TERMS Flashcards
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning
A/C
The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and “turns” the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace
A/C Condenser
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser.
A/C Disconnect
The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.
Aerator
A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete
Aggregate
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1” air gap.
Air space
A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an all
Allowance(s)
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.
Amortization
Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete , or masonry floor or wall.
Anchor bolts
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.
Annual Percentage Rate
An expert valuation of property.
Appraisal
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill
Apron
One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans
Architect
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth
Area wells
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.
Assessment
Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan.
Assumption
A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes
Astragal
Billings for work performed or costs incurred by one party that, in accordance with the agreement, should have been performed or incurred by the party to whom billed. Owners bill back charges to gene
Back Charge
The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundation wall.
Backfill
Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screw
Backing
Work the framing contractor does after the mechanical subcontractors (Heating-Plumbing-Electrical) finish their phase of work at the Rough (before insulation) stage to get the home ready for a municip
Backout
A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp
Ballast
A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.
Balloon
Framed walls (generally over 10’ tall) that run the entire vertical length from the floor sill plate to the roof. This is done to eliminate the need for a gable end truss.
Balloon framed wall
Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as ‘pickets’ or ‘spindles’.
Balusters
The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.
Balustrade
Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.
Barge
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.
Barge board
A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor.
Baseboard
The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck
Basement window inserts
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes called a carpet strip
Base shoe
A half-brick
Bat
A section of fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness’. Sometimes “faced” (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or
Batt
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.
Batten
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building either square or polygonal in plan.
Bay window
A structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another. Sometimes called a “girder”.
Beam
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bearing partition
A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation
Bearing point
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight.
Bearing wall
(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney stairway or other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).
Bearing header
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.
Bedrock
A formal offer by a contractor in accordance with specifications for a project to do all or a phase of the work at a certain price in accordance with the terms and conditions stated in the offer.
Bid
A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor’s bid that if the bid is accepted the contractor will execute a contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond the surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the difference between the contractor’s bid and the bid of the next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a performance bond.
Bid bond
Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee to the recipient of the bid that the contractor if awarded the contract will execute the contract in accordance with the bidding requirements of the contract documents.
Bid security
A practice by which contractors both before and after their bids are submitted attempt to obtain prices from potential subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than the contractors’ original estimates on which their bids are based or after a contract is awarded seek to induce subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in the bid.
Bid shopping
The procedures and conditions for the submission of bids. The requirements are included ion documents such as the notice to bidders advertisements for bids instructions to bidders invitations to bid and sample bid forms.
Bidding requirements
Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors.
Bifold door
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller.
Binder
Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors.
Bipass doors
Fiber
Blankets
Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural wall framing members.
Blocker Door
Short “2 by 4’s” used to keep rafters from twisting and installed at the ends and at mid
Blocker Rafter
Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling.
Blocking
To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. For example foundation walls are sometimes “blocked” in order for mechanical pipes to pass through the wall to install a crawl space door and to depress the concrete at a garage door location.
Block out
Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
Blow insulation
A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning estimating securing permits and actual construction.
Blue print
Another phrase for Utility Notification. This is when a utility company (telephone gas electric cable TV sewer and water etc) comes to the job site and locates and spray paints the ground and/or installs little flags to show where their service is located underground.
Blue stake
A unit of measure for lumber equal to 1 inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long. Examples: 1” x 12” x 16’ = 16 board feet 2” x 12” x 16’ = 32 board feet
Board foot
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.
Bottom chord
A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place. To put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.
Boom
The “2 by 4’s or 6’s” that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the ‘sole plate’.
Bottom plate
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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.
Brace
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of circuit breakers.
Breaker panel
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest.
Brick ledge
The metal angle iron that brick rests on especially above a window door or other opening.
Brick lintel
Trim used around an exterior door jamb that siding butts to.
Brick mold
A small corrugated metal strip @ 1” X 6”
Brick tie
A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing of a framed wall or tile wall construction.
Brick veneer
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position between the floor joists or rafters at mid
Bridging
Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door bucks used in reference to metal door frame. See Window Bucks
Buck
Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for the customer’s protections.
Builder’s Risk Insurance
Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified.
Building codes
Insurance covering the structure of the building.
