| A/C |
(Abbr) air conditioner or air conditioning. |
| A/C Circuit |
(Alternating Current) The flow of current through a conductor in
alteranting directrions (first in one direction then in reverse).
It is used exclusively in residential and commercial wiring because
it provides greater flexibility in voltage selection and simplicity
of equipment design. Usually alternates at 50 or 60 HZ. |
| A/C Condenser |
The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes
the heat from the refrigerant and "turns" the gas back into a liquid
and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace. |
| A/C Disconnect |
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the power consuming appliance
like an air conditioner or hot tub. |
| Accelerator |
Any material added to paint, stucco, plaster or mortar which speeds
up the natural set. |
| Acre |
Measure of land equal to 43,500 square feet. |
| ADA |
The Americans with Disabilities Act which gives civil rights protection
to individuals with disabilities similar to those provided to individuals
on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, age, and religion.
It guarantees equal opportunity for individuals with disabilities
in public accommodations, employment, transportation, State and local
government services, and telecommunications. |
| Addendum |
Written information adding to, clarifying or modifying a documents
like a bid contract. An addendum is generally issued by the owner
to the contractor during the bidding process and as such, addenda
are intended to become part of the contract documents when the construction
contract is executed. |
| Adhesion |
The property of a coating or sealant to bond to a surface. Cohesion
is the bonding of a substance to itself. |
| Aerator |
A round screened that mixes water and air for a smoother flow. Usually
installed in a faucet |
| Agent |
One authorized by a client (principal) to act in his/her stead or
behalf and owes the client a "fiduciary duty" (Trust). Example: Construction
Manager for fee but classified as an independent contractor for tax
purposes. A construction manager for fee does not have any financial
responsibility whereas a construction manager at-risk does have financial
risk similar to a general contractor. |
| Aggregate |
Crushed stone or gravel that comes in a wide range of sizes that
is used to as a base for concrete or for surface built-up roofs. |
| Agreement |
An arrangement between the parties regarding a commitement or method
of action. |
| Air Filters |
Adhesive filters made of metal or various fibers are use to remove
particles of lint and dust from air. These filters will remove as
much as 90% of the dirt if they do not become clogged. The more common
filters are of the throwaway or disposable type. |
| Air space |
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall
coverings. Normally a 1" air gap. |
| Alligatoring |
A type of paint degradation. A condition of paint or aged asphalt
brought about by the loss of volatile oils and the oxidation caused
by solar radiation. "Alligatoring" produces a pattern of cracks resembling
an alligator hide and is ultimately the result of the limited tolerance
of paint or asphalt to thermal expansion or contraction. |
| Allowance |
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 allowance
for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets
aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures. |
| Alterations |
A term used to describe partial construction work performed within
an existing structure |
| Alternate Bid |
Amount stated in the bid to be added or deducted from the base bid
amount proposed for alternate materials and/or methods of construction. |
| Aluminum Wire |
Conductors made of aluminum for carrying electricity. Aluminum generally
is limited to the larger wire sizes like main service lines. Due to
its lower conductivity, aluminum wire smaller than No. 12 iare no
longer made. Aluminum is lighter and less expensive than copper but
not as good a conductor. It also breaks easily and may overhead due
to higher resistance. |
| Ammeter |
A device to measure the current flowing in a circuit |
| Amortization |
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments
of principal and interest. |
| Amps (Amperes) |
The rate at which electricity flows through a conductor. |
| Anchor bolts |
Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete , or masonry floor
or wall. |
| Anchor Bolts |
Bolts which fasten columns, girders or other members to concrete
or masonry such as bolts used to anchor sills to masonry foundation.
Foundation plates or sills shall be bolted to the foundation with
not less than 1/2" diameter steel bolts embedded at least 7" into
the concrete or reinforced masonry or 15" into unreinforced grouted
masonry & spaced not more than & apart. |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) |
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest,
service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other
items. |
| Application for Payment |
Contractor's written request for payment for completed portions
of the work and, for materials delivered or stored and properly labeled
for the respective project. |
| Apron |
The trim board that is installed beneath a window sill |
| Aprroach |
The area between the sidewalk and the street that leads to a driveway
or the transition from the street as you approach a driveway. |
| Architect |
A licensed professional who designs and supervises the construction
of buildings or other structures. |
| Architect-Engineer |
An individual or firm offering professional services as both architect
and engineer. |
| Architects Basic Services |
A recognized series of phases performed by an architect as follows:
1st Schematic Design Phase, 2nd Design Development Phase, 3rd Construction
Document Phase, 4th Bidding or Negotiated Phase, 5th Construction
Phase. |
| Architects Rule (Ruler) |
Three sided ruler with different scales on each side. Also referred
to as a "scale." |
| Architectural Drawing |
A line drawing showing plan and/or elevation views of the proposed
building for the purpose of showing the overall appearance of the
building. |
| Area wells |
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement
window to hold back the earth |
| As-Built Drawings (also known as Record Drawings) |
Contract drawings marked up to reflect changes made during the construction
process. It is good practice to make As-Built drawings by marking
the changes on reproducible drawings such a sepias for the duplication
purposes later. |
| Asphalt |
A dark brown to black, highly viscous, hydrocarbon produced from
the residue left after the distillation of petroleum. Asphalt is used
on roofs and highways as a waterproofing agent. |
| Assessment |
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a
property. |
| Assumption |
Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing loan instead
of getting a new loan. |
| Astragal |
A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors,
against which the other door strikes. |
| Attic access |
An opening that is placed in the ceiling of a home to provide access
to the attic. |
| Attic Ventilators |
In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. |
| Auger |
Boring tool that uses a screw thread to bull a bit into a hole. |
| Back Charge |
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 general contractors,
and general contractors bill back charges to subcontractors. Examples
of back charges include charges for cleanup work or to repair something
damaged by another subcontractor, such as a tub chip or broken window. |
| Back Nailing |
The practice of nailing roofing felts to the deck under the overlap,
in addition to hot mopping, to prevent slippage of felts. |
| Backfill |
The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against
a basement /crawl space foundationwall. |
| Backflow |
The flow of liquids through irrigation into the pipes of a potable
or drinking water supply from any source which is opposite to the
intended direction of flow. Backflow may contaminate source water. |
| Backflow Preventer |
A device or means to prevent backflow into the potable water supply. |
| Backhoe |
Self powered excavation equipment that digs by pulling a boom-mounted
bucket towards itself. Used to dig holes below grade. It is used to
dig basements and/or footings and to install drainage or sewer systems.
|
| Backout |
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 municipal frame
inspection. Generally, the framing contractor repairs anything disturbed
by others and completes all framing necessary to pass a Rough Frame
Inspection. |
| Ballast |
A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp. |
| Balloon Payment |
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 wall |
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. |
| Balusters |
Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom
rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as 'pickets' or 'spindles'. |
| Balustrade |
The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway
or elevated walkway. |
| Barge board |
A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter)
of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board. |
| Barometer |
Instrument for measuring atmospheric pressure. |
| Barrel Roof |
A roof design based on an arched. |
| Base or baseboard |
A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the
floor. |
| Basement window inserts |
The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window
buck. |
| Bat |
A half-brick |
| Batt |
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
"unfaced" (without paper). |
| Batt Insulation |
Strips of insulation ? usually fiberglass, that fit between studs
or other framing. Usually about 8 feet long. |
| Batten |
Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical
members over plywood or wide boards. |
| Batten Plate |
A formed piece of metal designed to cover the joint between two
lengths of metal edge. |
| Bay window |
Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building,
either square or polygonal in plan. |
| Beam |
A structural member transversely supporting a load. A structural
member carrying building loads (weight) from one support to another.
Sometimes called a "girder". |
| Bearing header |
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 partition |
A partition that supports any vertical load in addition to its
own weight. |
| Bearing point |
A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and
transferred to the foundation |
| Bearing wall |
A wall that supports any vertical load in addition to its own weight. |
| Bed Or Bedding |
In glazing, the bead compound or sealant applied between a lite
of glass or panel and the stationary stop or sight bar of the sash
or frame. It is usually the first bead of compound or sealant to be
applied when setting glass or panels. |
| Bedrock |
A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure. |
| Bell Reducer |
In plumbing, a fitting shaped like a bell which has one opening
of a smaller diameter used to reduce the size of the pipe in the line,
and the opposite opening of larger diameter. |
| Bid |
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 |
1. An offer or proposal of a price |
| Bid Bond |
A written form of security executed by the bidder as principal and
by a surety for the purpose of guaranteeing that the bidder will sign
the contract, if awarded the contract, for the stated bid amount. |
| Bid Date/Time |
The due date and time set by the owner, architect or engineer for
receiving bids. |
| Bid Form |
A standard written form furnished to all bidders for the purpose
of obtaining the requested information and required signatures from
the authorized bidding representatives. |
| Bid Opening |
The actual process of opening and tabulating bids submitted within
the prescribed bid date/time and conforming with the bid procedures.
A Bid Opening can be open (where the bidders are permitted to attend)
or closed (where the bidders are not permitted to attend). (see Bid
Date/Time, Open Bid, Closed Bid) |
| Bid Price |
The stipulated sum stated in the bidder?s bid. |
| Bid Shopper |
A buyer or client who seeks to play one proposed supplier or subcontractor
against the other for the purpose of reducing a purchase price. |
| Bid shopping |
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 Tabulation |
A summary sheet listing all bid prices for the purpose of analysing
the bid results. Bid tabulations include the required items of the
invitation to bid and usually include bid amount, completion time,
addendas included, contract exclusions, bonding rate, etc. Often times,
the apparent low bidder is not the low bidder. (see Bid Form ) |
| Bid Time (see Bid Date/Time) |
|
| Bidding |
Getting prices from various contractors and/or subcontractors.
|
| Bidding Documents |
The published advertisement or written invitation to bid , instructions
to bidders, the bid form and the proposed contract documents including
any acknowledged addenda issued prior to receipt of bids. |
| Bidding Period |
The calendar period allowed from issuance of bidding requirements
and contract documents to the prescribed bid date/time. ( see Bid
Date/Time) |
| Bidding requirements |
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 |
The written minimum acceptable requirements set forth by the owner
to the contractor during bidding process. The owner usually reserves
the right to reject a bid if the Bidding Requirements are not met.
(see Bidding Documents) |
| Bifold door |
Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area
than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors. |
| Binder |
A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home
at an agreed terms by a buyer and seller. |
| Bipass doors |
Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as closet doors. |
| Bite |
The dimension by which the framing system overlaps the edge of the
glazing infill. |
| Bitumen |
Any of various mixtures of hydrocarbons occurring naturally or
obtained through the distillation of coal or petroleum. (See Coat
Tar Pitch and Asphalt) |
| Blankets |
Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls 15
or 23 inches wide. |
| Blister |
An enclosed raised spot evident on the surface of a building. They
are mainly caused by the expansion of trapped air, water vapor, moisture
or other gases. |
| Block out |
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. |
| Blocked (door blocking) |
Wood shims used between the door frame and the vertical structural
wall framing members. |
| Blocked (rafters) |
Short "2 by 4's" used to keep rafters from twisting, and installed
at the ends and at mid span. |
| Blocking |
Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing
base for gypsum board or paneling. |
| Blocking |
In carpentry, the process of fastening together two pieces of board
by gluing blocks of wood in the interior angle. |
| Blow insulation |
Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate attics and
existing walls where framing members are not exposed. |
| Blue Prints |
Architectural plans for a building or construction project, which
are likely to include floor plans, footing and foundation plans, elevations,
plot plans, and various schedules and or details. |
| Blue stake |
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. |
| Board Foot |
In carpentry, the equivalent of a board 1 foot square and 1 inch
thick. |
| Bond Breaker |
A substance or a tape applied between two adjoining materials to
prevent adhesion between them. |
| Bonding Company |
A properly licensed firm or corporation willing to execute a surety
bond, or bonds, payable to the owner, securing the performance on
a contract either in whole or in part; or securing payment for labor
and materials. |
| Boom |
A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place. Used to
put trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place. |
| Bottom chord |
The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss. |
| Bottom plate |
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'. |
| Bow (And Warp) |
A curve, bend or other deviation from flatness in glass. |
| Bracing |
Ties and rods used for supporting and strengthening various partS
of a building used for lateral stability for columns and beams. |
| Brake Metal |
Sheet metal that has been bent to the desired configuration. |
| Breaker panel |
The electrical box that distributes electric power entering the
home to each branch circuit (each plug and switch) and composed of
circuit breakers. |
| Brick ledge |
Part of the foundation wall where brick (veneer) will rest. |
| Brick lintel |
The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window,
door, or other opening. |
| Brick molding |
Trim used around an exterior windews and door jamb as a transition
to brick or molding. |
| Brick tie |
A small, corrugated metal strip @ 1" X 6"- 8" long nailed to wall
sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of
the veneer brick, and holds the veneer wall to the sheeted wall behind
it. |
| Brick veneer |
A vertical facing of brick laid against and fastened to sheathing
of a framed wall or tile wall construction. |
| Bridging |
Small wood or metal members that are inserted in a diagonal position
between the floor joists or rafters at mid-span for the purpose of
bracing the joists/rafters & spreading the load. |
| Buck |
Often used in reference to rough frame opening members. Door bucks
used in reference to metal door frame. See Window Bucks |
| Builder's Risk Insurance |
Insurance coverage on a construction project during construction,
including extended coverage that may be added for the contract for
the customer's protections. |
| Building Brick |
Brick for building purposes not especially treated for texture
or color, formerly called "common brick." It is stronger than face
brick. |
| Building Code |
The legal requirements set up by the prevailing various governing
agencies covering the minimum acceptable requirements for all types
of construction. (See Codes) |
| Building codes |
Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be
constructed or modified. |
| Building Inspector/Official |
A qualified government representative authorized to inspect construction
for compliance with applicable building codes, regulations and ordinances.
Courts have ruled that building inspections are exempt from errors
and omissions liabilities. |
| Building insurance |
Insurance covering the structure of the building. |
| Building paper |
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 Permit |
A written document issued by the appropriate governmental authority
permitting construction to begin on a specific project in accordance
with drawings and specifications approved by the governmental authority. |
| Building Process |
A term used to express every step of a construction project from
it?s conception to final acceptance and occupancy. |
| Bull nose (drywall) |
Rounded drywall corners. |
| Bullfloat |
A tool used to finish and flatten a slab. After screeding, the
first stage in the final finish of concrete, smoothes and levels hills
and voids left after screeding. Sometimes substituted for darbying.
A large flat or tool usually of wood, aluminum or magnesium with a
handle. |
| Bundle |
A package of shingles. Normally, there are 3 bundles per square
and 27 shingles per bundle. |
| Butt edge |
The lower edge of the shingle tabs. |
| Butt hinge |
The most common type. One leaf attaches to the door's edge, the
other to its jamb. |
| Butt joint |
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-to-end
or end-to-edge without overlapping. |
| Butterfly Roof |
A roof assembly which pitches sharply from either side toward the
center. |
| Buy down |
A prepayment (usually paid by a builder or developer) used to reduce
monthly payments on a mortgage. |
| By fold door |
Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area
than standard swing doors. Often used for closet doors. |
| C/D Circuit |
A circuit where electricity flows in one direction only, at a constant
rate. |
| Caisson |
A 10" or 12" diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded
into bedrock 3 - 4 feet. The structural support for a type of foundation
wall, porch, patio, monopost, or other structure. Two or more "sticks"
of reinforcing bars (rebar) are inserted into and run the full length
of the hole and concrete is poured into the caisson hole |
| Calcium Chloride |
A chemical used to speed up curing of concrete during damp conditions. |
| Canopy |
An overhanging roof. |
| Cant Strip |
A beveled support used at the intersection of the roof deck with
vertical surfaces so that bends in the roofing membrane to form base
flashings can be made without breaking the felts. |
| Cantilever |
A projecting beam or other structure supported only at one end. |
| Cantilevered void |
Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions.
This void is "trapezoid" shaped and has vertical sides of 6" and 4"
respectively. |
| Cap |
The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding,
or fireplace. |
| Cap flashing |
The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent
water from migrating behind the base flashing. |
| Capital |
The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed. |
| Capital and interest |
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. |
| Cap rate |
The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during
a certain period of time, but it may fluctuate up and down below that
level. |
| Carbide Bit |
Tool used to drill holes in brick or block. |
| Casement |
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 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. |
| Caulk |
The application of sealant to a joint, crack or crevice. (n) A compound
used for sealing that has minimum joint movement capability; sometimes
called low performance sealant. |
| Caulking |
(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. |
| CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) |
A pesticide that is forced into wood under high pressure to protect
it from termites, other wood boring insects, and decay caused by fungus |
| Ceiling joist |
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. |
| Cellulose Insulation |
Ground up newspaper that is treated with a fire retardant. |
| Celotex ? |
Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething. |
| Cement |
The gray powder that is the "glue" in concrete. Portland cement.
Also, any adhesive. |
| Ceramic tile |
A clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub
and shower enclosures and on counter tops. |
| Certificate Of Occupancy |
A document stating that a building is approved for occupancy. The
building authority issues the Certificate of Occupancy. |
| CFM (cubic feet per minute) |
Measure of volume, 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. |
| Chair rail |
Interior trim material installed about 3-4 feet up the wall, horizontally.
