Construction Basics

Question 1

What are four basic types of foundation?

Answer 1

1. Post and Beam - AKA Pier and Beam
2. Slab
3. Crawl Space
4. Full Basement

Question 2

A pier/post and beam foundation involves wood posts or concrete piers set into the ground. True or False

Answer 2

True

Question 3

What is a slab-on-grade or floating slab foundation constructed from?

Answer 3

Concrete

Question 4

Crawl spaces offer convenient access to pipes, substructures, and a variety of other areas that may be difficult or expensive to access otherwise. True or False

Answer 4

True

Question 5

A daylight basement is also referred to as?

Answer 5

A walk-out basement

Question 6

Define “look-out” basement.

Answer 6

The basement walls extend sufficiently above

ground level so that some of the basement windows a re above ground level.

Question 7

A basement that has an exterior entrance via a stairwell is referred to as_____.

Answer 7

“walk-up” basement

Question 8

Full masonry, wood frame, and specialty or alternative construction are all categories of what type of structure?

Answer 8

Dwelling

Question 9

What are some common materials used in masonry construction?

Answer 9

brick, stone, marble, granite, travertine, limestone, cast stone, concrete block, glass block, stucco, tile, and cob.

Question 10

What is the most common building method in North America?

Answer 10

Wood Frame Construction

Question 11

Any building that does not fall under masonry or wood construction are considered what type of construction?

Answer 11

Alternative

Question 12

List the three main components/systems of wood framed buildings.

Answer 12

1. Floors
2. Walls
3. Roof

Question 13

_______ are a completed unit comprised of joists, blocking a nd sub-flooring.

Answer 13

Floors

Question 14

Walls are comprised of ____ _____, _____ ____, and ___. The wood may be either 2x4 or 2x6.

Answer 14

top plates
bottom plates
studs

Question 15

Roofs can be made of individually cut and placed ____, or by engineered ____ systems.

Answer 15

Rafters

Truss

Question 16

The ____ ____ are supported either by beams or by sitting directly on the foundation wall or, in multiple storied houses, on top of the walls of the floor below.

Answer 16

Floor joists

Question 17

List the two common types of wall framing.

Answer 17

California framing

Balloon framing

Question 18

Gable, Hip, Gambrel, Mansard, Flat, and Shed are all types of what?

Answer 18

Roofs

Question 19

Typical exterior components of a home include.

Answer 19

Siding and trim
Windows and doors
Roofing
Decks and porches

Question 20

_______ essential function is to protect the building from the elements.

Answer 20

Siding’s

Question 21

_____ fills in the gapes in the siding and provides visual transitions between different parts of the structure. It is often found around windows and doors, at corners and projections and at the top or bottom of walls.

Answer 21

Trim

Question 22

What do you need to determine with windows and doors?

Answer 22

Size
Type
Quality

Question 23

Siding is measured in squares. True or False

Answer 23

True

Question 24

Trim is measured in _____ ______.

Answer 24

Linear feet

Question 25

Asphalt, wood, metal, masonry, and vinyl are among the most common ________ materials.

Answer 25

Roofing

Question 26

What is installed to protect the roof from moisture created by condensation and vapor transfer?

Answer 26

Vapor Barrier/Ice and Water Shield

Question 27

What is included in the guts of a house?

Answer 27

Electrical wiring
Heating and cooling
Plumbing: water supply and waste elimination

Question 28

Romex is a plastic coated wire with either two or three conductors and a bare ground wire. True of False

Answer 28

True

Question 29

Knob and Tube wiring is common today. True or False

Answer 29

False

Question 30

What type plugs are used for 120 volts?

Answer 30

A and B

Question 31

A breaker box contains what?

Answer 31

Circuit breakers

Question 32

List three types of heating methods.

Answer 32

Furnace
Heat pump
Radiant heaters

Question 33

List two types of cooling methods.

Answer 33

Air conditioning

Swamp cooler

Question 34

What are the main components of plumbing?

Answer 34

Supply
Drains
Vents

Question 35

List some of the interior elements of construction.

Answer 35

• Wall coverings and paint
• Trim: crown, case, and base
• Flooring: wood, tile, vinyl, and carpet
• Stairs
• Kitchens
• Baths

Question 36

All wall coverings are measured in ____ ______.

Answer 36

Square feet

Question 37

I baseboard located at the top of bottom of the wall?

Answer 37

Bottom

Question 38

Wood, tile, vinyl/linoleum, and carpet are all types of ______.

Answer 38

Flooring

Question 39

In order to measure stairs what do you need to know?

Answer 39

The overall rise and run of the stairs.