Building insurance
A general term for papers felts and similar sheet materials used in buildings without reference to their properties or uses. Generally comes in long rolls.
Building paper
up roof
Built
Rounded drywall corners.
Bull nose
A package of shingles. Normally there are 3 bundles per square and 27 shingles per bundle.
Bundle
The lower edge of the shingle tabs
Butt edge
The most common type. One leaf attaches to the door’s edge the other to its jamb
Butt hinge
The junction where the ends of two timbers meet and also where sheets of drywall meet on the 4 foot edge. To place materials end
Butt joint
A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce monthly payments on a mortgage.
Buy down
Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors.
By fold door
Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors.
By pass doors
An abbreviation for “Certificate of Occupancy”. This certificate is issued by the local municipality and is required before anyone can occupy and live within the home. It is issued only after the local municipality has made all inspections and all monies and fees have been paid.
CO
A 10” or 12” diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded into bedrock 3
Caisson
An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally. not extending over 2 feet.
Cantilever
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions. This void is “trapezoid” shaped and has vertical sides of 6” and 4” respectively.
Cantilevered void
The upper member of a column. pilaster. door cornice. molding. or fireplace.
Cap
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.
Cap flashing
The principal part of a loan. i.e. the original amount borrowed.
Capital
A repayment loan and the most conventional form of home loan. The borrower pays an amount each month to cover the amount borrowed (or capital or principal) plus the interest charged on capital.
Capital and interest
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time. but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.
Capped rate
Frames of wood or metal enclosing part (or all) of a window sash. May be opened by means of hinges affixed to the vertical edges.
Casement
A window with hinges on one of the vertical sides and swings open like a normal door
Casement Window
Wood trim molding installed around a door or window opening.
Casing
(1) A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces e.g. between pieces of siding or the corners in tub walls. (2) To fill a joint with mastic or asphalt plastic cement to prevent leaks.
Caulking
A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites. other wood boring insects. and decay caused by fungus
CCA
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.
Celotex
One of a series of parallel framing members used to support ceiling loads and supported in turn by larger beams. girders or bearing walls. Also called roof joists.
Ceiling joist
The gray powder that is the “glue” in concrete. Portland cement. Also. any adhesive.
Cement
A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower enclosures and on counter tops.
Ceramic tile
A rating that expresses the amount of air a blower or fan can move. The volume of air (measured in cubic feet) that can pass through an opening in one minute.
CFM
Interior trim material installed about 3
Chair rail
A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
Chalk line
A written document which modifies the plans and specifications and/or the price of the construction Contract.
Change order
A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel in a wall. or through a ceiling for something to lie in or pass through.
Chase
To install fiberglass insulation around all exterior door and window frames. wall corners. and small gaps in the exterior wall.
Chink
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1”
Chip Board
The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet and back to ground.
Circuit
A device which looks like a switch and is usually located inside the electrical breaker panel or circuit breaker box. It is designed to (1) shut of the power to portions or all of the house and (2) to limit the amount of power flowing through a circuit (measured in amperes). 110 volt household circuits require a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps. 220 volt circuits may be designed for higher amperage loads e.g. a hot water heater may be designed for a 30 amp load and would therefore need a 30 amp fuse or breaker.
Circuit Breaker
Optimum fire rating issued by Underwriter’s Laboratories on roofing. The building codes in some areas require this type of roofing for fire safety.
Class “A”
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Minimum fire rating issued by the Underwriters’ Laboratories for roofing materials.
Class “C”
An opening providing access to a drain line. Closed with a threaded plug.
Clean out
Sharp. cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation wall (that at one time held the foundation form panels in place).
Clip ties
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to the furnace for re
Cold air return
Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.
Collar
Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.
Collar beam
A vertical structural compression member which supports loads.
Column
The duct work installed to bring fresh. outside air to the furnace and/or hot water heater. Normally 2 separate supplies of air are brought in: One high and One low.
Combustion air
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs; normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation.
Combustion chamber
A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords and which provides downward support.
Compression web
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid. thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system. the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).
Compressor
The mixture of cement. sand. gravel. and water. Used to make garage and basement floors. sidewalks. patios. foundation walls. etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (mesh).