Most frequently installed in a dining room. |
| Chalk line |
A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk.
Used for alignment purposes. |
| Change Order |
A written document between the owner and the contractor signed by
the owner and the contractor authorizing a change in the work or an
adjustment in the contract sum or the contract time. A change order
may be signed by the architect or engineer, provided they have written
authority from the owner for such procedure and that a copy of such
written authority is furnished to the contractor upon request. The
contract sum and the contract time may be changed only by change order.
A change order may be in the form of additional compensation or time;
or less compensation or time known as a Deduction (from the contract)
the amount deducted from the contract sum by change order. |
| Change Order Proposal (See Change order) |
A change order proposal is the written document before it has been
approved and effected by the Contractor and Owner. A change order
proposal can be issued by either the contractor or the owner. The
change order proposal becomes a change order only after it has been
approved and effected by the Contractor and Owner. |
| Change Order Request |
A written document issued by the owner requesting an adjustment
to the contract sum or an extension of the contract time; generally
issued by the architect or owners representative. |
| Chase |
A framed enclosed space or channel in a wall, or through a ceiling
for something to pass through. |
| Chemical Injection Grouting |
Leak repair technique usually used below grade in cracks and joints
in concrete walls and floors that involves injection of sealant (usually
urethane) that reacts with water to form a seal. |
| Chink |
To install small pieces of insulation around all exterior door
and window frames, wall corners, and small gaps in the exterior wall. |
| Chip Board |
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue.
Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof
sheathing. Also called OSB (Oriented Strand Board) or wafer board. |
| Circuit |
The path of electrical flow from a power source through an outlet
and back to ground. |
| Circuit Breaker |
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. |
| Class "A" |
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 "C" |
Minimum fire rating issued by the Underwriters' Laboratories for
roofing materials. |
| Clean out |
An opening providing access to a drain line. Closed with a threaded
plug. |
| Cleat |
A wedge-shaped piece (usually of metal) which serves as a support
or check. A strip fastened across something to give strength or hold
something in position. |
| Clip ties |
Sharp, cut metal wires that protrude out of a concrete foundation
wall (that at one time held the foundation form panels in place). |
| Closed Bid/Estimate |
A service offered by constructionplace.com where only invited bidders
or estimators are given access to the project specific RFP (Request
for Proposal) information.stimator is given access to project specific
RFP (Request for Proposal) information. This option is for those seeking
bids/estimates from a prequalified and selected list of professionals
or service. For security and easy access, the RFP poster receives
an e-mail showing the list of bidders/estimators and links to View
the RFP Details and View any Bids as they are received.This e-mail
gives the poster the ability to file and track their respective RFP's
using their own e-mail filing system. (see Open Bid/Estimate) |
| CO |
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. |
| Coating |
A layer of any liquid product spread over a surface for protection.
|
| Codes |
Prevailing regulations, ordinances or statutory requirements set
forth by governmental agencies associated with building construction
practices and owner occupancy, adopted and administered for the protection
of public health, life safety and welfare. (see Building Code) |
| Cold air return |
The ductwork (and related grills) that carries room air back to
the furnace for re-heating. |
| Cold Applied |
Products that can be applied without heating. These are in contrast
to products which need to be heated to be applied. |
| Cold Patch |
In roofing, a roof repair done with cold applied material. |
| Collar |
In roofing, a conical metal cap flashing used in conjunction with
vent pipes or stacks usually located several inches above the plane
of the roof, for the purpose of shedding water away from the base
of the vent. |
| Collar beam |
Nominal 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite roof rafters.
They serve to stiffen the roof structure. |
| Collar Beam |
In carpentry, a tie that keeps the roof from spreading. Connects
similar rafters on opposite sides of roof. |
| Column |
A vertical structural compression member which supports loads. |
| Combustion air |
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 chamber |
The part of a boiler, furnace or woodstove where the burn occurs;
normally lined with firebrick or molded or sprayed insulation. |
| Compatible |
Two or more substances which can be mixed or blended without separating,
reacting, or affecting either material adversely. |
| Component |
Any one part of an assembly associated with construction. |
| Composite Board |
An insulation board which has two different insulation types laminated
together in 2 or 3 layers. |
| Compound |
A chemical formulation of ingredients used to produce a caulking,
elastomeric joint sealant, etc. |
| Compression Gasket |
A gasket designed to function under compression. |
| Compression Set |
The permanent deformation of a material after removal of the compressive
stress. |
| Compression web |
A member of a truss system which connects the bottom and top chords
and which provides downward support. |
| Compressor |
A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas. 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). |
| Concrete |
The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water. Used to
make sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced
with steel rods (rebar) or wire screening (re-mesh). |
| Concrete block |
A hollow concrete 'brick' often 8" x 8" x 16" in size. |
| Concrete board |
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile
backing material. |
| Condensation |
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 appearance of moisture (water vapor) on the surface of an object
caused by warm moist air coming into contact with a colder object. |
| Condensing unit |
The outdoor component of a cooling system. It includes a compressor
and condensing coil designed to give off heat. |
| Conditions, Convenants, and Restrictions (CC and Rs) |
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. |
| Conduction |
The flow of heat from one part of a substance to another part.
A piece of iron with one end placed in a fire will soon become warm
from end to end, from the transfer of heat by the actual collision
of the air molecules. |
| Conductivity |
The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material. |
| Conduit |
A tube for protecting electric wires. |
| Conduit, electrical |
A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed. |
| Construct |
To assemble and combine construction materials and methods to make
a structure. |
| Construction |
The act or process of constructing. |
| Construction Contract |
A legal document which specifies the what, when, where, who and
how much a construction project will require |
| Construction Cost |
1. The direct contractor costs for labor, material, equipment, and
services; contractors overhead and profit; and other direct construction
costs. Construction cost does not include the compensation paid to
the architect and engineer and consultants, the cost of the land,
rights-of-way or other costs which are defined in the contract documents
as being the responsibility of the owner. (see Soft Costs) |
| Construction Document Review |
The owners review of the borrowers construction documents (plans
and specifications), list of materials, and cost breakdowns for the
purpose of confirming that these documents and estimates are feasible
and are in accordance with the proposed loan or project appraisal. |
| Construction Documents |
All drawings, specifications and addenda associated with a specific
construction project. |
| Construction Documents |
A term used to represent all drawings, specifications, addenda,
other pertinent construction information associated with the construction
of a specific project. |
| Construction Documents Phase |
The third phase of the architect's basic services wherein the architect
prepares working drawings, specifications and bidding information.
Depending on the architects scope of services the architect may assists
the owner in the preparation of bidding forms, the conditions of the
contract and the form of agreement between the owner and contractor. |
| Construction drywall |
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 Loan |
A loan provided by a lending institution specifically to construct
or renovate a building. |
| Construction Management |
Organizing and directing men, materials, and equipment to accomplish
the purpose of the designer. |
| Construction Management Contract |
A written agreement wherein responsibilities for coordination and
accomplishment of overall project planning, design and construction
are given to a construction management firm. The building team generally
consists of the owner, contractor and designer or architect. |
| Construction Phase |
The fifth and final phase of the architect's basics services, which
includes the architect's general administration of the construction
contract(s). |
| Construction, frame |
A type of construction in which the structural components are wood
or depend upon a wood frame for support. |
| Consultant |
One hired by the owner or client to give professional advise. |
| Continuity tester |
A device that tells whether a circuit is capable of carrying electricity. |
| Contract |
An agreement between two or more parties, especially one that is
written and enforceable by law |
| Contract Administration |
The contractual duties and responsibilities of the architect and
engineer during the construction phase of a specific project. |
| Contract Bond |
A written form of security from a surety company, on behalf of an
acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor, guaranteeing
complete execution of the contract and all supplemental agreements
pertaining thereto and for the payment of all legal debts pertaining
to the construction of the project. |
| Contract Documents |
A term used to represent all executed agreements between the owner
and contractor; any general, supplementary or other contract conditions;
the drawings and specifications; all addenda issued prior to execution
of the contract; and any other items specifically stipulated as being
included in the contract documents. |
| Contract Over-run (under-run) |
The difference between the original contract price and the final
completed cost including all adjustments by approved change order. |
| Contract Payment Bond |
A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on
behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor,
guaranteeing payment to all persons providing labor, materials, equipment,
or services in accordance with the contract. |
| Contract Performance Bond |
A written form of security from a surety company to the owner, on
behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or subcontractor,
guaranteeing the completion of the work in accordance with the terms
of the contract. |
| Contract Period |
The elapsed number of working days or calendar days from the specified
date of commencing work to the specified date of completion, as specified
in the contract. |
| Contract Sum |
The total agreeable amount payable by the owner to the contractor
for the performance of the work under the contract documents. (see
Change Order) |
| Contract Time |
The time period set forth established in the contract documents
for completing a specific project; usually stated in working days
or calendar days. The contract time can only be adjusted by valid
time extensions through change order. |
| Contracting Officer |
An official representative of the owner with specific authority
to act in his behalf in connection with a specific project. |
| Contractor |
A company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities.
In most states, the generals contractor's license and some specialty
contractor's licenses don't require of compliance with bonding, workmen's
compensation and similar regulations. Some of the specialty contractor
licenses involve extensive training, testing and/or insurance requirements.
There are various types of contractors: |
| Contractor's Option |
A written provision in the contract documents giving the contractor
the option of selecting certain specified materials, methods or systems
without changing in the contract sum. |
| Contractor's Qualification Statement |
A written statement of the Contractor's experience and qualifications
submitted to the Owner during the contractor selection process. The
American Institute of Architects publishes a standard Contractor's
Qualification Statement form for this purpose. |
| Contractual Liability |
The liability assumed by a party under a contract. |
| Control joint |
Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors to "control" where
the concrete should crack |
| Convection |
A method of transferring heat by the actual movement of heated
molecules, usually by a freestanding unit such as a furnace. |
| Cooling load |
The amount of cooling required to keep a building at a specified
temperature during the summer, usually 78° F, regardless of outside
temperature. |
| Cooling Tower |
A large device mounted on roofs, consisting of many baffles over
which water is pumped in order to reduce its temperature. |
| Coped |
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 joint |
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface. |
| Coping |
A construction unit placed at the top of the parapet wall to serve
as a cover for the wall. |
| Copper Pipe Types |
Type K has the heaviest or thickest wall and is generally used
underground. It has a green stripe. (Kelly Green). Type L has a medium
wall thickness and is most commonly used for water service and for
general interior water piping. It has a blue stripe (Lavender Blue).
Type M has a thin wall and many codes permit its use in general water
piping installation. It has a red stripe. (Mad Red) |
| Corbel |
The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel
or horizontal shelf. |
| Core |
A small section cut from any material to show internal composition.
|
| Corner bead |
A strip of formed sheet metal placed on outside corners of drywall
before applying drywall 'mud'. |
| Corner boards |
Used as trim for the external corners of a house or other frame
structure against which the ends of the siding are finished. |
| Corner braces |
Diagonal braces at the corners of the framed structure designed
to stiffen and strengthen the wall. |
| Cornice |
A horizontal projecting course on the exterior of a building, usually
at the base of the parapet. |
| Corrosion |
The deterioration of metal by chemical or electrochemical reaction
resulting from exposure to weathering, moisture, chemicals or other
agents or media. |
| Corrugated |
Folded or shaped into parallel ridges or furrows so as to form
a symmetrically wavy surface. |
| Cost Breakdown |
A breakdowns of all the anticipated costs on a construction or
|
| Cost Codes |
A numbering system given to specific kinds of work for the purpose
of organizing the cost control process of a specific project. |
| Cost of Work |
All costs incurred by the contractor in the proper performance of
the work required by the plans and specifications for a specific project. |
| Cost Plus Contract (see Cost Plus Fee Agreement) |
|
| Cost Plus Fee Agreement (Cost-Plus) |
A written agreement with the owner under which the contractor or
the architect and engineer is reimbursed for his/her direct and indirect
costs and, in addition, is paid a fee for his services. The fee is
usually stated as a stipulated sum or as a percentage of cost. |
| Counter flashing |
A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover
shingle flashing and used to prevent moisture entry. |
| Counterfort |
A foundation wall section that strengthens (and generally perpendicular
to) a long section of foundation wall |
| Course |
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 single layer of brick or stone or other building material. |
| Cove molding |
A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior
corners. |
| Covenants |
Rules usually developed by a builder or developer regarding the
physical appearance of buildings in a particular geographic area.
Typical covenants address building height, appropriate fencing and
landscaping, and the type of exterior material (stucco, brick, stone,
siding, etc) that may be used. |
| Crawl Space |
An open area between the floor of a building and the ground. |
| Credit rating |
A report ordered by a lender from a credit agency to determine
a borrower's credit habits. |
| Cricket |
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. |
| Cripple |
Short vertical "2 by 4's or 6's" frame lumber installed above a
window or door. |
| Critical Path |
The set of activities that must be completed on time for the project
completion date to be met. Activities on the critical path have no
slack time. |
| Critical Path Method (C.P.M.) |
A planning scheduling and control line and symbol diagram drawn
to show the respective tasks and activities involved in constructing
a specific project. |
| Cross bridging |
Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the
center of the joist span to prevent joists from twisting. |
| Cross Tee |
Short metal "T" beam used in suspended ceiling systems to bridge
the spaces between the main beams. |
| Crown molding |
A molding used on cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be
covered, especially at the roof and wall corner. |
| CSI |
Construction Specification Institute |
| CSI Master Format |
The CSI Master Format is a system of numbers and titles for organizing
construction information into a regular, standard order or sequence.
By establishing a master list of titles and numbers Master Format
promotes standardization and thereby facilitates the retrieval of
information and improves construction communication. It provides a
uniform system for organizing information in project manuals, for
organizing project cost data, and for filing product information and
other technical data. |
| Culvert |
Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in diameter)
that is installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the
street. |
| Cupola |
A small monitor or dome at the peak of a pitched roof. |
| Cupping |
A type of warping that causes boards to curl up at their edges. |
| Curb |
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 |
A short wall or masonry built above the level of the roof that
provides a means of flashing the deck equipment. |
| Curb stop |
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-off valve to the home is located (underground).
A long pole with a special end is inserted into the curb stop to turn
off/on the water. |
| Current Date Line |
A vertical line on the chart indicating the current date. |
| Cut Off |
A piece of roofing membrane consisting of one or more narrow plies
of felt usually moped in hot to seal the edge of insulation at the
end of a day's work. |
| Cutback |
In roofing, basic asphalt or tar which has been "cut back" with
solvents and oils so that the material become fluid. |
| Dado |
A groove cut into a board or panel intended to receive the edge
of a connecting board or panel. |
| Daily Construction Report |
A written document and record that has two main purposes: |
| Damper |
A metal "door" placed within the fireplace chimney. Normally closed
when the fireplace is not in use. |
| Dampproofing |
A process used on concrete, masonry or stone surfaces to repel
water, the main purpose of which is to prevent the coated surface
from absorbing rain water while still permitting moisture vapor to
escape from the structure. (Moisture vapor readily penetrates coatings
of this type.) "Dampproofing" generally applies to surfaces above
grade; "waterproofing" generally applies to surfaces below grade. |
| Darby |
A flat tool used to smooth concrete flatwork immediately after
screeding. See Bullfloating |
| Date of Agreement |
1. Usually on the front page of the agreement |
| Date of Commencement of the Work |
The date established in a written notice to proceed from the owner
to the contractor. |
| Date of Substantial Completion |
The date certified by the architect when the work or a designated
portion thereof is sufficiently complete, in accordance with the contract
documents, so the owner may occupy the work or designated portion
thereof for the use for which it is intended. |
| Daylight |
The end of a pipe (the terminal end) that is not attached to anything. |
| Dead bolt |
An exterior security lock installed on exterior entry doors that
can be activated only with a key or thumb-turn. Unlike a latch, which
has a beveled tongue, dead bolts have square ends. |
| Dead light |
The fixed, non-operable window section of a window unit. |
| Dead Load |
The constant, design weight (of the roof) and any permanent fixtures
attached above or below. |
| Deck, decked |
To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the floor joists,
rafters, or trusses. |
| Dedicated circuit |
An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance (ie, dishwasher)
or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors. |
| Default |
Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments). |
| Deflect |
To bend or deform under weight. |
| Delamination |
Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive.
