit is the visible surface that is often finished or treated for aesthetic purposes. Soffits can be constructed from various materials, including plasterboard, timber, metal, or composite materials, and they may be used to conceal structural elements, ductwork, or electrical wiring, while also contributing to the architectural design and acoustic properties of a space.

softwood refers to the wood of a coniferous tree, such as pine, spruce, or cedar . Softwood timber originates from a gymnosperm tree, which is a tree type with seeds that do not have any covering and usually just fall to the ground. Softwoods are widely used in construction due to their versatility and availability. They are often employed for structural framing, flooring, roofing, and interior applications like moldings and paneling. In commercial construction, softwoods are valued for their strength-to-weight ratio, ease of handling, and adaptability to various treatments and finishes.

a soil test, also known as a geotechnical investigation or site investigation, involves the assessment of soil conditions on a construction site to determine its suitability for the proposed development.