Concrete
A hollow concrete ‘brick’ often 8” x 8” x 16” in size.
Concrete block
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.
Concrete board
Beads or drops of water (and frequently frost in extremely cold weather) that accumulate on the inside of the exterior covering of a building. Use of louvers or attic ventilators will reduce moisture condensation in attics. A vapor barrier under the gypsum lath or dry wall on exposed walls will reduce condensation.
Condensation
The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor and condensing coil designed to give off heat.
Condensing unit
The standards that define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.
Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions
The direct transfer of heat energy through a material.
Conduction
The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.
Conductivity
A pipe. usually metal. in which wire is installed.
Conduit
A legal document which specifies the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project. A good construction contract will include: 1. The contractors registration number. 2. A statement of work quality such as ‘Standard Practices of the Trades’ or ‘according to Manufacturers Specifications’. 3. A set of Blue Prints or Plans 4. A construction timetable including starting and completion dates. 5. A set of Specifications 6. A Fixed Price for the work, or a Time and Materials formula. 7. A Payment Schedule. 8. Any Allowances. 9. A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved. 10. A written Warrantee.
Construction Contract
A type of construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition. generally in the form of sheet materials or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.
Construction drywall
A type of construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.
Construction frame
A device that tells whether a circuit is capable of carrying electricity.
Continuity tester
A company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities. There are various types of contractors: · General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision and overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the individual construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed to perform all specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for such tasks, e.g. electrical, plumbing. · Remodeling contractor - a general contractor who specializes in remodeling work. · Specialty contractor - licensed to perform a specialty task e.g. electrical, side sewer, asbestos abatement. · Sub contractor - a general or specialty contractor who works for another general contractor.
Contractor
Tooled. straight grooves made on concrete floors to “control” where the concrete should crack
Control joint
Currents created by heating air. which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation.
Convection
A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such as FHA or VA)
Conventional loan
The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule.
Convertibility
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the summer. usually 78° F. regardless of outside temperature.
Cooling load
Removing the top and bottom flange of the end(s) of a metal I-beam. This is done to permit it to fit within, and bolted to, the web of another I-beam in a “T” arrangement
Coped
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface.
Coped joint
The triangular. decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.
Corbel
A strip of formed sheet metal placed on outside corners of drywall before applying drywall ‘mud’.
Corner bead
Used as trim for the external corners of a house or other frame structure against which the ends of the siding are finished.
Corner boards
Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed to stiffen and strengthen the wall.
Corner braces
Overhang of a pitched roof . usually consisting of a fascia board. a soffit and appropriate trim moldings.
Cornice
A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry.
Counter flashing
A foundation wall section that strengthens (and generally perpendicular to) a long section of foundation wall
Counterfort
A row of shingles or roll roofing running the length of the roof. Parallel layers of building materials such as bricks. or siding laid up horizontally.
Course
A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.
Cove molding
A shallow space below the living quarters of a house. normally enclosed by the foundation wall and having a dirt floor.
Crawl space
A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to determine a borrower’s credit habits.
Credit rating
A second roof built on top of the primary roof to increase the slope of the roof or valley. A saddle-shaped, peaked construction connecting a sloping roof with a chimney. Designed to encourage water drainage away from the chimney joint.
Cricket
Short vertical “2 by 4’s or 6’s” frame lumber installed above a window or door.
Cripple
Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists. placed near the center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting.
Cross bridging
Short metal “T” beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge the spaces between the main beams.
Cross Tee
A molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered. especially at the roof and wall corner.
Crown molding
Round. corrugated drain pipe (normally 15” or 18” in diameter) that is installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the street.
Culvert
A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges.
Cupping
The short elevation of an exterior wall above the deck of a roof. Normally a 2 by 6 box (on the roof) on which a skylight is attached.
Curb
Normally a cast iron pipe with a lid (@ 5” in diameter) that is placed vertically into the ground. situated near the water tap in the yard. and where a water cut
Curb stop
Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2 by 4’s, cut in between each stud diagonally.
Cut-in brace
A groove cut into a board or panel intended to receive the edge of a connecting board or panel.
Dado
A metal “door” placed within the fireplace chimney. Normally closed when the fireplace is not in use.