Usually caused by excessive moisture. |
| Demising Walls |
The boundaries that separate your space from your neighbors' and
from the public corridor. |
| Demolition permit |
Authorization to tear down and remove an existing structure. |
| Design |
A graphical representation of a concept consisting of plan views,
interior and exterior elevations, sections, and other drawings and
details to depict the goal or purpose for a building or other structure. |
| Design-Build Construction |
When a Prime or Main contractor bids or negotiates to provide Design
and Construction services for the entire construction project. |
| Design-Construct Contract |
A written agreement between and contractor and owner wherein the
contractor agrees to provide both design and construction services. |
| Design-Development Phase |
The second phase of the architect's basic services wherein the architect
prepares drawings and other presentation documents to fix and describe
the size and character of the entire project as to architectural,
structural, mechanical and electrical systems, materials and other
essentials as may be appropriate; and prepares a statement of probable
construction cost. |
| Dew Point |
The critical temperature at which vapor condenses from the atmosphere
and forms water. |
| Direct Cost (or expense) |
All items of expense directly incurred by or attributable to a specific
project, assignment or task. Direct Costs, Hard Costs, and Construction
Costs are synonymous. (see Construction Costs and Hard Costs) |
| Disconnect |
A large (generally 20 Amp) electrical ON-OFF switch. |
| Discount rate |
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. |
| Door operator |
An automatic garage door opener. |
| Door stop |
The wooden style that the door slab will rest upon when it's in
a closed position. |
| Doorjamb, interior |
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. |
| Dormer |
An opening in a sloping roof, the framing of which projects out
to form a vertical wall suitable for windows or other openings. |
| Double glass |
Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed
air space between. Also known as Insulating Glass. |
| Double hung window |
A window with two vertically sliding sashes, both of which can
move up and down. |
| Double Plate |
when two layers of 2 x 4's are placed on top of studs in framing
a wall. |
| Double Strength |
In float glass, approximately 1/8" (3 mm.) thick. |
| Double Tee |
Refers usually to a precast roof deck panel poured with two fins
in its underside to impart flexural rigidity. |
| Down payment |
The difference between the sales price and the mortgage amount.
A downpayment is usually paid at closing. |
| Downspout |
The metal pipe used to drain water from a roof. |
| Drain tile |
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. |
| Draw |
The amount of progress billings on a contract that is currently
available to a contractor under a contract with a fixed payment schedule. |
| Drawing Detail |
A top view drawing of a building or roof showing the roof perimeter
and indicating the projections and roof mounted equipment, drawn to
scale. |
| Drawing Outline |
A top view drawing of a building or roof showing only the perimeter
drawn to scale. |
| Drip |
A member of a cornice or other horizontal exterior finish course
that has a projection beyond the other parts for throwing off water.(or)
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 cap |
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 Edge |
A device designed to prevent water from running back or under an
overhang. |
| Drippage |
Bitumen material that drips through roof deck joints, or over the
edge of a roof deck. |
| Dry Glazing |
Also called compression glazing, a term used to describe various
means of sealing monolithic and insulating glass in the supporting
framing system with synthetic rubber and other elastomeric gasket
materials. |
| Dry In |
To make a building waterproof. |
| Dry Seal |
Accomplishment of weather seal between glass and sash by use of
strips or gaskets of Neoprene, EPDM, silicone or other flexible material.
A dry seal may not be completely watertight. |
| Dry Sheet |
A ply mechanically attached to wood or gypsum decks to prevent
asphalt or pitch from penetrating the deck and leaking into the building
below. |
| Drywall |
Sheetrock (gypsum board) that covers the framing and taping, coating,
and finishing to make the interior walls and ceilings of a building.
Drywall is also used as a verb to refer to installation process. |
| Drywall (or Gypsum Wallboard (GWB), Sheet rock or Plasterboard) |
Wall board or gypsum- A manufactured panel made out of gypsum plaster
and encased in a thin cardboard. Usually 1/2" thick and 4' x 8' or
4' x 12' in size. The panels are nailed or screwed onto the framing
and the joints are taped and covered with a 'joint compound'. 'Green
board' type drywall has a greater resistance to moisture than regular
(white) plasterboard and is used in bathrooms and other "wet areas". |
| Drywall Hammer |
A special hammer used for nailing up gypsum board. It is also known
as an ax or hatchet. Edges should be smooth and the corners rounded
off. The head has a convex round & checkered head. |
| Duct |
A cylindrical or rectangular "tube" used to move air either from
exhaust or intake. The installation is referred to as "duct work".
|
| 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. 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. |
| Dumbwaiter |
An elevator with a maximum footage of not more than 9 sq. ft. floor
area; not more than 4" headroom and a maximum capacity of 500 lbs.
used for carrying materials only. |
| Dura board, dura rock |
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 |
| Duration |
The length of an activity, excluding holidays and other non-working
days. |
| Durometer |
The measurement of hardness of a material. A gauge to measure the
hardness of an elastomeric material. |
| DWV (drain-waste-vent) |
The section of a plumbing system that carries water and sewer gases
out of a home. |
| Earnest Money |
A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential purchaser is
serious about buying. |
| Earthquake Strap |
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. |
| Easement |
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. |
| Eave |
The part of a roof which projects out from the side wall, or the
lower edge of the part of a roof that overhangs a wall. |
| Edge Clearance |
Nominal spacing between the edge of the glass product and the bottom
of the glazing pocket (channel). |
| Edge Metal |
A term relating to brake or extruded metal around the perimeter
of a roof. |
| EER |
Energy Efficiency Ratio; is figured by dividing BTU hours by watts. |
| Efflorescence |
The process by which water leeches soluble salts out of concrete
or mortar and deposits them on the surface. Also used as the name
for these deposits. |
| Egress |
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 |
| Elbow (ell) |
A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions
in runs of pipe or conduit. |
| Electric lateral |
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 resistance coils |
Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes through them
and are used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters. |
| Electrical entrance package |
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 permit |
A separate permit required for most electrical work. |
| Electrical Rough |
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 Trim |
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 |
| Electrolytic Coupling |
A fitting required to join copper to galvanized pipe and gasketed
to prevent galvanic action. Connecting pipes of different materials
may result in electrolysis. |
| Elevation |
A side of a building. |
| Elevation sheet |
The page on the blue prints that depicts the house or room as if
a vertical plane were passed through the structure. |
| Emulsion |
In roofing, a coating consisting of asphalt and fillers suspended
in water. |
| End Lap |
The amount or location of overlap at the end of a roll of roofing
felts in the |
| EPDM |
Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer. A single ply membrane used as
a water seal. |
| Equity |
The "valuation" that you own in your home, i.e. the property value
less the mortgage loan outstanding. |
| Escrow |
The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of
the buyer and/or seller. |
| Escutcheon |
An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a
wall or floor to hide the cut out hole |
| Estimate |
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. |
| Estimating |
A process of calculating the amount of material, labor and equipment
required for a given project necessary to complete the work as specified. |
| Evaporator coil |
The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your
home. Also see condensing unit. |
| Excavate |
Dig the basement and or all areas that will need footings/foundations
below ground. |
| Expansion Coefficient |
The amount that a specific material will vary in any one dimension
with a change of temperature. |
| Expansion Joint |
A device used to permit a structure to expand or contract without
breakage. |
| Expansive soils |
Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water
that is present. ("Betonite" is an expansive soil). |
| Exposed aggregate finish |
A method of finishing concrete which washes the cement/sand mixture
off the top layer of the aggregate - usually gravel. Often used in
driveways, patios and other exterior surfaces. |
| Extras |
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. |
| Extrusion |
An item formed by forcing a base metal (frequently aluminum) or
plastic, at a malleable temperature, through a die to achieve a desired
shape. |
| Eyebrow |
A flat, normally concrete, projection which protrudes horizontally
from a building wall; Eyebrows are generally located above windows.
|
| Façade |
The front of a building. Frequently, in architectural terms an
artificial or decorative effort. |
| Face Brick |
Brick made especially for exterior use with special consideration
of color, texture and size, and used as a facing on a building. |
| Face nail |
To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or
beam. |
| Faced concrete |
To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete porch,
step(s), or patio. Normally the "face" is broom finished. |
| Facility or Site Analysis |
A visual inspection of a building and on-site improvements for functional
or physical deterioration; prepare optional Replacement Cost Estimate
for making recommendations to improve functional and physical deficiencies
to increase market value; AND/OR prepare a Reserve Study over five
(5) years to increase Net Operating Income (NOI) for the facility.(See
Site Analysis) |
| Facing brick |
The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these
have a finished texture. |
| Factory Mutual Fm |
A major insurance agency who has established stringent guidelines
for maximum construction integrity as it relates to fire and environmental
hazards. Their specifications have become industry standards. |
| Fascia |
Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and
along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia. |
| Fast Track Construction (Fast Tracking) |
A method of construction management which involves a continuous
design-construction operation. When a prime or main contractor starts
the construction work BEFORE the plans and specifications are complete.
(See Design-Build Construction) |
| Fasteners |
A general term covering a wide variety of screws and nails which
may be used for mechanically securing various components of a building.
|
| Felt |
A very general term used to describe composition of roofing ply
sheets, consisting of a mat of organic or inorganic fibers unsaturated,
impregnated with asphalt or coal tar pitch, or impregnated and coated
with asphalt. |
| Female |
Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part
can be inserted. Internal threads are female. |
| Ferrous |
Refers to objects made of or partially made of iron, such as ferrous
pipe. |
| Ferrule |
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. |
| FHA strap |
Metal straps that are used to repair a bearing wall "cut-out",
and to "tie together" wall corners, splices, and bearing headers.
Also, they are used to hang stairs and landings to bearing headers. |
| Field measure |
To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs, shower doors,
etc.) in the home itself instead of using the blueprints. |
| Field Order |
A written order effecting a minor change or clarification in the
work not involving an adjustment to the contract sum or an extension
of the contract time. |
| Field Work Order |
A written request to a subcontractor or vendor, usually from the
general or main contractor, site for services or materials. |
| Final Acceptance |
The action of the owner accepting the work from the contractor when
the owner deems the work completed in accordance with the contract
requirements. Final acceptance is confirmed by the owner when making
the final payment to the contractor. |
| Final Inspection |
A final site review of the project by the contractor, owner or owner?s
authorized representative prior to issuing the final certificate for
payment. |
| Final Payment |
The last payment from the owner to the contractor of the entire
unpaid balance of the contract sum as adjusted by any approved change
orders. (see Final Acceptance) |
| Finger joint |
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). |
| Finish Carpentry |
The hanging of all interior doors, installation of door molding,
base molding, chair rail, built in shelves, etc. |
| Finish Coat |
The last coat applied in plastering intended as a base for paint
or further decorating. Finish coat usually consists of calcified gypsum,
lime and sometimes an aggregate. Some may require the addition of
lime or sand on the job. The three basic methods of applying it are
(1) trowel (2) flat and (3) spray. |
| Finish Date |
The date that an activity or project is completed. |
| Finish Grade |
Any surface which has been cut to or built to the elevation indicated
for that point. Surface elevation of lawn, driveway or other improved
surfaces after completion of grading operations. |
| Fire brick or block |
Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high
temperatures. Used in a fireplace and boiler. |
| Fire retardant chemical |
A chemical or preparation of chemicals used to reduce the flammability
of a material or to retard the spread of flame. |
| Fire stop |
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'. |
| Fireplace chase flashing pan |
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. |
| Fire-resistive or Fire rated |
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. |
| Fish tape |
A long strip of spring steel used for fishing cables and for pulling
wires through conduit. |
| Fishplate (gusset) |
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. |
| Fixed Fee |
A set contract amount for all labor, materials, equipment and services;
and contractors overhead and profit for all work being performed for
a specific scope of work. |
| Fixed Limit of Construction Costs |
A construction cost ceiling agreed to between the owner and architect
or engineer for designing a specific project. (See Budget) |
| Fixed price contract |
A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials
Contract. |
| Fixed Rate Mortgage |
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. |
| Flagstone (flagging or flags) |
Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors,
and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick). |
| Flakeboard |
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue.
Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof
sheathing. Also called OSB or wafer board. |
| Flame retention burner |
An oil burner, designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface.
Generally the most efficient type for residential use. |
| Flash Point |
The critical temperature at which a material will ignite. |
| Flashing |
Weatherproof material installed between roof sheathing (or wall
sheathing) and the finish materials to help keep moisture away from
the sheathing. |
| Flashing Base |
The upturned edge of the watertight membrane formed at a roof termination
point by the extension of the felts vertically over the cant strip
and up the wall for a varying distance where they are secured with
mechanical fasteners. |
| Flashing, Counter |
The formed metal secured to a wall, curb, or roof top unit to cover
and protect the upper edge of a base flashing and its associated fasteners.
|
| Flashing, Step |
Individual small pieces of metal flashing material used to flash
around chimneys, dormers, and such projections along the slope of
a roof. The individual pieces are overlapped and stepped up the vertical
surface. |
| Flat mold |
Thin wood strips installed over the butt seam of cabinet skins. |
| Flat paint |
An interior paint that contains a high proportion of pigment and
dries to a flat or lusterless finish. |
| Flat Seam |
A seam at the junction of sheet metal roof components that has
been bent at the plane of the roof. |
| Flatwork |
Common word for concrete floors, driveways, basements, and sidewalks. |
| Fleet Averaging |
By using a point system, builders can show compliance with energy
building requirements by using average figures for all air conditioning
units in the same sub division. |
| Floating |
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 wall |
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. |
| Floor Plan |
The basic layout of building or addition, which includes placement
of walls, windows and doors as well as dimensions. |
| Flue |
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 collar |
Round metal ring which fits around the heat flue pipe after the
pipe passes out of the roof. |
| Flue damper |
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 lining |
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. |
| Fluorescent lighting |
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. |
| Fly rafters |
End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and
lookouts. |
| Folded Seam |
In sheet metal work, a joint between sheets of metal wherein the
edges of the sheets are crimped together and folded flat. |
| Footer, footing |
Continuous 8" or 10" thick concrete pad installed before and supports
the foundation wall or monopost. |
| Forced air heating |
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. |
| Form |
Temporary structure erected to contain concrete during placing
and initial hardening. |
| Foundation |
The supporting portion of a structure below the first floor construction,
or below grade, including the footings. |
| Foundation ties |
Metal wires that hold the foundation wall panels and rebar in place
during the concrete pour. |
| Foundation waterproofing |
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 |
| Frame Inspection |
The act of inspecting the home's structural integrity and it's
complianceto local municipal codes. |
| Framer |
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. |
| Framing |
Lumber used for the structural members of a building, such as studs,
joists, and rafters. |
| Frieze |
In house construction a horizontal member connecting the top of
the siding with the soffit of the cornice. |
| Frost lid |
Round metal lid that is installed on a water meter pit. |
| Frost line |
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. |
| Fully Adhered |
A completely attached (adhered) roof membrane. |
| Furring strips |
Strips of wood, often 1 X 2 and used to shim out and provide a
level fastening surface for a wall or ceiling. |
| Fuse |
A device often found in older homes designed to prevent overloads
in electrical lines. This protects against fire. See also 'circuit
breakers'. |
| Gable |
The end, upper, triangular area of a home, beneath the roof. |
| Galvanize |
To coat a metal with zinc by dipping it in molten zinc after cleaning.
|
| Gambrel Roof |
A type of roof which has its slope broken by an obtuse angle, so
that the lower slope is steeper than the upper slope. A double sloped
roof having two pitches. |
| Gang nail plate |
A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss.
Sometimes called a fishplate or gussett. |
| Gantt Chart |
The schedule of activities for a project. A Gantt Chart shows start
and finish dates, critical and non-critical activities, slack time,
and predecessor relationships. |
| Gas lateral |
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. |
| Gate valve |
A valve that lets you completely stop?but not modulate?the flow
within a pipe. |
| Gauge |
The thickness of sheet metal and wire, etc. |
| General Conditions |
A written portion of the contract documents set forth by the owner
stipulating the contractor?s minimum acceptable performance requirements
including the rights, responsibilities and relationships of the parties
involved in the performance of the contract. General conditions are
usually included in the book of specifications but are sometimes found
in the architectural drawings. |
| General Contractor |
A contractor responsible for all facets of construction of a building
or renovation. |
| General Contractor 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. |
|
| GFCI, or GFI |
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. |
| GFRC |
Glass Fiber Reinforced Concrete; Material used in wall systems that
resembles but generally does not perform as well as concrete. Usually
a thin cementitious material laminated to plywood or other lightweight
backing. |
| Girder |
A main beam upon which floor joists rest, usually made of steel
or wood. |
| Glazing |
The process of installing glass, which commonly is secured with
glazier's points and glazing compound. |
| Globe valve |
A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to any rate between
fully on and fully off. Also see gate valve. |
| Gloss enamel |
A finishing paint material. Forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness
of surface and dries to a sheen or luster (gloss) |
| Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam) |
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). |
| Grade |
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 beam |
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 Mw |
Moderate Weather grade of brick for moderate resistance to freezing
used, for example, in planters. |
| Grade Sw |
Severe Weather grade of brick intended for use where high resistance
to freezing is desired. |
| Grading permit |
Authorization to change the contour of the land. |
| Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) |
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 |
| Grain |
The direction, size, arrangement, appearance, or quality of the
fibers in wood. |
| Granules |
The mineral particles of a graded size which are embedded in the
asphalt coating of shingles and roofing. |
| Grid |
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. |
| Ground |
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 fault |
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI, GFI) 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. |
| Ground iron |
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. |
| Grounding Rod |
Rod used to ground an electrical panel. |
| Groundwater |
Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source. |
| Grout Or Grouting |
A cement mortar mixture commonly used to fill joints and cavities
of masonry. |
| Gunite |
A construction material composed of cement, sand or crushed slag
and water mixed together and forced through a cement gun by pneumatic
pressure, used in the construction of swimming pools. |
| Gusset |
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. |
| Gutter |
Metal trough at the eaves of a roof to carry rain water from the
roof to the |
| Gutter Strap |
Metal bands used to support the gutter. |
| Guy Wire |
A strong steel wire or cable strung from an anchor on the roof
to any tall slender projection for the purpose of support. |
| Gypsum |
See Drywall |
| Gypsum Keene Cement |
Material used to obtain a smooth finish coat of plaster, for use
over gypsum plastic base coats only and in areas not subject to moisture.
