Glossary of Terms

Anchor Bolt – An L shaped bolt specifically designed metal strip that projects from the slab used to fasten exterior first-floor walls to the foundation

Appraisal - An expert valuation of property.

Attic access- An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic

Base shoe- Molding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes called a carpet strip

Bipass doors- Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors.

Blow insulation- Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics where framing members are not exposed.

Brace- An inclined piece of framing lumber applied to wall or floor to strengthen the structure. Often used on walls as temporary bracing until framing has been completed.

Builder's Risk Insurance- Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction.

Casement Window- A window with hinges on one of the vertical sides and swings open like a normal door

Casing- Wood trim molding installed around a door or window opening.

Change order- A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract.

Cold air return- The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.

Double hung window- A window with two vertically sliding sashes, both of which can move up and down

Drywall - Wall board or gypsum- A panel (normally 4' X 8', 10', 12', or 16')made with a core of Gypsum (chalk-like) rock, which covers interior walls and ceilings

Ducts- The heating system. Usually round or rectangular metal pipes installed for distributing warm (or cold) air from the furnace to rooms in the home.

Egress- A means of exiting the home. An egress window is required in every bedroom and basement.

Elevation – A detailed drawing of the front, sides and back of the home. This typically will show a detail of the home will look once completed

Flashing – A think piece of metal installed typically around windows and doors to prevent water from penetrating into the home. This material is also used on roofs.

Floor joist – Supports the floor system of the home

Foundation- The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction, or below grade, including the footings.

GF C I - Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter- an ultra sensitive plug designed to shut off all electric current. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and "wet areas". Has a small reset button on the plug.

Grout- A wet mixture of cement, sand and water that flows into masonry or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces.

House wrap – Helps prevent outside water from entering the walls and helps to seal the home from outside air entering the home

Humidifier- An appliance normally attached to the furnace, or portable unit device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by means of the discharge of water vapor.

Purlin – One of several horizontal roof members supporting the roof structure of a home

Pressure treated wood – lumber that has been saturated with a preservative.

Radon- A naturally-occurring, heavier than air, radioactive gas common in many parts of the country.

Rafter – An interior roof support that the roof decking material is nailed to

SEER Rating for HVAC – Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio. This is the energy efficiency measurement for heating and cooling units

Sill Plate – The bottom piece of wood on a interior or exterior wall

Single hung window- A window with one vertically sliding sash or window vent.

Subfloor – The sheets of plywood or OSB that are attached the floor joist. Hardwood, carpet or tile are typically installed over the top of the subfloor

Sump pump- A submersible pump in a sump pit that pumps any excess ground water to the outside of the home.

Threshold- The bottom metal or wood plate of an exterior door frame.

Thin stone – Real or manmade stone that is cut into thin pieces to help reduce weight

Vapor Barrier – Plastic sheeting that is typically laid under the concrete basement floor to help keep moisture from seeping through the concrete

Window sash- The operating or movable part of a window; the sash is made of window panes and their border.
(special thanks to homebuildingmanual.com)

Glossary of terms