Damper
The black. tar like waterproofing material applied to the exterior of a foundation wall.
Dampproofing
The end of a pipe (the terminal end) that is not attached to anything.
Daylight
An exterior security lock installed on exterior entry doors that can be activated only with a key or thumb
Dead bolt
The fixed, non-operable window section of a window unit.
Dead light
To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the floor joists. rafters. or trusses.
Deck
An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance (ie. dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.
Dedicated circuit
Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments).
Default
A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.
De-humidistat
Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.
Delamination
A large (generally 20 Amp) electrical ON
Disconnect
A mortgage interest rate that is lower than the current rate for a certain period of time. e.g. 2.00% below variable rate for 2 years.
Discount rate
The surrounding case into which and out of which a door closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces. called side jambs. and a horizontal head jamb. These 3 jambs have the “door stop” installed on them.
Doorjamb
An automatic garage door opener.
Door operator
The wooden style that the door slab will rest upon when it’s in a closed position.
Door stop
An opening in a sloping roof. the framing of which projects out to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings.
Dormer
Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed air space between. Also known as Insulating Glass.
Double glass
A window with two vertically sliding sashes. both of which can move up and down.
Double hung window
The difference between the sales price and the mortgage amount. A downpayment is usually paid at closing.
Down payment
A pipe. usually of metal. for carrying rainwater down from the roof’s horizontal gutters.
Downspout
A perforated. corrugated plastic pipe laid at the bottom of the foundation wall and used to drain excess water away from the foundation. It prevents ground water from seeping through the foundation wall. Sometimes called perimeter drain.
Drain tile
The amount of progress billings on a contract that is currently available to a contractor under a contract with a fixed payment schedule.
Draw
(a) A member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior finish course that has a projection beyond the other parts for throwing off water.(b) A groove in the underside of a sill or drip cap to cause water to drop off on the outer edge instead of drawing back and running down the face of the building.
Drip
A molding or metal flashing placed on the exterior topside of a door or window frame to cause water to drip beyond the outside of the frame.
Drip cap
To install the black roofing felt (tar paper) on the roof.
Dry in
Wall board or gypsum
Drywall
The heating system. Usually round or rectangular metal pipes installed for distributing warm (or cold) air from the furnace to rooms in the home. Also a tunnel made of galvanized metal or rigid fiberglass. which carries air from the heater or ventilation opening to the rooms in a building.
Ducts
A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.
Due-on-sale
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a ceramic tile backing material. Commonly used on bathtub decks. Sometimes called Wonder board
Dura board
The section of a plumbing system that carries water and sewer gases out of a home.
DWV
A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.
Earnest Money
A metal strap used to secure gas hot water heaters to the framing or foundation of a house. Intended to reduce the chances of having the water heater fall over in an earthquake and causing a gas leak.
Earthquake Strap
A formal contract which allows a party to use another party’s property for a specific purpose. e.g. A sewer easement might allow one party to run a sewer line through a neighbors property.
Easement
The horizontal exterior roof overhang.
Eaves
A means of exiting the home. An egress window is required in every bedroom and basement. Normally a 4’ X 4’ window is the minimum size required
Egress
A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit.
Elbow
The trench or area in the yard where the electric service line (from a transformer or pedestal) is located or the work of installing the electric service to a home.
Electric lateral
Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes through them and are used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.
Electric resistance coils
The entry point of the electrical power including: (1) the ‘strike’ or location where the overhead or underground electrical lines connect to the house (2) The meter which measures how much power is used and (3) The ‘panel’ or ‘circuit breaker box ‘ (or ‘fuse box’) where the power can be shut off and where overload devices such a fuses or circuit breakers and located.
Electrical entrance package
Work performed by the Electrical Contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires and outlet switch and fixture boxes are installed (before insulation).
Electrical Rough
Work performed by the electrical contractor when the house is nearing completion. The electrician installs all plugs switches light fixtures smoke detectors appliance “pig tails” bath ventilation fans wires the furnace and “makes up” the electric house panel. The electrician does all work necessary to get the home ready for and to pass the municipal electrical final inspection
Electrical Trim
The page on the blue prints that depicts the house or room as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure.
Elevation sheet
The “valuation” that you own in your home i.e. the property value less the mortgage loan outstanding.