It is the hardest plaster. |
| H Clip |
Small metal clips formed like an "H" that fits at the joints of
two plywood (or wafer board) sheets to stiffen the joint. Normally
used on the roof sheeting. |
| H V A C |
An abbreviation for Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning |
| Hardware |
Metal accessories such as door knobs, towel bars, toilet paper
holders, etc. |
| Hatch |
An opening in a deck; floor or roof. The usual purpose is to provide
access from inside the building. |
| Haunch |
An extension, knee like protrusion of the foundation wall that
a concrete porch or patio will rest upon for support. |
| Hawk |
A flat wood or metal tool 10 inches to 14 inches square with a
handle used by plasterers to carry plaster mortar or mud. |
| Hazard Insurance |
Insurance for a building while it is under construction. |
| Header |
Framing members over windows, doors, or other openings. |
| Hearth |
The fireproof area directly in front of a fireplace. The inner
or outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile, or stone. |
| Heat meter |
An electrical municipal inspection of the electric meter breaker
panel box. |
| Heat pump |
A mechanical device which uses compression and decompression of
gas to heat and/or cool a house. |
| Heat Rough |
Work performed by the Heating Contractor after the stairs and interior
walls are built. This includes installing all duct work and flue pipes.
Sometimes, the furnace and fireplaces are installed at this stage
of construction. |
| Heat Trim |
Work done by the Heating Contractor to get the home ready for the
municipal Final Heat Inspection. This includes venting the hot water
heater, installing all vent grills, registers, air conditioning services,
turning on the furnace, installing thermostats, venting ranges and
hoods, and all other heat related work. |
| Heating load |
The amount of heating required to keep a building at a specified
temperature during the winter, usually 65° F, regardless of outside
temperature. |
| Heel cut |
A notch cut in the end of a rafter to permit it to fit flat on
a wall and on the top, doubled, exterior wall plate. |
| High Early Cement |
A portland cement sold as Type III sets up to its full strength
faster than other types. |
| Highlights |
A light spot, area, or streak on a painted surface. |
| Hip |
A roof with four sloping sides. The external angle formed by the
meeting of two sloping sides of a roof. |
| Hip Roof |
A roof which rises by inclining planes from all four sides of a
building. |
| Hoistway |
A shaftway for the travel of one or more elevators. |
| Home run (electrical) |
The electrical cable that carries power from the main circuit breaker
panel to the first electrical box, plug, or switch in the circuit. |
| Honey combs |
The appearance concrete makes when rocks in the concrete are visible
and where there are void areas in the foundation wall, especially
around concrete foundation windows. |
| Hose bib |
An exterior water faucet (sill cock). |
| Hot wire |
The wire that carries electrical energy to a receptacle or other
device?in contrast to a neutral, which carries electricity away again.
Normally the black wire. Also see ground. |
| 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. |
| Hurricane clip |
Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof rafters and trusses
to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a Teco clip. |
| Hvac |
Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning. |
| Hydroelectric Elevator |
An elevator where liquid is pumped under pressure directly into
the cylinder by a pump driven by an electric motor without an accumulator
between the pump and cylinder. |
| I-Beam |
A steel beam with a cross section resembling the letter I. It is
used for long spans as basement beams or over wide wall openings,
such as a double garage door, when wall and roof loads bear down on
the opening. |
| I-joist |
Manufactured structural building component resembling the letter
"I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts:
flanges and webs. The flange of the I joist may be made of laminated
veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usually formed into a 1 ½" width.
The web or center of the I-joist is commonly made of plywood or oriented
strand board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in the web to accommodate
duct work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists are available in lengths
up to 60 feet long joist is commonly made of plywood or oriented strand
board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in the web to accommodate duct
work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists are available in lengths up
to 60 feet long |
| Improvements |
1. A term sometimes used to describe TI'S or Tenant Improvements. |
| Incandescent lamp |
A lamp employing an electrically charged metal filament that glows
at white heat. A typical light bulb. |
| Incompatibility |
Descriptive of two or more materials which are not suitable to
be used together. |
| Indemnification Clause |
Provision in a contract in which one party agrees to be financially
responsible for specified types of damages, claims, or losses. |
| Independent Contractor |
One free from the influence, guidance, or control of another or
others and does not owe a "fiduciary duty". Example: architect, engineer,
prime or main contractor, construction manager at-risk. |
| Index |
The interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the changes
in monthly payments for an adjustable rate loan. |
| Indirect Cost (or expense) |
A contractor?s or consultant?s overhead expense; expenses indirectly
incurred and not chargeable to a specific project or task. The terms
Indirect costs and soft costs are synonymous . (see Soft Costs) |
| Infiltration |
The passage of air from indoors to outdoors and vice versa; term
is usually associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes in buildings. |
| Infiltration |
The process by which air leaks into a building. In either case,
heat loss results. To find the infiltration heating load factor (HLF),
the formula to account for the extra BTU's needed to heat the infiltrated
air is: |
| Inside corner |
The point at which two walls form an internal angle, as in the
corner of a room. |
| Inspection |
1. The act of inspecting. |
| Inspection for Disbursement of Funds |
An independent vehicle for the disbursement and accounting of construction
funds allowing construction obligations to be paid (progress payments)
when work is completed, inspected and approved. Job Costs are reviewed
prior to making disbursements to establish that the actual construction
payments are within the confines of the original estimate confines
or schedule of construction values. |
| Inspection List (punch list) |
A list prepared by the owner or his/her authorized representative
of items of work requiring immediate corrective or completion action
by the contractor. |
| Inspection Report |
Sometimes used to describe an Inspection List. (see Inspection List) |
| Inspector |
One who is appointed or employed to inspect something. |
| Insulating glass |
Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed
air space between. Also known as Double glass. |
| Insulation |
Any material high in resistance to heat transmission that, when
placed in the walls, ceiling, or floors of a structure, and will reduce
the rate of heat flow. |
| Insulation board, rigid |
A structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber in
½ and 25/32 inch thickness. It can be obtained in various size sheets
and densities. |
| Insulation Fasteners |
Any of several specialized mechanical fasteners designed to hold
insulation down to a steel or a nailable deck. |
| Interest |
The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money. |
| Interior Finish |
A term used to represent the visible elements, materials and applications
applied to a building?s interior excluding furniture, fixtures and
equipment. (see FF&E) |
| Interply |
Between two layers of roofing felts that have been laminated together.
|
| Invoice |
A list sent to a purchaser containing the items and charges of merchandise.
(see Statement) |
| IRMA |
Insulated (or Inverted) Roof Membrane Assembly. In this system
the roof membrane is laid directly on the roof deck, covered with
extruded foam insulation and ballasted with stone, minimum of 1000
lbs. per square. |
| Irrigation |
Lawn sprinkler system. |
| J Channel |
Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a better finished
appearance when a wall is not "wrapped" Generally, basement stairway
walls have drywall only on the stair side. J Channel is used on the
vertical edge of the last drywall sheet |
| Jack post |
A type of structural support made of metal, which can be raised
or lowered through a series of pins and a screw to meet the height
required. Basically used as a replacement for an old supporting member
in a building. See Monopost. |
| Jack rafter |
A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip,
or from a valley to a ridge. |
| Jamb |
The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening.
Includes studs as well as the frame and trim. |
| Joint |
The location between the touching surfaces of two members or components
joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other
means. |
| Joint cement or Joint compound |
A powder that is usually mixed with water and used for joint treatment
in gypsum wallboard finish. Often called "spackle" or drywall mud. |
| Joint tenancy |
A form of ownership in which the tenants own a property equally.
If one dies, the other automatically inherits the entire property. |
| Joint trench |
When the electric company and telephone company dig one trench
and "drop" both of their service lines in. |
| Joist |
The horizontal framing members that support the floors. |
| Joist hanger |
A metal "U" shaped item used to support the end of a floor joist
and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam. |
| Jumpers |
Water pipe installed in a water meter pit (before the water meter
is installed), or electric wire that is installed in the electric
house panel meter socket before the meter is installed. This is sometimes
illegal. |
| Keeper |
The metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob plunger
latches. |
| Kelvin |
Thermometer scale on which a unit of measurement equals the Celsius
degree. |
| Keyless |
A plastic or porcelain light fixture that operates by a pull string.
Generally found in the basement, crawl space , and attic areas. |
| Keyway |
A slot formed and poured on a footer or in a foundation wall when
another wall will be installed at the slot location. This gives additional
strength to the joint/meeting point. |
| Kick Hole |
A defect frequently found in perimeter flashings arising from being
stepped on or kicked. A small fracture of the base flashing in the
area of the cant. |
| Kilowatt (kw) |
One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit used in measuring
electrical consumption. Also see watt. |
| King stud |
The vertical "2 X's" frame lumber (left and right) of a window
or door opening, and runs continuously from the bottom sole plate
to the top plate. |
| Knot |
In lumber, the portion of a branch or limb of a tree that appears
on the edge or face of the piece. |
| Kraft |
A heavy, water resistant paper. |
| Kynar Coating |
Architectural coating that is UV stable and suitable for exterior
use on aluminum and other metal surfaces. |
| Labor and Material Payment Bond |
1. A written form of security from a surety (bonding) company to
the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or
subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to the owner in the event the
contractor fails to pay for all labor, materials, equipment, or services
in accordance with the contract. (see Performance Bond and Surety
Bond) |
| Ladder, Fixed |
A ladder which is permanently attached to a building. |
| Laminated shingles |
Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers
or tabs, giving a shake like appearance. May also be called "architectural
shingles" or "three dimensional shingles." |
| Laminating |
Bonding together two or more layers of materials. |
| Landing |
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a
flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally
no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square. |
| Lap |
To extend one material partially over another; the distance so
extended. |
| Latch |
A beveled metal tongue operated by a spring loaded knob or lever.
The tongue's bevel lets you close the door and engage the locking
mechanism, if any, without using a key. Contrasts with dead bolt. |
| Lateral (electric, gas, telephone, sewer and water) |
The underground trench and related services (i.e., electric, gas,
telephone, sewer and water lines) that will be buried within the trench. |
| Lath |
A building material of narrow wood, metal, gypsum, or insulating
board that is fastened to the frame of a building to act as a base
for plaster, shingles, or tiles. |
| Lattice |
An open framework of criss-crossed wood or metal strips that form
regular, patterned spaces. |
| Lead |
A malleable metal once extensively used for flashings. |
| Leasehold Improvements |
A term used to mean Tenant Improvements. Generally, this term is
used when building in retail stores as contrasted with the term Tenant
Improvements which are generally associated with office buildings.
The terms are often used interchangeably. (see TI'S) |
| Ledger (for a Structural Floor) |
The wooden perimeter frame lumber member that bolts onto the face
of a foundation wall and supports the wood structural floor. |
| Ledger strip |
A strip of lumber nailed along the bottom of the side of a girder
on which joists rest. |
|
|
| Leech field |
A method used to treat/dispose of sewage in rural areas not accessible
to a municipal sewer system. Sewage is permitted to be filtered and
eventually discharged into a section of the lot called a leech field. |
|
. |
| Level |
True horizontal. Also a tool used to determine level. |
|
|
| Level Payment Mortgage |
A mortgage with identical monthly payments over the life of the
loan. |
|
|
| Leveling Rod |
A rod with graduated marks for measuring heights or vertical distances
between given points and the line of sight of a leveling instrument.
They are longer than a yardstick and are held by a surveyor in a vertical
position. |
|
|
| Lien |
An encumbrance that usually makes real or personal property the
security for payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation. |
|
|
| Lien Release |
A written document from the contractor to the owner that releases
the Lien, Mechanic?s or Material following it?s satisfaction. |
|
|
| Lien Waiver |
1. An written document from a contractor, subcontractor, material
supplier or other construction professional(s), having lien rights
against an owner?s property, relinquishes all or part of those rights. |
|
|
| Lien, Mechanic's or Material |
The right to take and hold or sell an owner?s property to satisfy
unpaid debts to a qualified contractor for labor, materials, equipment
or services to improve the property. (see Preliminary Lien Notice) |
|
|
| Light |
Space in a window sash for a single pane of glass. Also, a pane
of glass. |
|
|
| Limit switch |
A safety control that automatically shuts off a furnace if it gets
too hot. Most also control blower cycles. |
|
|
| Lineal foot |
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. |
|
|
| Lintel |
A horizontal structural member that supports the load over an opening
such as a door or window. |
|
|
| Live Load |
Loads produced by use and occupancy of the building or other structure
and do not include construction or environmental loads such as wind
load, snow load, ice load, rain load, seismic load, or dead load. |
|
|
| Load bearing wall |
Includes all exterior walls and any interior wall that is aligned
above a support beam or girder. Normally, any wall that has a double
horizontal top plate. |
|
|
| Loan |
The amount to be borrowed. |
|
|
| Loan to value ratio |
The ratio of the loan amount to the property valuation and expressed
as a percentage. E.g. if a borrower is seeking a loan of $200,000
on a property worth $400,000 it has a 50% loan to value rate. If the
loan were $300,000, the LTV would be 75%. The higher the loan to value,
the greater the lender's perceived risk. Loans above normal lending
LTV ratios may require additional security. |
| Lookout |
A short wood bracket or cantilever that supports an overhang portion
of a roof. |
| Lot |
A parcel of ground with boundaries determined by the county. |
| Louver |
A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal
slats and arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow,
light, insects, or other living creatures. |
| Lumens |
Unit of measure for total light output. The amount of light falling
on a surface of one square foot. |
| Lump Sum Agreement (See Stipulated Sum Agreement) |
|
| Lump Sum Bid |
A single entry amount to cover all labor, equipment, materials,
services, and overhead and profit for completing the construction
of a variety of unspecified items of work without the benefit of a
cost breakdown. |
| Lump Sum Contract |
A written contract between the owner and contractor wherein the
owner agrees the pay the contractor a specified sum of money for completing
a scope of work consisting of a variety of unspecified items or work. |
| Male |
Any part, such as a bolt, designed to fit into another (female)
part. External threads are male. |
| Mansard Roof |
A roof which rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a
building. The sloping roofs on all four sides have two pitches, the
lower pitch usually very steep and the upper pitch less steep. |
| Mantel |
The shelf above a fireplace opening. Also used in referring to
the decorative trim around a fireplace opening. |
| Manufactured wood |
A wood product such as a truss, beam, gluelam, microlam or joist
which is manufactured out of smaller wood pieces and glued or mechanically
fastened to form a larger piece. Often used to create a stronger member
which may use less wood. See also Oriented Strand Board. |
| Manufacturer's specifications |
The written installation and/or maintenance instructions which
are developed by the manufacturer of a product and which may have
to be followed in order to maintain the product warrantee. |
| Masonry |
Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other similar
building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar
to form a wall. |
| Mastic |
heavy consistency compound that may remain adhesive and pliable
with age. Is typically a waterproof compound applied to exterior walls
and roof surfaces. |
| Maximum Occupancy Load |
The maximum number of people permitted in a room and is measured
per foot for each width of exit door. The maximum is 50 per foot of
exit. |
| Mechanics lien |
A lien on real property, created by statue in many years, in favor
of persons supplying labor or materials for a building or structure,
for the value of labor or materials supplied by them. In some jurisdictions,
a mechanics lien also exists for the value of professional services.
Clear title to the property cannot be obtained until the claim for
the labor, materials, or professional services is settled. Timely
filing is essential to support the encumbrance, and prescribed filing
dates vary by jurisdiction. |
| Meeting Attendance Form |
A form consisting of three columns (individuals name, individuals
title, and company the individual represents). This form is given
to all persons attending any meeting. Each person attending the meeting
will complete their respective information. The date of the meeting
should be included for reference. |
| Meeting Notes |
A written report consisting of a project number, project name, meeting
date and time, meeting place, meeting subject, a list of persons attending,
and a list of actions taken and/or discussed during the meeting. Generally,
this report is distributed to all persons attending the meeting and
any other person having an interest in the meeting. |
| Melt Point |
The temperature at which the solid asphalt becomes a liquid. |
| Metal Edge |
Brake metal or metal extrusions which are secured at the perimeter
of the roof to form a weathertight seal. |
| Metal lath |
Sheets of metal that are slit to form openings within the lath.
Used as a plaster base for walls and ceilings and as reinforcing over
other forms of plaster base. |
| Microlam |
A manufactured structural wood beam. It is constructed of pressure
and adhesive bonded wood strands of wood. They have a higher strength
rating than solid sawn lumber. Normally comes in l ½" thickness' and
9 ½", 11 ½" and 14" widths |
| Migration |
Spreading or creeping of a constituent of a compound onto/into adjacent
surfaces. See bleeding. |
| Mil Thickness |
Measurement used to determine thickness of a coating. 1 mil = .001
inch (1/1000). |
| Milar (mylar) |
Plastic, transparent copies of a blueprint. |
| Milestone |
An activity with a duration of zero (0) and by which progress of
the project is measured. A milestone is an informational marker only;
it does not affect scheduling. |
| Millwork |
Generally all building materials made of finished wood and manufactured
in millwork plants. Includes all doors, window and door frames, blinds,
mantels, panelwork, stairway components (ballusters, rail, etc.),
moldings, and interior trim. Does not include flooring, ceiling, or
siding. |
| Miter joint |
The joint of two pieces at an angle that bisects the joining angle.
For example, the miter joint at the side and head casing at a door
opening is made at a 45° angle. |
| Molding |
A wood strip having an engraved, decorative surface. |
| Monitor |
A large structure rising above the surrounding roof planes, designed
to give light and/or ventilation to the building interior. |
| Monopost |
Adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing point.
Normally 11 gauge or Schedule 40 metal, and determined by the structural
engineer |
| Mortar |
A mixture of cement (or lime) with sand and water used in masonry
work. |
| Mortgage |
Loan secured by land. |
| Mortgage broker |
A broker who represents numerous lenders and helps consumers find
affordable mortgages; the broker charges a fee only if the consumer
finds a loan. |
| Mortgage company |
A company that borrows money from a bank, lends it to consumers
to buy homes, then sells the loans to investors. |
| Mortgage deed |
Legal document establishing a loan on property. |
| Mortgage loan |
A contract in which the borrower's property is pledged as collateral.
It is repaid in installments. The mortgagor (buyer) promises to repay
principal and interest, keep the home insured, pay all taxes and keep
the property in good condition. |
| Mortgage Origination Fee |
A charge for work involved in preparing and servicing a mortgage
application (usually one percent of the loan amount). |
| Mortgagee |
The lender who makes the mortgage loan. |
| Mortise |
A slot cut into a board, plank, or timber, usually edgewise, to
receive the tenon (or tongue) of another board, plank, or timber to
form a joint. |
| Mud Cracks |
Cracks developing from the normal shrinkage of an emulsion coating
when applied too heavily. |
| Mudsill |
Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall frame which rests
on top a foundation, sometimes called sill plate. Also sole plate,
bottom member of interior wall frame. |
| Mullion |
A vertical divider in the frame between windows, doors, or other
openings. |
| Muntin |
A small member which divides the glass or openings of sash or doors. |
| Muriatic acid |
Commonly used as a brick cleaner after masonry work is completed. |
| Mushroom |
The unacceptable occurrence when the top of a caisson concrete
pier spreads out and hardens to become wider than the foundation wall
thickness. |
| Nail inspection |
An inspection made by a municipal building inspector after the
drywall material is hung with nails and screws (and before taping). |
| Natural finish |
A transparent finish which does not seriously alter the original
color or grain of the natural wood. Natural finishes are usually provided
by sealers, oils, varnishes, water repellent preservatives, and other
similar materials. |
| Neat Plaster |
A base coat plaster which does not contain aggregates and is used
where the addition of aggregates on the job is desired. |
| NEC (National Electrical Code) |
A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes?which
are backed by law?may differ from the NEC in some ways. |
| Neutral wire |
Usually color-coded white, this carries electricity from an outlet
back to the service panel. Also see hot wire and ground. |
| Newel post |
The large starting post to which the end of a stair guard railing
or balustrade is fastened. |
| NM |
A type of ROMEX cable (nonmetallic sheathed cable that contains
several conductors). The cable, which is flame-retardant, is limited
to use in dry locations only and can not be exposed to excessive moisture. |
| Nonbearing wall |
A wall supporting no load other than its own weight. |
| Nosing |
The projecting edge of a molding or drip or the front edge of a
stair tread. |
| Notch |
A crosswise groove at the end of a board. |
| Note |
A formal document showing the existence of a debt and stating the
terms of repayment. |
| Nozzle |
The part of a heating system that sprays the fuel of fuel-air mixture
into the combustion chamber. |
| Nuclear Meter |
A device used to detect moisture by measuring slowed, deflected
neutrons. |
| O.C. |
On Center. A measurement term meaning a certain distance between
like materials. Studs placed at 16" O.C. will be laid out so that
there is 16" from the center of one stud to the center of the next. |
| Oakum |
Loose hemp or jute fiber that's impregnated with tar or pitch and
used to caulk large seams or for packing plumbing pipe joints |
| Ohm's Law |
States that, in a given electrical circuit, the amount at current
in amps is equal to the pressure in volts divided by the resistance
in ohms. The formula is: |
| Open Bid/Estimate |
A service offered by constructionplace.com where any bidder or estimator
is given access to project specific RFP (Request for Proposal) information.
This option is for those seeking bids/estimates from any interested
professionals or service with out prequalifying them. For security
and easy access, the project poster receives an e-mail showing the
links to View the RFP Details and View any Bids as they are received.
This gives the RFP poster the ability to file and track the respective
RFP's using their own e-mail filing system. (see Closed Bid/Estimate)
|
| Open hole inspection |
When an engineer (or municipal inspector) inspects the open excavation
and examines the earth to determine the type of foundation (caisson,
footer, wall on ground, etc.) that should be installed in the hole. |
| Organic |
A term designating any chemical compound which contains carbon
and hydrogen. |
| Oriented Strand Board or OSB |
A manufactured 4' X 8' wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips
and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood. |
| Outrigger |
An extension of a rafter beyond the wall line. Usually a smaller
member nailed to a larger rafter to form a cornice or roof overhang. |
| Outside corner |
The point at which two walls form an external angle, one you usually
can walk around. |
| Overhang |
That part of the roof structure which extends horizontally beyond
the vertical plane of the exterior walls of a building. |
| Owner-Architect Agreement |
A written form of contract between architect and client for professional
architectural services. |
| Owner-Builder |
A term used to describe an Owner who takes on the responsibilities
of the general contractor to build a specific project. |
| Owner-Construction Agreement |
Contract between owner and contractor for a construction project. |
| Owner-Construction Management Agreement |
Contract between construction manager and client for professional
services. |
| Oxidize |
To combine with oxygen in the air. |
| P trap |
Curved, "U" section of drain pipe that holds a water seal to prevent
sewer gasses from entering the home through a fixtures water drain. |
| Pad out, pack out |
To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or ceiling in order
that the finished ceiling/wall will appear correct. |
| Padding |
A material installed under carpet to add foot comfort, isolate
sound, and to prolong carpet life. |
| Paint |
A combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide
decorative and protective coatings. Can be oil based or latex water
based. |
| Pallets |
Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping material. Forklifts
and hand trucks are used to move these wooden platforms around. |
| Panel |
A thin flat piece of wood, plywood, or similar material, framed
by stiles and rails as in a door (or cabinet door), or fitted into
grooves of thicker material with molded edges for decorative wall
treatment. |
| Paper, building |
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. |
| Parapet |
A wall placed at the edge of a roof to prevent people from falling
off. |
| Parapet Wall |
A low wall around the perimeter of a roof deck. |
| Parge Coat |
A thin application of plaster for coating a wall. |
| Parking Strip |
The area in front of a building between the sidewalk and the street
usually landscaped with grass. The parking strip serves as a buffer
between the road and pedestrians walking on the sidewalk. |
| Particle board |
Plywood substitute made of course sawdust that is mixed with resin
and pressed into sheets. Used for closet shelving, floor underlayment,
stair treads, etc. |
| Parting stop or strip |
A small wood piece used in the side and head jambs of double hung
windows to separate the upper sash from the lower sash. |
| Partition |
A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building or
room. |
| Paver, paving |
Materials?commonly masonry?laid down to make a firm, even surface. |
| Pedestal |
A metal box installed at various locations along utility easements
that contain electrical, telephone, or cable television switches and
connections. |
| Penalty clause |
A provision in a contract that provides for a reduction in the
amount otherwise payable under a contract to a contractor as a penalty
for failure to meet deadlines or for failure of the project to meet
contract specifications. |
| Penny |
As applied to nails, it originally indicated the price per hundred.
The term now series as a measure of nail length and is abbreviated
by the letter "d". Normally, 16d (16 "penny") nails are used for framing |
| Penthouse |
A relatively small structure built above the plane of the roof.
|
| Percolation test or perc. test |
Tests that a soil engineer performs on earth to determine the feasibility
of installing a leech field type sewer system on a lot. A test to
determine if the soil on a proposed building lot is capable of absorbing
the liquid affluent from a septic system. |
| Performance bond |
An amount of money (usually 10% of the total price of a job) that
a contractor must put on deposit with a governmental agency as an
insurance policy that guarantees the contractors' proper and timely
completion of a project or job. |
| Performance Bond |
1. A written form of security from a surety (bonding) company to
the owner, on behalf of an acceptable prime or main contractor or
subcontractor, guaranteeing payment to the owner in the event the
contractor fails to perform all labor, materials, equipment, or services
in accordance with the contract. |
| Performance Specifications |
The written material containing the minimum acceptable standards
and actions, as may be necessary to complete a project. Including
the minimum acceptable quality standards and aesthetic values expected
upon completion of the project. |
| Perimeter drain |
3" or 4" perforated plastic pipe that goes around the perimeter
(either inside or outside) of a foundation wall (before backfill)
and collects and diverts ground water away from the foundation. Generally,
it is "daylighted" into a sump pit inside the home, and a sump pump
is sometimes inserted into the pit to discharge any accumulation of
water. |
| Perlite |
An aggregate formed by heating and expanding siliceous volcanic
glass. |
| Permeability |
A measure of the ease with which water penetrates a material. |
| Permit |
A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process
as in: |
| PERT |
An abbreviation for Program Evaluating and Review Technique. (see
Activity; Critical Path Method) |
| PERT Schedule |
A diagram that illustrates, charts and reports a projects estimated
start and completion times; and work in progress. |
| Pier |
A column of masonry, usually rectangular in horizontal cross section,
used to support other structural members. Also see Caisson. |
| Pigment |
A powdered solid used in paint or enamel to give it a color. |
| Pigtails, electrical |
The electric cord that the electrician provides and installs on
an appliance such as a garbage disposal, dishwasher, or range hood. |
| Pilot hole |
A small diameter, pre-drilled hole that guides a nail or screw. |
| Pilot light |
A small, continuous flame (in a hot water heater, boiler, or furnace)
that ignites gas or oil burners when needed. |
| Pitch |
The incline slope of a roof or the ratio of the total rise to the
total width of a house, i.e., a 6 foot rise and 24-foot width is a
one-fourth pitch roof. Roof slope is expressed in the inches of rise,
per foot of horizontal run. |
| PITI |
Principal, interest, taxes and insurance (the four major components
of monthly housing payments). |
| Plan |
1. A line drawing (by floor) representing the horizontal geometrical
section of the walls of a building. The section (a horizontal plane)
is taken at an elevation to include the relative positions of the
walls, partitions, windows, doors, chimneys, columns, pilasters, etc. |
| Plan Checker |
A term sometimes used to describe a building department official
who examines the building permit documents. |
| Plan Submittal |
Submission of construction plans to the city or county in order
to obtain a Building Permit. |
| Plan view |
Drawing of a structure with the view from overhead, looking down. |
| Planner |
A person who forms a scheme or method for doing something; an arrangement
of means or steps for the attainment of some object; a scheme, method,
design; a mode of action. |
| Plans |
A term used to represent all drawings including sections and details;
and any supplemental drawings for complete execution of a specific
project. |
| Plat |
A map of a geographical area as recorded by the county. |
| Plate |
Normally a 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 that lays horizontally within a framed
structure, such as: |
| Plate Line |
The top horizontal line of a building wall upon which the roof
rests. |
| Platform Framing/Platform Construction |
The process of constructing a building in one or more consecutively
installed platforms. (Usually one story constitutes a platform.) |
| Plenum |
The main hot-air supply duct leading from a furnace. |
| Plenum Chamber |
Chamber or container for moving air under a slight positive pressure
to which one or more ducts are connected. |
| Plot plan |
An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home on the
lot. Includes all easements, property lines, set backs, and legal
descriptions of the home. Provided by the surveyor. |
| Plot Plan |
A bird?s eye view showing how a building sits on the building lot,
typically showing setbacks (how far the building must sit from the
road), easements, rights of way, and drainage. |
| Plough, plow |
To cut a lengthwise groove in a board or plank. An exterior handrail
normally has a ploughed groove for hand gripping purposes |
| Plumb |
Exactly vertical and perpendicular. |
| Plumb bob |
A lead weight attached to a string. It is the tool used in determining
plumb. |
| Plumbing boots |
Metal saddles used to strengthen a bearing wall/vertical stud(s)
where a plumbing drain line has been cut through and installed. |
| Plumbing ground |
The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a
basement floor. |
| Plumbing jacks |
Sleeves that fit around drain and waste vent pipes at, and are
nailed to, the roof sheeting. |
| Plumbing permit |
A separate permit required for new plumbing and larger modifications
of existing plumbing systems. |
| Plumbing rough |
Work performed by the plumbing contractor after the Rough Heat
is installed. This work includes installing all plastic ABS drain
and waste lines, copper water lines, bath tubs, shower pans, and gas
piping to furnaces and fireplaces. Lead solder should not be used
on copper piping. |
| Plumbing stack |
A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof. |
| Plumbing trim |
Work performed by the plumbing contractor to get the home ready
for a final plumbing inspection. Includes installing all toilets (water
closets), hot water heaters, sinks, connecting all gas pipe to appliances,
disposal, dishwasher, and all plumbing items. |
| Plumbing waste line |
Plastic pipe used to collect and drain sewage waste. |
| Plywood |
A panel (normally 4' X 8') of wood made of three or more layers
of veneer, compressed and joined with glue, and usually laid with
the grain of adjoining plies at right angles to give the sheet strength. |
| Point load |
A point where a bearing/structural weight is concentrated and transferred
to the foundation. |
| Pointing |
The process where joints between masonry units, brick, etc., are
filled with mortar. |
| Ponding |
A condition where water stands on a roof for prolonged periods
due to poor |
| Pop Out |
See stucco popout |
| Porosity |
The density of substance and its capacity to pass liquids. |
| Portland cement |
Cement made by heating clay and crushed limestone into a brick
and then grinding to a pulverized powder state. |
| Portland Cement |
A mixture of certain minerals which when mixed with water form
a gray colored paste and cure into a very hard mass. |
| Post |
A vertical member of wood, steel, concrete or other material that
transfers weight from the top of the post to whatever the post is
resting on. |
| Post & Beam Construction |
Most common type of wall framing, using posts which carry horizontal
beams on which joists are supported. It allows for fewer bearing partitions,
& less material. |
| Power |
The energy rate, usually measured in watts. Power equals voltage
times amps. or W = E x 1. The heavier the flow of amps at a given
supply, the higher the rate at which energy is being supplied and
used. |
| Power vent |
A vent that includes a fan to speed up air flow. Often installed
on roofs. |
| Precast |
Concrete building components which are formed and cured at a factory
and then transported to a work site for erection. |
| Pre-Construction Planning and Team Building |
A process used for the purpose of establishing below market dollar
budget(s), overall project scheduling and design criteria; also identification
and selection of the most feasible planning, design and construction
team. |
| Predecessor |
An activity that must be completed before another activity can begin. |
| Preliminary Drawings |
1. The drawings that precede the final approved drawings. |
| Preliminary Lien Notice |
A written notice given to the property owner of a specific project
by the subcontractors and any person or company furnishing services,
equipment or materials to that project. The notice states if bills
are not paid in full for the labor, services, equipment, or materials
furnished or to be furnished, a mechanic's lien leading to the loss,
through court foreclosure proceedings, of all or part of the property
being so improved may be placed against the property even through
the owner has paid the prime contractor in full. The notice explains
how the owner can protect himself against this consequence by 1. requiring
the prime contractor to furnish a signed release by the person or
firm thus giving the owner notice before making payment to the prime
contractor or 2. any other method or device which is appropriate under
the circumstances. The state of California mandates that a Preliminary
Lien Notice must be given to the property owner not more than 20 days
after starting the work on the specific project. |
| Premium |
Amount payable on a loan. |
| Pre-qualification of prospective bidders |
A screening process wherein the owner or his/her appointed representative
gathers background information from a contractor or construction professional
for selection purposes. Qualifying considerations include competence,
integrity, dependability, responsiveness, bonding rate, bonding capacity,
work on hand, similar project experience, and other specific owner
requirements. |
| Preservative |
. Any pesticide substance that, for a reasonable length of time,
will prevent the action of wood destroying fungi, insect borers, and
similar destructive agents when the wood has been properly coated
or impregnated with it. Normally an arsenic derivative. Chromated
Copper Arsenate (CCA) is an example. |
| Pressure Relief Valve (PRV) |
A device mounted on a hot water heater or boiler which is designed
to release any high steam pressure in the tank to prevent tank explosions. |
| Pressure Treated Lumber |
Lumber that is treated in such a way that the sealer is forced
into the pores of the wood. |
| Pressure-treated wood |
Lumber that has been saturated with a preservative. |
| Prime Contract |
A written contract directly between a prime or main contractor or
subcontractor for work on a specific project. |
| Prime Contractor |
Any contractor having a contract directly with the owner. |
| Primer |
A material of relatively thin consistency applied to a surface
for the purpose of |
| Principal |
The original amount of the loan, the capital. |
| Professional Engineer |
One who is professionally engaged in a branch of engineering. |
| Program |
An ordered list of events to take place or procedures to be followed
for a specific project. |
| Progress Payment |
A payment from the owner to the contractor determined by calculating
the difference between the completed work and materials stored and
a predetermined schedule of values or unit costs. (see Schedule of
values; Unit Costs). |
| Progress Schedule |
A line diagram showing proposed and actual starting and completion
times the respective project activities. (see Activity) |
| Project |
A word used to represent the overall scope of work being performed
to complete a specific construction job. |
| Project Cost |
All costs for a specific project including costs for land, professionals,
construction, furnishings, fixtures, equipment, financing and any
other project related costs. |
| Project Directory |
A written list of all parties connected with a specific project.