Equity
The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of the buyer and/or seller.
Escrow
The amount of labor materials and other costs that a contractor anticipates for a project as summarized in the contractor’s bid proposal for the project.
Estimate
An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole
Escutcheon
The process of calculating the cost of a project. This can be a formal and exact process or a quick and imprecise process.
Estimating
The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home. Also see condensing unit.
Evaporator coil
Fibrous material (@1/2” thick) installed in and around a concrete slab to permit it to move up and down (seasonally) along the non
Expansion joint
Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present. (“Betonite” is an expansive soil).
Expansive soils
A method of finishing concrete which washes the cement/sand mixture off the top layer of the aggregate
Exposed aggregate finish
Additional work requested of a contractor not included in the original plan which will be billed separately and will not alter the original contract amount but increase the cost of building the home.
Extras
Metal straps that are used to repair a bearing wall “cut
FHA strap
To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or beam.
Face nail
To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete porch step(s) or patio. Normally the “face” is broom finished.
Faced concrete
The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.
Facing brick
Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.
Fascia
Tar paper. Installed under the roof shingles. Normally 15 lb. or 30 lb.
Felt
Any part such as a nut or fitting into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.
Female
Metal tubes used to keep roof gutters “open”. Long nails (ferrule spikes) are driven through these tubes and hold the gutters in place along the fascia of the home.
Ferrule
To take measurements (cabinets countertops stairs shower doors etc.) in the home itself instead of using the blueprints.
Field measure
A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber or molding. Often used in jambs and casings and are normally painted (instead of stained).
Finger joint
Short horizontal members sometimes nailed between studs usually about halfway up a wall. See also ‘Fire stop’.
Fire block
Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures. Used in a fireplace and boiler.
Fire brick
A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. It’s purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.
Fireplace chase flashing pan
Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least 1 hour. Drywall used in the garage and party walls are to be fire rated, 5/8”, Type X.
Fire Rated
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability of a material or to retard the spread of flame.
Fire retardant chemical
A solid tight closure of a concealed space placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs. Work performed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in the walls and ceiling (behind the drywall). Includes stuffing wire holes in the top and bottom plates with insulation and installing blocks of wood between the wall studs at the drop soffit line. This is integral to passing a Rough Frame inspection. See also ‘Fire block’.
Fire stop
A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line. Sometimes called a gang nail plate.
Fishplate
A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling wires through conduit.
Fish tape
A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials Contract.
Fixed price contract
A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain interest rate for a stated period . The rate payable will not change during this period regardless of changes in the lender’s standard variable rate.
Fixed rate
A mortgage with an interest rate that remains the same over the years.
Fixed Rate Mortgage
Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks steps floors and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).
Flagstone
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1”
Flakeboard
An oil burner designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface. Generally the most efficient type for residential use.
Flame retention burner
Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.
Flashing
Thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of cabinet skins.
Flat mold
An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and dries to a flat or lusterless finish.
Flat paint
Common word for concrete floors driveways basements and sidewalks.
Flatwork
The next-to-last stage in concrete work, when you smooth off the job and bring water to the surface by using a hand float or bull float.
Floating
A non-bearing wall built on a concrete floor. It is constructed so that the bottom two horizontal plates can compress or pull apart if the concrete floor moves up or down. Normally built on basements and garage slabs.
Floating wall
A fluorescent lamp is a gas-filled glass tube with a phosphur coating on the inside. Gas inside the tube is ionized by electricity which causes the phosphur coating to glow. Normally with two pins that extend from each end.
Fluorescent lighting
Large pipe through which fumes escape from a gas water heater furnace or fireplace. Normally these flue pipes are double walled galvanized sheet metal pipe and sometimes referred to as a “B Vent”. Fireplace flue pipes are normally triple walled. In addition nothing combustible shall be within one inch from the flue pipe.
Flue
Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue pipe after the pipe passes out of the roof.
Flue collar
An automatic door located in the flue that closes it off when the burner turns off purpose is to reduce heat loss up the flue from the still warm furnace or boiler.
Flue damper
2-foot lengths, fire clay or terra-cotta pipe (round or square) and usually madein all ordinary flue sizes. Used for the inner lining of chimneys with the brick or masonry work done around the outside. Flue linings in chimneys runs from one foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.
Flue lining
End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.
Fly rafters
Continuous 8” or 10” thick concrete pad installed before and supports the foundation wall or monopost.
Footer footing
A common form of heating with natural gas propane oil or electricity as a fuel. Air is heated in the furnace and distributed through a set of metal ducts to various areas of the house.
Forced air heating
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing and initial hardening.
Form
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction or below grade including the footings.
Foundation
Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place during the concrete pour.
Foundation ties
High-quality below-grade moisture protection. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent corrosion. Normally looks like black tar.
Foundation waterproofing
The act of inspecting the home’s structural integrity and it’s complianceto local municipal codes.
Frame Inspection
The carpenter contractor that installs the lumber and erects the frame flooring system interior walls backing trusses rafters decking installs all beams stairs soffits and all work related to the wood structure of the home. The framer builds the home according to the blueprints and must comply with local building codes and regulations.
Framer
Lumber used for the structural members of a building such as studs joists and rafters.
Framing
In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.
Frieze
Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit.
Frost lid
The depth of frost penetration in soil and/or the depth at which the earth will freeze and swell. This depth varies in different parts of the country.
Frost line
Strips of wood often 1 X 2 and used to shim out and provide a level fastening surface for a wall or ceiling.
Furring strips
A device often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads in electrical lines. This protects against fire. See also ‘circuit breakers’.
Fuse
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.
GFCI
The end upper triangular area of a home beneath the roof.
Gable
A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss. Sometimes called a fishplate or gussett.
Gang nail plate
A valve that lets you completely stop—but not modulate—the flow within a pipe.
Gate valve
A contractor who enters into a contract with the owner of a project for the construction of the project and who takes full responsibility for its completion although the contractor may enter into subcontracts with others for the performance of specific parts or phases of the project.
General Contractor
The trench or area in the yard where the gas line service is located or the work of installing the gas service to a home.
Gas lateral
A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
Girder
The process of installing glass which commonly is secured with glazier’s points and glazing compound.
Glazing
A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to any rate between fully on and fully off. Also see gate valve.
Globe valve
A finishing paint material. Forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and dries to a sheen or luster (gloss)
Gloss enamel
A structural beam composed of wood laminations or lams. The lams are pressure bonded with adhesives to attain a typical thickness of 1 ½” . (It looks like 5 or more 2 X 4’s are glued together).
Glued Laminated Beam
Ground level or the elevation at any given point. Also the work of leveling dirt. Also the designated quality of a manufactured piece of wood.
Grade
A foundation wall that is poured @ level with or just below the grade of theearth. An example is the area where the 8’ or 16’ overhead garage door “block out” is located or a lower (walk out basement) foundation wall is poured
Grade beam
A fixed=rate fixed=schedule loan. It starts with lower payments than a level payment loan payments rise annually with the entire increase being used to reduce the outstanding balance. The increase in payments may enable the borrower to pay off a 30=year loan in 15 to 20 years or less.
Graduated Payment Mortgage
The direction size arrangement appearance or quality of the fibers in wood.
Grain
The completed assembly of main and cross tees in a suspended ceiling system before the ceiling panels are installed. Also the decorative slats (munton) installed between glass panels.
Grid
Refers to electricity’s habit of seeking the shortest route to earth. Neutral wires carry it there in all circuits. An additional grounding wire or the sheathing of the metal=clad cable or conduit—protects against shock if the neutral leg is interrupted.
Ground
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI GFI)
Ground fault
The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath the basement floor. Cast iron was once used but black plastic pipe (ABS) is now widely used.
Ground iron
Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source.
Groundwater
A wet mixture of cement sand and water that flows into masonry or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces. Mortar made of such consistency (by adding water) that it will flow into the joints and cavities of the masonry work and fill them solid.
Grout
A flat wood plywood or similar type member used to provide a connection at the intersection of wood members. Most commonly used at joints of wood trusses. They are fastened by nails screws bolts or adhesives.
Gusset
A shallow channel or conduit of metal or wood set below and along the (fascia) eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof.
Gutter
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.
Gyp board
Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of sand and water for base=coat plaster.
Gypsum plaster