The list usually includes a classification or description of the party
(i.e.., Owner, Architect, Attorney, General Contractor, Civil Engineer,
Structural Engineer, etc.); name, address, telephone and FAX numbers
opposite their respective classifications or description. It is particularly
important that the emergency or after hour telephone numbers are included.
These numbers should be kept confidential if requested by the respective
parties. |
| Project Manager (Project Management) |
A qualified individual or firm authorized by the owner to be responsible
for coordinating time, equipment, money, tasks and people for all
or specified portions of a specific project. (see Construction Manager) |
| Project Manual |
A organized book setting forth the bidding requirements, conditions
of the contract and the technical work specifications for a specific
project. (see Specifications) |
| Project Representative |
A qualified individual authorized by the owner to assist in the
administration of a specific construction contract. |
| Property Inspections and Reports |
A limited visual inspection to identify the general features and
major deficiencies of the property. Any area not exposed to view,
is concealed, or is inaccessible is not included in this inspection. |
| Property survey |
A survey to determine the boundaries of your property. The cost
depends on the complexity of the survey. |
| Proposal |
A written offer from a bidder to the owner, preferably on a prescribed
proposal form, to perform the work and to furnish all labor, materials,
equipment and/or services for the prices and terms quoted by the bidder.
( see Bid) |
| Pump mix |
Special concrete that will be used in a concrete pump. Generally,
the mix has smaller rock aggregate than regular mix. |
| Punch list |
A list of discrepancies that need to be corrected by the contractor. |
| Punch out |
To inspect and make a discrepancy list. |
| Purchase Order |
A written document from a buyer to a seller to purchase materials,
services, equipment or supplies with acceptable purchase terms indicated. |
| Purlins |
A horizontal structural member spanning between beams or trusses
to support a roof deck. In slope glazing, purlins are the horizontal
framing members. |
| Push Stick |
In hardware, a tool used when cutting a short board on a table saw. |
| Putty |
A type of dough used in sealing glass in the sash, filling small
holes and crevices in wood, and for similar purposes. |
| PVC or CPVC |
Poly Vinyl Chloride A type of white or light gray plastic pipe
sometimes used for water supply lines and waste pipe. |
| Pvdf |
Architectural coating. See Kynar Coating. |
| Qualified |
An individual or firm with a recognized degree, certificate, or
professional standing; or who by extensive knowledge, training and
experience, has successfully demonstrated his/her abilities to identify
and solve or resolve problems associated with a specific subject matter
or project type. |
| Quarry tile |
A man-made or machine made clay tile used to finish a floor or
wall. Generally 6" X 6" X 1/4" thick . |
| Quarter round |
A small trim molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle. |
| R factor or value |
A measure of a materials resistance to the passage of heat. New
homewalls are usually insulated with 4" of batt insulation with an
R value of R13, and a ceiling insulation of R-30 |
| R.F.I. |
1. An abbreviation for Request for Information. |
| Rabbet |
A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board
or plank. |
| Radial Saw |
A circular saw which hangs from a horizontal arm or beam and slides
back and forth. The arm pivots from side to side to allow for angle
cuts and bevels. When sawing finish plywood, the good side should
face up as the saw cuts on the down stroke. |
| Radiant heating |
A method of heating, usually consisting of a forced hot water system
with pipes placed in the floor, wall, or ceiling. Also electrically
heated panels. |
| Radiation |
Energy transmitted from a heat source to the air around it. Radiators
actually depend more on convection than radiation. |
| Radiator |
A heating unit which is supplied heat through a hot water system.
|
| Radon |
A naturally-occurring, heavier than air, radioactive gas common
in many parts of the country. Radon gas exposure is associated with
lung cancer. Mitigation measures may involve crawl space and basement
venting and various forms of vapor barriers. |
| Radon system |
A ventilation system beneath the floor of a basement and/or structural
wood floor and designed to fan exhaust radon gas to the outside of
the home |
| Rafter |
Lumber used to support the roof sheeting and roof loads. Generally,
2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. The rafters of a flat roof are sometimes
called roof joists. |
| Rafter, hip |
A rafter that forms the intersection of an external roof angle. |
| Rafter, valley |
A rafter that forms the intersection of an internal roof angle.
The valley rafter is normally made of double 2 inch thick members. |
| Raggle Block |
A specially designed masonry block having a slot or opening into
which the top edge of the roof flashing is inserted and anchored.
|
| Rail |
The top and bottom frame members of a door or window (not the jamb). |
| Railroad tie |
Black, tar and preservative impregnated, 6" X 8" and 6'8' long
wooden timber that was used to hold railroad track in place. Normally
used as a member of a retaining wall. |
| Rake |
The angle of slope of a roof rafter, or the inclined portion of
a cornice. |
| Rake fascia |
The vertical face of the sloping end of a roof eave. |
| Rake siding |
The practice of installing lap siding diagonally |
| Ranch |
A single story, one level home. |
| Rankin |
Thermometer scale on which unit of measurement equals the Fahrenheit
degree. |
| Ready mixed concrete |
Concrete mixed at a plant or in trucks en route to a job and delivered
ready for placement. |
| Rebar, reinforcing bar |
Ribbed steel bars installed in foundation concrete walls, footers,
and poured in place concrete structures designed to strengthen concrete.
Comes in various thickness' and strength grade. |
| Receptacle |
An electrical outlet. A typical household will have many 120 volt
receptacles for plugging in lams and appliances and 240 volt receptacles
for the range, clothes dryer, air conditioners, etc. |
| Record Drawings (see As-Built Drawings) |
|
| Recording fee |
A charge for recording the transfer of a property, paid to a city,
county, or other appropriate branch of government. |
| Redline, red lined prints |
Blueprints that reflect changes and that are marked with red pencil. |
| Reducer |
A fitting with different size openings at either end and used to
go from a larger to a smaller pipe. |
| Reflective insulation |
Sheet material with one or both faces covered with aluminum foil. |
| Refrigerant |
A substance that remains a gas at low temperatures and pressure
and can be used to transfer heat. Freon is an example and is used
in air conditioning systems. |
| Register |
A fixture through which conditioned air flows. In a gravity heating
system, it is located near the baseboard. In an air conditioning system,
it is located close to the thermostat. |
| Reglaze |
To replace a broken window. |
| Reimbursable Expenses (or Costs) |
Amounts expended for or on account of the project which, in accordance
with the terms of the appropriate agreement, are to be reimbursed
by the owner. |
| Reinforced Concrete |
A combination of steel and concrete using the best properties of
each. The steel consists of rebar or reinforcing bars varying from
3/8 " to 2 1/4 "in diameter and is placed before concrete is poured. |
| Reinforced Masonry |
Masonry units, reinforcing steel, grout and/or mortar combined
to act together to strengthen the masonry structure. |
| Release of Lien |
A written action properly executed by and individual or firm supplying
labor, materials or professional services on a project which releases
his mechanic's lien against the project property. (see Mechanic's
Lien) |
| Relief valve |
A device designed to open if it detects excess temperature or pressure. |
| Remote |
Remote electrical, gas, or water meter digital readouts that are
installed near the front of the home in order for utility companies
to easily read the home owners usage of the service. |
| Replacement Cost Estimate |
A cost of constructing a building or structure that would have similar
utility, but constructed with modern materials, current building standards,
design and layout less depreciation. A land value and cost of on-site
improvements can be added if desired. |
| Resident Architect |
An architect permanently assigned at a job site who supervises the
construction work for the purpose of protecting the owner's interests
during construction. |
| Resident Engineer (inspector) |
An individual permanently assigned at a job site for the purpose
of representing the owner's interests during the construction phase.
(see Owner's Inspector) |
| Restrictions of areas or regions of land within specific geographical
areas based on permitted building size, character, and uses as established
by governing urban authorities. |
|
| Retaining wall |
A structure that holds back a slope and prevents erosion. |
| Retentions |
Amounts withheld from progress billings until final and satisfactory
project completion. |
| RFP |
1. An abbreviation for Request for Proposal. |
| Ridge |
The horizontal line at the junction of the top edges of two sloping
roof surfaces. |
| Ridge board |
The board placed on the ridge of the roof onto which the upper
ends of other rafters are fastened. |
| Ridge shingles |
Shingles used to cover the ridge board. |
| Rigid Metal Conduit |
This conduit resembles plumbing pipe, protecting wires from damage. |
| Rim joist |
A joist that runs around the perimeter of the floor joists and
home. |
| Rise |
The vertical distance from the eaves line to the ridge. Also the
vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not to exceed
7 ½"). |
| Riser |
Each of the vertical boards closing the spaces between the treads
of stairways. |
| Riser and panel |
The exterior vertical pipe (riser) and metal electric box (panel)
the electrician provides and installs at the "Rough Electric" stage. |
| Road base |
A aggregate mixture of sand and stone. |
| Rock 1, 2, 3 |
When referring to drywall, this means to install drywall to the
walls and ceilings (with nails and screws), and before taping is performed. |
| Roll Out |
A loose term used to describe the rapid succession (completion)
of similar projects over a given time period. |
| Roll roofing |
Asphalt roofing products manufactured in roll form. 36-inch wide
rolls with and 108 square feet of material. Weights are generally
45 to 90 pounds per roll. |
| Roll, rolling |
To install the floor joists or trusses in their correct place.
(To "roll the floor" means to install the floor joists). |
| Romex |
A name brand of nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable that is used
for indoor wiring. |
| Romex |
A name brand of nonmetallic sheathed electrical cable that is used
for indoor wiring. |
| Roof jack |
Sleeves that fit around the black plumbing waste vent pipes at,
and are nailed to, the roof sheeting. |
| Roof joist |
The rafters of a flat roof. Lumber used to support the roof sheeting
and roof loads. Generally, 2 X 10's and 2 X 12's are used. |
| Roof sheathing or sheeting |
The wood panels or sheet material fastened to the roof rafters
or trusses on which the shingle or other roof covering is laid. |
| Roof System |
General term referring to the waterproof covering, roof insulation,
vapor barrier, if used and roof deck as an entity. |
| Roof valley |
The "V" created where two sloping roofs meet. |
| Rough opening |
The horizontal and vertical measurement of a window or door opening
before drywall or siding is installed. |
| Rough Plumbing |
All plumbing that should be done before the finish trades (sheetrock,
painting, etc), including all waste lines and supply water lines that
are in the walls or framing of the building. See also: Plumbing, Sub
Rough, and Finish Plumbing. |
| Rough sill |
The framing member at the bottom of a rough opening for a window.
It is attached to the cripple studs below the rough opening. |
| Rough-in |
The initial stage of a plumbing, electrical, heating, carpentry,
and/or other project, when all components that won't be seen after
the second finishing phase are assembled. See also Heat Rough, Plumbing
Rough, and Electrical Rough. |
| Rpm |
Revolutions per Minute. |
| Rubber Tired Roller |
A roller with rubber tires commonly used for compacting trimmed
subgrade or aggregate base or clay type soils. |
| Run |
The horizontal distance between the eaves and the ridge of the
roof, being half the |
| Run, roof |
The horizontal distance from the eaves to a point directly under
the ridge. One half the span. |
| Run, stair |
the horizontal distance of a stair tread from the nose to the riser. |
| Saber Saw |
a saw that cuts on the upstroke, good side of wood faces down. |
| Sack mix |
The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix.
Generally, 5 or 6 sack is required in a foundation wall. |
| Saddle |
A small second roof built behind the back side of a fireplace chimney
to divert water around the chimney. Also, the plate at the bottom
of some?usually exterior?door openings. Sometimes called a threshold. |
| Saddle |
A ridge in the roof deck, whose top divides two sloping parts of
the roof so that water will be diverted to the roof drains. |
| Safety Report |
The Occupational Safety and Health Act of 1970 clearly states the
common goal of safe and healthful working conditions. A Safety Report
is prepared following a regularly scheduled project safety inspection
of the specific project. |
| Sales contract |
A contract between a buyer and seller which should explain: (1)
What the purchase includes, (2) What guarantees there are, (3) When
the buyer can move in, (4) What the closing costs are, and (5) What
recourse the parties have if the contract is not fulfilled or if the
buyer cannot get a mortgage commitment at the agreed upon time. |
| Sand float finish |
Lime that is mixed with sand, resulting in a textured finish on
a wall. |
| Sanitary sewer |
A sewer system designed for the collection of waste water from
the bathroom, kitchen and laundry drains, and is usually not designed
to handle storm water. |
| Sash |
A single light frame containing one or more lights of glass. The
frame that holds the glass in a window, often the movable part of
the window. |
| Sash balance |
A device, usually operated by a spring and designed to hold a single
hung window vent up and in place |
| Saturated felt |
A felt which is impregnated with tar or asphalt. |
| Scale |
The relationship between actual measurements on a page of plans
or blue prints and the actual measurements of the building represented
by the plans or blue prints. |
| Schedule |
A plan for performing work or achieving an objective. |
| Schedule (window, door, mirror) |
A table on the blueprints that list the sizes, quantities and locations
of the windows, doors and mirrors. |
| Schedule of Values |
A statement furnished by the contractor to the architect or engineer
reflecting the portions of the contract sum allotted for the various
parts of the work and used as the basis for reviewing the contractor's
applications for progress payments. *455 |
| Schematic |
A preliminary sketch or diagram representing the proposed intent
of the designer. |
| Schematic Design Phase |
The first phase of the architect's basic services in which the architect
consults with the owner to ascertain the requirements of the project
and prepares schematic design studies consisting of drawings and other
documents showing the scale and project components for the owner?s
approval. |
| Scheme |
1. A chart, a diagram, or an outline of a system being proposed |
| Scope of Work |
A written range of view or action; outlook; hence, room for the
exercise of faculties or function; capacity for achievement; all in
connection with a designated project. (See Performance Specifications) |
| Scrap out |
The removal of all drywall material and debris after the home is
"hung out" (installed) with drywall. |
| Scratch coat |
The first coat of plaster, which is scratched to form a bond for
a second coat. |
| Screed, concrete |
To level off concrete to the correct elevation during a concrete
pour. |
| Screed, plaster |
A small strip of wood, usually the thickness of the plaster coat,
used as a guide for plastering. |
| Screeding |
The wood or metal straightedge used to strike off or level newly
placed concrete when doing cement work. Screeds can be the leveling
device used or the form work used to level or establish the level
of the concrete. Screeds can be hand used or mechanical. |
| Scribing |
Cutting and fitting woodwork to an irregular surface. |
| Scupper |
(1) An opening for drainage in a wall, curb or parapet. (2) The
drain in a downspout or flat roof, usually connected to the downspout. |
| Scupper |
An outlet in the wall of a building or a parapet wall for drainage
of water from a flat roof. |
| Scutch |
A bricklayer?s cutting tool used for dressing and trimming brick
to a special shape. It resembles a small pick |
| Sealer |
A finishing material, either clear or pigmented, that is usually
applied directly over raw wood for the purpose of sealing the wood
surface. |
| Seasoning |
Drying and removing moisture from green wood in order to improve
its usability. |
| Selvage |
The unsurfaced strip along a sheet of roll roofing which forms
the under portion at the lap in the application of the roof covering.
|
| Semigloss paint or enamel |
A paint or enamel made so that its coating, when dry, has some
luster but is not very glossy. Bathrooms and kitchens are normally
painted semi-gloss |
| Septic permit |
A health department authorization to build or modify a septic system. |
| Septic system |
An on site waste water treatment system. It usually has a septic
tank which promotes the biological digestion of the waste, and a drain
field which is designed to let the left over liquid soak into the
ground. Septic systems and permits are usually sized by the number
of bedrooms in a house. |
| Service entrance panel |
Main power cabinet where electricity enters a home wiring system. |
| Service equipment |
Main control gear at the service entrance, such as circuit breakers,
switches, and fuses. |
| Service lateral |
Underground power supply line. |
| Setback Thermostat |
A thermostat with a clock which can be programmed to come on or
go off at various temperatures and at different times of the day/week.
Usually used as the heating or cooling system thermostat. |
| Sewage ejector |
A pump used to 'lift' waste water to a gravity sanitary sewer line.
Usually used in basements and other locations which are situated bellow
the level of the side sewer. |
| Sewer lateral |
The portion of the sanitary sewer which connects the interior waste
water lines to the main sewer lines. The side sewer is usually buried
in several feet of soil and runs from the house to the sewer line.
It is usually 'owned' by the sewer utility, must be maintained by
the owner and may only be serviced by utility approved contractors.
Sometimes called side sewer. |
| Sewer stub |
The junction at the municipal sewer system where the home's sewer
line is connected. |
| Sewer tap |
The physical connection point where the home's sewer line connects
to the main municipal sewer line. |
| Shake |
A wood roofing material, normally cedar or redwood. Produced by
splitting a block of the wood along the grain line. Modern shakes
are sometimes machine sawn on one side. See shingle. |
| Shear block |
Plywood that is face nailed to short (2 X 4's or 2 X 6's) wall
studs (above a door or window, for example). This is done to prevent
the wall from sliding and collapsing. |
| Sheathing, sheeting |
The structural wood panel covering, usually OSB or plywood, used
over studs, floor joists or rafters/trusses of a structure. |
| Shed Roof |
A roof having only one slope or pitch, with only one set of rafters
which fall from a higher to a lower wall. |
| Sheet metal duct work |
The heating system. Usually round or rectangular metal pipes and
sheet metal (for Return Air) and installed for distributing warm (or
cold) air from the furnace to rooms in the home. |
| Sheet metal work |
All components of a house employing sheet metal, such as flashing,
gutters, and downspouts. |
| Sheetrock |
Panels made primarily from gypsum installed over the framing to
form the interior walls and ceilings. Sheetrock is often called gypsum
board. |
| Shim |
A small piece of scrap lumber or shingle, usually wedge shaped,
which when forced behind a furring strip or framing member forces
it into position. Also used when installing doors and placed between
the door jamb legs and 2 X 4 door trimmers. Metal shims are wafer
1 1/2" X 2" sheet metal of various thickness' used to fill gaps in
wood framing members, especially at bearing point locations. |
| Shingles |
Small units of material which are laid in a series of overlapping
rows as a roof covering on pitched roofs. |
| Shingles, siding |
Various kinds of shingles, used over sheathing for exterior wall
covering of a structure. |
| Shoe moulding |
Molding used next to the floor on interior base board. Sometimes
called a carpet strip. |
| Shoring |
A temporary support erected in a trench or other excavation to
support the walls from caving in. |
| Short circuit |
A situation that occurs when hot and neutral wires come in contact
with each other. Fuses and circuit breakers protect against fire that
could result from a short. |
| Shutter |
Usually lightweight louvered decorative frames in the form of doors
located on the sides of a window. Some shutters are made to close
over the window for protection. |
| Side sewer |
The portion of the sanitary sewer which connects the interior waste
water lines to the main sewer lines. The side sewer is usually buried
in several feet of soil and runs from the house to the sewer line.
It is usually 'owned' by the sewer utility, must be maintained by
the owner and may only be serviced by utility approved contractors.
Sometimes called sewer lateral. |
| Siding |
The finished exterior covering of the outside walls of a frame
building. |
| Siding, (lap siding) |
Slightly wedge-shaped boards used as horizontal siding in a lapped
pattern over the exterior sheathing. Varies in butt thickness from
½ to ¾ inch and in widths up to 12". |
| Sill |
(1) The 2 X 4 or 2 X 6 wood plate framing member that lays flat
against and bolted to the foundation wall (with anchor bolts) and
upon which the floor joists are installed. Normally the sill plate
is treated lumber. (2) The member forming the lower side of an opening,
as a door sill or window sill. |
| Sill cock |
An exterior water faucet (hose bib). |
| Sill Plate |
The framing member anchored to the foundation wall upon which studs
and other framing members will be attached. It is the bottom plate
of your exterior walls. |
| Sill plate (mudsill) |
Bottom horizontal member of an exterior wall frame which rests
on top a foundation, sometimes called mudsill. Also sole plate, bottom
member of an interior wall frame. |
| Sill seal |
Fiberglass or foam insulation installed between the foundation
wall and sill (wood) plate. Designed to seal any cracks or gaps. |
| Sill Sealer |
A material placed between the top of the foundation wall and the
sill plate. Usually a foam strip, the sill sealer helps make a better
fit and eliminate water problems. |
| Sill Step |
The first step coming directly off a building at the door openings.
|
| Single hung window |
A window with one vertically sliding sash or window vent. |
| Single Ply |
A descriptive term signifying a roof membrane composed of only
one layer of material such as EPDM, Hypalon or PVC. |
| Single Tee |
The name given to a type of precast concrete deck which has one
stiffening rib integrally cast into slab. |
| Site |
The place where a structure or group of structures was, or is to
be located (a construction site). |
| Sky Dome |
A type of skylite exhibiting a characteristic translucent plastic
domed top. |
| Skylight |
A structure on a roof that is designed to admit light and is somewhat
above the plane of the roof surface. |
| Slab on grade |
A type of foundation with a concrete floor which is placed directly
on the soil. The edge of the slab is usually thicker and acts as the
footing for the walls. |
| Slab On Grade |
A type of construction in which footings are needed but little
or no foundation wall is poured. |
| Slab, concrete |
Concrete pavement, i.e. driveways, garages, and basement floors. |
| Slab, door |
A rectangular door without hinges or frame. |
| Slack Time |
The flexibility with non-critical jobs that allows their start dates
to be adjusted without affecting the project completion date. |
| Slag |
Concrete cement that sometimes covers the vertical face of the
foundation void material. |
| Slate |
A dark gray stratified stone cut relatively thin and installed
on pitched roofs in a |
| Sleeper |
Usually, a wood member embedded in concrete, as in a floor, that
serves to support and to fasten the subfloor or flooring. |
| Sleeve(s) |
Pipe installed under the concrete driveway or sidewalk, and that
will be used later to run sprinkler pipe or low voltage wire. |
| Slope |
The incline angle of a roof surface, given as a ratio of the rise
(in inches) to the run (in feet). See also pitch. |
| Slump |
The "wetness" of concrete. A 3 inch slump is dryer and stiffer
than a 5 inch slump. |
| Soffit |
The underside of a part or member of a building extending out from
the plane of the building walls. |
| Soft Costs |
Soft Costs are cost items in addition to the direct Construction
Cost. Soft Costs generally include architectural and engineering,
legal, permits and fees, financing fees, construction Interest and
operating expenses, leasing and real estate commissions, advertising
and promotion, and supervision. (see Construction Cost) |
| Softening Point |
The temperature at which a substance changes from a hard material
to a softer and more viscous material. |
| Soil pipe |
A large pipe that carries liquid and solid wastes to a sewer or
septic tank. |
| Soil stack |
A plumbing vent pipe that penetrates the roof. |
| Sole plate |
Bottom horizontal member of a frame wall. |
| Sole plate |
The bottom, horizontal framing member of a wall that's attached
to the floor sheeting and vertical wall studs. |
| Solid bridging |
A solid member placed between adjacent floor joists near the center
of the span to prevent joists or rafters from twisting. |
| Sonotube |
Round, large cardboard tubes designed to hold wet concrete in place
until it hardens. |
| Sound attenuation |
Sound proofing a wall or subfloor, generally with fiberglass insulation. |
| Space heat |
Heat supplied to the living space, for example, to a room or the
living area of a building. |
| Spacing |
The distance between individual members or shingles in building
construction. |
| Spalling |
The chipping or flaking of concrete, bricks, or other masonry where
improper drainage or venting and freeze/thaw cycling exists. |
| Span |
The clear distance that a framing member carries a load without
support between structural supports. The horizontal distance from
eaves to eaves. |
| Spec home |
A house built before it is sold. The builder speculates that he
can sell it at a profit. |
| Special Conditions |
A section of the conditions of the contract, other than the General
Conditions and Supplementary Conditions, which may be prepared for
a particular project. Specific clauses setting forth conditions or
requirements peculiar to the project under consideration, and covering
work or materials involved in the proposal and estimate, but not satisfactorily
covered by the General Conditions. (See General Conditions) |
| Specifications or Specs |
A narrative list of materials, methods, model numbers, colors,
allowances, and other details which supplement the information contained
in the blue prints. Written elaboration in specific detail about construction
materials and methods. Written to supplement working drawings. |
| Splash block |
Portable concrete (or vinyl) channel generally placed beneath an
exterior sill cock (water faucet) or downspout in order to receive
roof drainage from downspouts and to divert it away from the building. |
| Splitting |
The formation of long cracks completely through a membrane. Splits
are frequently associated with lack of allowance for expansion stresses.
They can also |
| Spud |
The removal of gravel or heavy accumulations of bitumen from roof
membranes by means of chipping or scraping. |
| Square |
A unit of measure-100 square feet-usually applied to roofing and
siding material. Also, a situation that exists when two elements are
at right angles to each other. Also a tool for checking this. |
| Squeegie |
Fine pea gravel used to grade a floor (normally before concrete
is placed). |
| Stack |
The vertical pipe of a system of soil, waste or vent piping |
| Stack (trusses) |
To position trusses on the walls in their correct location. |
| Stack Vent |
Also called a waste vent or soil vent, it is the extension of a
soil or waste stack above the highest horizontal drain connected to
the stack. |
| Stair carriage or stringer |
Supporting member for stair treads. Usually a 2 X 12 inch plank
notched to receive the treads; sometimes called a "rough horse." |
| Stair landing |
A platform between flights of stairs or at the termination of a
flight of stairs. Often used when stairs change direction. Normally
no less than 3 ft. X 3 ft. square. |
| Stair rise |
The vertical distance from stair tread to stair tread (and not
to exceed 7 ½"). |
| Standard Details |
A drawing or illustration sufficiently complete and detailed for
use on other projects with minimum or no changes. |
| Standard Dimension |
A measurement unique to a specific manufactured item. |
| Standard practices of the trade(s) |
One of the more common basic and minimum construction standards.
This is another way of saying that the work should be done in the
way it is normally done by the average professional in the field. |
| Standards of Professional Practice |
A listing of minimum acceptable ethical principals and practices
adopted by qualified and recognized professional organizations to
guide their members in the conduct of specific professional practice. |
| Standing Seam |
A type of joint often used on metal roofs. |
| Start Date |
The date that an activity or project begins. |
| Starter strip |
Asphalt roofing applied at the eaves that provides protection by
filling in the spaces under the cutouts and joints of the first course
of shingles. |
| Statement |
A copy or summary of any account covering a stated period. (See
Invoice) |
| Static Load |
The total amount of permanent non moving weight that is applied
to given surface areas. |
| Static vent |
A vent that does not include a fan. |
| Statute of Limitations |
The period of time in which legal action must be brought for an
alleged damage or injury. The period commences with the discovery
of the alleged damage or injury; or in construction industry cases
with completion of the work or services performed. Legal advise should
be obtained. |
| STC (Sound Transmission Class) |
The measure of sound stopping of ordinary noise. |
| Steel inspection |
A municipal and/or engineers inspection of the concrete foundation
wall, conducted before concrete is poured into the foundation panels.
Done to insure that the rebar (reinforcing bar), rebar nets, void
material, beam pocket plates, and basement window bucks are installed
and wrapped with rebar and complies with the foundation plan. |
| Step flashing |
Flashing application method used where a vertical surface meets
a sloping roof plane. 6" X 6" galvanized metal bent at a 90 degree
angle, and installed beneath siding and over the top of shingles.
Each piece overlaps the one beneath it the entire length of the sloping
roof (step by step). |
| Stick built |
A house built without prefabricated parts. Also called conventional
building. |
| Stile |
The side frame members of a door or window (not the jamb). |
| Stipulated Sum Agreement |
A written agreement in which a specific amount is set forth as the
total payment for completing the contract. (See Lump Sum Contract) |
| Stool |
The flat molding fitted over the window sill between jambs and
contacting the bottom rail of the lower sash. Also another name for
toilet. |
| Stop box |
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-off valve to the home is located (underground).
A long pole with a special end is inserted into the curb stop to turn
off/on the water. |
| Stop Order |
A formal, written notification to a contractor to discontinue some
or all work on a project for reasons such as safety violations, defective
materials or workmanship, or cancellation of the contract. |
| Stop valve |
A device installed in a water supply line, usually near a fixture,
that permits an individual to shut off the water supply to one fixture
without interrupting service to the rest of the system. |
| Stops |
Moldings along the inner edges of a door or window frame. Also
valves used to shut off water to a fixture. |
| Storm sash or storm window |
. An extra window usually placed outside of an existing one, as
additional protection against cold weather. |
| Storm sewer |
A sewer system designed to collect storm water and is separated
from the waste water system. |
| Story |
That part of a building between any floor or between the floor
and roof. |
| Strike |
The plate on a door frame that engages a latch or dead bolt. |
| String Line |
A nylon line usually strung tightly between supports to indicate
both direction and elevation, used in checking grades or deviations
in slopes or rises. Used in landscaping to level the ground. |
| String, stringer |
A timber or other support for cross members in floors or ceilings.
In stairs, the supporting member for stair treads. Usually a 2 X 12
inch plank notched to receive the treads |
| Strip flooring |
Wood flooring consisting of narrow, matched strips. |
| Structural Design |
A term used to represent the proportioning of structural members
to carry loads in a building structure. |
| Structural floor |
A framed lumber floor that is installed as a basement floor instead
of concrete. This is done on very expansive soils. |
| Structural Systems (frames) |
The load bearing assembly of beams and columns on a foundation.
The beams and columns are generally fabricated off site and assembled
on site. Other systems such as non load bearing walls, floors, ceilings
and roofs are generally constructed within and on the structural system. |
| Structure |
1. Something constructed |
| Stucco |
Refers to an outside plaster finish made with Portland cement as
its base. |
| Stud |
A vertical wood framing member, also referred to as a wall stud,
attached to the horizontal sole plate below and the top plate above.
Normally 2 X 4's or 2 X 6's, 8' long (sometimes 92 5/8"). One of a
series of wood or metal vertical structural members placed as supporting
elements in walls and partitions. |
| Stud |
The evenly spaced, vertical framing members of a wall. See also:
Wood grades. |
| Stud shoe |
A metal, structural bracket that reinforces a vertical stud. Used
on an outside bearing wall where holes are drilled to accommodate
a plumbing waste line. |
| Sub |
An abbreviation for Subcontractor. |
| Sub Contractor |
A contractor who specializes in a particular trade such as waterproofing.
|
| Sub Rough |
That part of a building?s plumbing system that is done before the
cement is poured. |
| Subcontract |
A written form of agreement between the prime or main contractor
and another contractor or supplier for the satisfactory performance
of services or delivery or material as set forth in the plans and
specifications for a specific project. |
| Subcontractor |
A qualified subordinate contractor to the prime or main contractor. |
| Subcontractor Bond |
A written document from a subcontractor given to the prime or main
contractor by the subcontractor guaranteeing performance of his/her
contract and payment of all labor, materials, equipment and service
bills associated with the subcontract agreement. |
| Subfloor |
The framing components of a floor to include the sill plate, floor
joists, and deck sheeting over which a finish floor is to be laid. |
| Sublet |
To subcontract all or a portion of a contracted amount. |
| Substantial Completion (see Date of Substantial Completion) |
|
| Substitution |
A proposed replacement or alternate offered in lieu of and represented
as being equivalent to a specified material or process. |
| Substrate |
A part or substance which lies below and supports another. |
| Substructure |
The supporting part of a structure; the foundation. |
| Sub-subcontractor |
An individual or firm having a written contract with a subcontractor
to perform a portion of the work. |
| Sub-surface Investigation |
1. A term used to represent an examination of soil conditions below
the ground. |
| Successor |
1. One that succeeds another |
| Sump |
Pit or large plastic bucket/barrel inside the home designed to
collect ground water from a perimeter drain system. |
| Sump pump |
A submersible pump in a sump pit that pumps any excess ground water
to the outside of the home. |
| Superstructure |
The part of a building or other structure above the foundation. |
| Supervision |
1.The act, process, or function of supervising construction materials,
methods and processes for a specific project |
| Supplemental Conditions (See Supplementary Conditions) |
|
| Supplementary Conditions |
A written section of the contract documents supplementing and qualifying
or modifying the contracts general conditions. (See Conditions of
the Contract) |
| Supplier |
An individual or firm who supplies and/or fabricates materials or
equipment for a specific portion of a construction project but does
not perform any labor on the project. ( see Vendor) |
| Surety (see Bonding Company) |
|
| Suspended ceiling |
A ceiling system supported by hanging it from the overhead structural
framing. |
| Sway brace |
Metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on the inside
of a wall from bottom to top plate, to prevent the wall from twisting,
racking, or falling over "domino" fashion. |
| Switch |
A device that completes or disconnects an electrical circuit. |
| T & G, tongue and groove |
A joint made by a tongue (a rib on one edge of a board) that fits
into a corresponding groove in the edge of another board to make a
tight flush joint. Typically, the subfloor plywood is T & G. |
| T bar |
Ribbed, "T" shaped bars with a flat metal plate at the bottom that
are driven into the earth. Normally used chain link fence poles, and
to mark locations of a water meter pit. |
| T&M |
1. An abbreviation for a contracting method called Time and Materials |
| Tab |
The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts. |
| Tail beam |
A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end
and by a header at the other. |
| Take off |
The material necessary to complete a job. |
| Taping |
Applying joint tape over embedding compound in the process of joint
treatment of drywall. |
| Teco |
Metal straps that are nailed and secure the roof rafters and trusses
to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a hurricane clip. |
| Tee |
A "T" shaped plumbing fitting. |
| Tempered |
Strengthened. Tempered glass will not shatter nor create shards,
but will "pelletize" like an automobile window. Required in tub and
shower enclosures and locations, entry door glass and sidelight glass,
and in a windows when the window sill is less than 16" to the floor. |
| Tenant's Rentable Square Feet |
Usable square feet plus a percentage (the core factor) of the common
areas on the floor, including hallways, bathrooms and telephone closets,
and some main lobbies. Rentable square footage is the number on which
a tenant's rent is usually based. |
| Tenant's Usable Square Feet |
The square footage contained within the demising walls. (see Demising
Walls) |
| Termite shield |
A shield, usually of galvanized metal, placed in or on a foundation
wall or around pipes to prevent the passage of termites. |
| Termites |
Wood eating insects that superficially resemble ants in size and
general appearance, and live in colonies. |
| Terra cotta |
A ceramic material molded into masonry units. |
| Texture Paint |
One which may be manipulated by brush, trowel or other to give
various patterns. |
| Thermal Movement |
The measured amount of dimensional change that a material exhibits
as it is warmed or cooled. |
| Thermal Shock |
The stress built up by sudden and appreciable changes in temperature.
|
| Thermoplastic Material |
Solid material which is softened by increasing temperatures and
hardened by decreasing temperatures. |
| Thermoply ? |
Exterior laminated sheathing nailed to the exterior side of the
exterior walls. Normally ¼ " thick, 4 X 8 or 4 x 10 sheets with an
aluminumized surface. |
| Thermostat |
A device which relegates the temperature of a room or building
by switching heating or cooling equipment on or off. |
| Threshold |
The bottom metal or wood plate of an exterior door frame. Generally
they are adjustable to keep a tight fit with the door slab. |
| Thw |
Moisture and heat resistant thermoplastic conductor. It is flame
retardant, moisture and heat resistant and can be used in dry or wet
locations. |
| Tie |
IN ? In roofing, a term used to describe the joining of a new roof
with the old. |
| Time (as time of the essence associated with a construction contract) |
A provision in a construction contract by the owner that punctual
completion within the time limits or periods in the contract is a
vital part of the contract performance and that failure to perform
on time is a breach and the injured party is entitled to damages in
the amount of loss sustained. |
| Time and materials contract |
A construction contract which specifies a price for different elements
of the work such as cost per hour of labor, overhead, profit, etc.
A contract which may not have a maximum price, or may state a 'price
not to exceed'. |
| Time of Completion |
The date or number of calendar or working days stated in the contract
to substantially complete the work for a specific project. (see Date
of Substantial Completion) |
| Time-and-a-half |
A term meaning any individuals normal billing hourly rate is increased
by a multiple of 1.5 following predetermined normal working hours. |
| Timely Completion |
Completing the work of the contract before the date required. |
| Tinner |
Another name for the heating contractor. |
| Tip up |
The downspout extension that directs water (from the home's gutter
system) away from the home. They typically swing up when mowing the
lawn, etc. |
| TI'S (Tenant Improvements) |
TI'S is a term used to define the interior improvements of the project
after the Building Envelope is complete. TI'S usually include finish
floor coverings; ceilings; partitions; doors, frames, hardware; fire
protection; HVAC consisting of branch distribution duct work, control
boxes, and registers; electrical consisting of lighting, switches,
power outlets, phone/data outlets, exit and energy lighting; window
coverings; general conditions; and the general contractor?s fee. The
cost of tenant improvements are generally born by the tenant and the
costs of tenant improvements will vary with every building, and with
tenant requirements. (see Work Letter) |
| Title |
Evidence (usually in the form of a certificate or deed) of a person's
legal right to ownership of a property. |
| Title 24 |
A federal set of laws that mandates the construction industry to
conserve energy. |
| TJI or TJ |
Manufactured structural building component resembling the letter
"I". Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts:
flanges and webs. The flange or from of the I joist may be made of
laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber, usually formed into
a 1 ½" width. The web or center of the I-joist is commonly made of
plywood or oriented strand board (OSB). Large holes can be cut in
the web to accommodate duct work and plumbing waste lines. I-joists
are available in lengths up to 60'' long. |
| Toenailing |
To drive a nail in at a slant. Method used to secure floor joists
to the plate. |
| Tongue And Groove |
A type of flooring where the tongue of one board is joined to the
groove of another board |
| Top chord |
The upper or top member of a truss. |
| Top plate |
Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists,
rafters, or other members. |
| Top plate |
Top horizontal member of a frame wall supporting ceiling joists,
rafters, or other members. |
| Top Plate |
Top horizontal member of a frame wall. |
| Torching |
Applying direct flame to a membrane for the purpose of melting,
heating or adhering. |
| Transit |
A surveyors instrument used by builders to establish points and
elevations both vertically and horizontally. It can be used to line
up stakes or to plumb walls or the angle of elevation from a horizontal
plane can be measured. |
| Transmittal |
A written document used to identify information being sent to a
receiving party. The transmittal is usually the cover sheet for the
information being sent and includes the name, telephone/FAX number
and address of the sending and receiving parties. The sender may include
a message or instructions in the transmittal. It is also important
to include the names of other parties the information is being sent
to on the transmittal form. |
| Transmitter (garage door) |
The small, push button device that causes the garage door to open
or close. |
| Trap |
A plumbing fitting that holds water to prevent air, gas, and vermin
from backing up into a fixture. |
| Travel Time |
Wages paid to workmen under certain union contracts and under certain
job conditions for the time spent in traveling from their place of
residence to and from the job. |
| Tread |
The walking surface board in a stairway on which the foot is placed. |
| Treated lumber |
A wood product which has been impregnated with chemical pesticides
such as CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) to reduce damage from wood
rot or insects. Often used for the portions of a structure which are
likely to be in contact with soil and water. Wood may also be treated
with a fire retardant. |
| Tremie |
A tube with removable sections and a funnel at the top used in
concrete application. The bottom is kept beneath the surface of the
concrete and raised as the form is filled and is used to pour concrete
underwater. |
| Trim (plumbing, heating, electrical) |
The work that the "mechanical" contractors perform to finish their
respective aspects of work, and when the home is nearing completion
and occupancy. |
| Trimmer |
The vertical stud that supports a header at a door, window, or
other opening. |
| Truss |
An engineered and manufactured roof support member with "zig-zag"
framing members. Does the same job as a rafter but is designed to
have a longer span than a rafter. |
| Tub trap |
Curved, "U" shaped section of a bath tub drain pipe that holds
a water seal to prevent sewer gasses from entering the home through
tubs water drain. |
| Turnkey |
A term used when the subcontractor provides all materials (and
labor) for a job. |
| Turpentine |
A petroleum, volatile oil used as a thinner in paints and as a
solvent in varnishes |
| U.B.C. (Uniform Building Code) |
The Uniform Building Code is one of the family of codes and related
publications published by the International Conference of Building
Officials (ICBO) and other organizations, such as the International
Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO) and the National
Fire Protection Association (NFPA), which have similar goals as far
as code publications are concerned. The Uniform Building Code is designed
to be compatible with these other codes, as together they make up
the enforcement tools of a jurisdiction. |
| UL (Underwriters' Laboratories) |
An independent testing agency that checks electrical devices and
other components for possible safety hazards. |
| Ultraviolet |
The invisible rays of the spectrum of light which are at its violet
end. Sometimes abbreviated U.V. |
| Undercoat |
A coating applied prior to the finishing or top coats of a paint
job. It may be the first of two or the second of three coats. Sometimes
called the Prime coat. |
| Underground plumbing |
The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a
basement floor. |
| Underlayment |
A ¼" material placed over the subfloor plywood sheeting and under
finish coverings, such as vinyl flooring, to provide a smooth, even
surface. Also a secondary roofing layer that is waterproof or water
resistant, installed on the roof deck and beneath shingles or other
rooffinishing layer |
| Underwriter's Laboratories Label (UL) |
A label on a product or manufactured item showing the material is
regularly tested by, and complies with the minimum standards of the
Underwriter's Laboratories specification for safety and quality. |
| Uniform System (see CSI Format) |
|
| Union |
A plumbing fitting that joins pipes |
| Unit Price Contract |
A written contract wherein the owner agrees to pay the contractor
a specified amount of money for each unit of work successfully completed
as set forth in the contract. |
| Unit Prices |
A predetermined price for a measurement or quantity of work to be
performed within a specific contract. The designated unit price would
include all labor materials, equipment or services associated with
the measurement or quantity established. |
| Uprights |
Vertical members supporting the sides of a trench. |
| Utility easement |
The area of the earth that has electric, gas, or telephone lines.
These areas may be owned by the homeowner, but the utility company
has the legal right to enter the area as necessary to repair or service
the lines. |
| Valley |
The "V" shaped area of a roof where two sloping roofs meet. Water
drains off the roof at the valleys. |
| Valley flashing |
Sheet metal that lays in the "V" area of a roof valley. |
| Valuation |
An inspection carried out for the benefit of the mortgage lender
to ascertain if a property is a good security for a loan. |
| Valuation fee |
Th fee paid by the prospective borrower for the lender's inspection
of the property. Normally paid upon loan application. |
| Valve |
A device to stop, start or regulate the flow of liquid or gas through
or from piping. |
| Vapor |
The gaseous form of any substance. |
| Vapor barrier |
A building product installed on exterior walls and ceilings under
the drywall and on the warm side of the insulation. It is used to
retard the movement of water vapor into walls and prevent condensation
within them. Normally, polyethylene plastic sheeting is used. |
| Variable rate |
An interest rate that will vary over the term of the loan. |
| Vendor |
One that sells materials or equipment not fabricated to a special
design. |
| Veneer |
Extremely thin sheets of wood. Also a thin slice of wood or brick
or stone covering a framed wall. |
| Vent |
A pipe or duct which allows the flow of air and gasses to the outside.
Also, another word for the moving glass part of a window sash, i.e.
window vent. |
| Vent Pipe |
A vertical pipe of relatively small dimensions which protrudes
through a roof to provide for the ventilation of gasses. |
| Vent Stack |
A vertical vent pipe installed for the purpose of providing circulation
of air to and from any part of a drainage system. |
| Ventilator |
Device installed on the roof for the purpose of ventilating the
interior of the building. |
| Venting |
The process of installing roof vents in a roof assembly to relieve
vapor |
| Verbal Quotation |
A written document used by the contractor to receive a subcontract
or material cost proposal over the telephone prior to the subcontractor
or supplier sending their written proposal via mail or facsimile. |
| Vermiculite |
A mineral used as bulk insulation and also as aggregate in insulating
and acoustical plaster and in insulating concrete floors. |
| Vermiculite |
An aggregate somewhat similar to perlite that is used as an aggregate
in lightweight roof decks and deck fills. It is formed from mica,
a hydrous silicate. |
| Veterans Administration (VA) |
A federal agency that insures mortgage loans with very liberal
down payment requirements for honorably discharged veterans and their
surviving spouses. |
| Viscosity |
The internal frictional resistance offered by a fluid to change
of shape or to the relative motion or flow of its parts. |
| Visqueen |
A 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting. |
| Void |
Cardboard rectangular boxes that are installed between the earth
(between caissons) and the concrete foundation wall. Used when expansive
soils are present. |
| Voltage |
A measure of electrical potential. Most homes are wired with 110
and 220 volt lines. The 110 volt power is used for lighting and most
of the other circuits. The 220 volt power is usually used for the
kitchen range, hot water heater and dryer. |
| Voltmeter |
measures the voltage flowing through a circuit. The circuit must
be closed to allow the voltage to flow. |
| W C |
An abbreviation for water closet (toilet). |
| Wafer board |
A manufactured wood panel made out of 1"- 2" wood chips and glue.
Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof
sheathing. |
| Walk-Through |
A final inspection of a home before "Closing" to look for and document
problems that need to be corrected. |
| Walkways |
Designated areas for foot traffic. |
| Wall out |
When a painter pray paints the interior of a home. |
| Warping |
Any distortion in a material. |
| Warranty |
In construction there are two general types of warranties. One
is provided by the manufacturer of a product such as roofing material
or an appliance. The second is a warranty for the labor. For example,
a roofing contract may include a 20 year material warranty and a 5
year labor warranty. Many new homebuilders provide a one year warranty.
Any major issue found during the first year should be communicated
to the builder immediately. Small items can be saved up and presented
to the builder for correction periodically through the first year
after closing. |
| Waste pipe and vent |
Plumbing plastic pipe that carries waste water to the municipal
sewage system. |
| Water board |
Water resistant drywall to be used in tub and shower locations.
Normally green or blue colored |
| Water closet |
Another name for toilet. |
| Water meter pit (or vault) |
The box /cast iron bonnet and concrete rings that contains the
water meter. |
| Water table |
The location of the underground water, and the vertical distance
from the surface of the earth to this underground water. |
| Water tap |
The connection point where the home water line connects to the
main municipal water system. |
| Water Vapor |
Moisture existing as a gas in air. |
| Water-repellent preservative |
A liquid applied to wood to give the wood water repellant properties |
| Wattage |
The electrical unit of power. KILOWATTS is 1000 watts and electric
customers are billed on how many kilowatts of power they have used. |
| Weatherization |
Work on a building exterior in order to reduce energy consumption
for heating or cooling. Work involving adding insulation, installing
storm windows and doors, caulking cracks and putting on weather-stripping. |
| Weatherstrip |
Narrow sections of thin metal or other material installed to prevent
the infiltration of air and moisture around windows and doors. |
| Weep Hole |
A hole which allows for drainage of entrapped water from masonry
or glazing structures. |
| Weep hole |
A small holes in storm window frames that allow moisture to escape. |
| Weld |
The joining of components together by fusing. In thermoplastics,
refers to bonding together of the membrane using heat or solvents.
|
| Whole house fan |
A fan designed to move air through and out of a home and normally
installed in the ceiling. |
| Wind bracing |
Metal straps or wood blocks installed diagonally on the inside
of a wall from bottom to top plate, to prevent the wall from twisting,
racking, or falling over "domino" fashion. |
| Wind Uplift |
The upward force exerted by wind traveling across a roof. |
| Window buck |
Square or rectangular box that is installed within a concrete foundation
or block wall. A window will eventually be installed in this "buck"
during the siding stage of construction |
| Window frame |
The stationary part of a window unit; window sash fits into the
window frame. |
| Window sash |
The operating or movable part of a window; the sash is made of
window panes and their border. |
| Wire nut |
A plastic device used to connect bare wires together. |
| Wire Size |
Conductors for building wiring are available in AWG (American Wire
Gauge) sizes ranging from No. 14 to 4/0. The larger the number size,
the smaller the diameter. For example #10 is smaller than #8. The
larger the diameter of a wire, the lesser the resistance. |
| Wonderboard ? |
A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a ceramic
tile backing material. Commonly used on bathtub decks. |
| Work |
The successful performance of the entire scope of the project being
performed for a specific construction project including labor, materials,
equipment, and other associated items necessary to fulfill all obligations
under the contract. |
| Work Letter |
A written statement (often called Exhibit B to a lease or rental
agreement) of the specific materials and quantities the owner will
provide at his own expense. The work letter defines the building standards,
including the type of ceiling , the type and number of light fixtures,
the size and construction of the suite-entry and interior doors. Building
standards define the quality of tenant spaces. Generally, a Work Letter
is associated with the leasing or renting of office space by a tenant
within a Building Envelope. (see TI'S and Building Envelope) |
| Work Order |
A written order, signed by the owner or his representative, of a
contractual status requiring performance by the contractor without
negotiation of any sort. |
| Working Drawing |
A drawing sufficiently complete with plan and section views, dimensions,
details, and notes so that whatever is shown can be constructed and/or
replicated without instructions but subject to clarifications. (see
Drawings) |
| Wrapped drywall |
Areas that get complete drywall covering, as in the doorway openings
of bifold and bipass closet doors. |
| Y |
A "Y" shaped plumbing fitting. |
| Yard of concrete |
One cubic yard of concrete is 3' X 3' X 3' in volume, or 27 cubic
feet. One cubic yard of concrete will pour 80 square feet of 3 ½"
sidewalk or basement/garage floor. |
| Yoke |
The location where a home's water meter is sometimes installed
between two copper pipes, and located in the water meter pit in the
yard. |
| Z-bar flashing |
Bent, galvanized metal flashing that's installed above a horizontal
trim board of an exterior window, door, or brick run. It prevents
water from getting behind the trim/brick and into the home. |
| Zone |
The section of a building that is served by one heating or cooling
loop because it has noticeably distinct heating or cooling needs.
Also, the section of property that will be watered from a lawn sprinkler
system. |
| Zone valve |
A device, usually placed near the heater or cooler, which controls
the flow of water or steam to parts of the building; it is controlled
by a zone thermostat. |
| Zoning |
Restrictions of areas or regions of land within specific geographical
areas based on permitted building size, character, and uses as established
by governing urban authorities. |
| Zoning Permit |
A document issued by a governing urban authority permitting land
to be used for a specific purpose. |
