Our Inspectors and Construction people are very good about speaking to you in “Plain English” However, knowing some construction terms may help you understand more about the details covered in these inspection courses.

A

A/C - An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.

A/C Condenser - The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the gas, and condenses the gas back into a liquid and pumps it back to the coil in the furnace.

A/C Disconnect - The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser.

Aerator - The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow.

Aggregate - A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.

Air space - The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a one-inch air gap.

Allowance(s) - 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 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.

Amortization - A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest.

Anchor bolts - Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, or masonry floor or wall.

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.

Appraisal - An expert valuation of property.

Approach - Where the driveway intersects a street or alley.

Apron - A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill

Area wells - Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth

Assessment - A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.

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 drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic.

Attic Ventilators - In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space.

Autoclave - A pressure vessel in which an environment of superheated steam at high pressure may be produced; used for sterilizing, assisting a chemical reaction, in the curing of concrete products, and in the testing of hydraulic cement.

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B

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 damage by another subcontractor—such as chipped fixtures or broken windows.

Backfill - The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a foundation wall.

Backing - Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than drywall that may allow the item to break loose. Carpet backing holds the pile fabric in place.

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 - 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 feet 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 walk.

Barge - Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

Barge board - A decorative board covering the projecting rafter (fly rafter) of the gable end. At the cornice, this member is a fascia board.

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.

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

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 of various thickness. Batts are sometimes “faced” with a paper covering on one side.

Batten - Narrow strips of wood used to cover joints or as decorative vertical members over plywood or wide boards.

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.” Also, the trenches in foundation preparation engineered to strengthen the concrete slab (designated with dotted lines on the blue prints).

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.

Bearing header - (a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).

Bifold door - Doors that are hinged in the middle for opening in a smaller area than standard swinging doors. Often used for closet doors.

Binder - A receipt for a deposit to secure the right to purchase a home at agreed terms by a buyer and seller.

Blankets - Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long rolls of 15 or 23 inches in width.

Blocked (door blocking) - Wood shims used between the doorframe and the vertical structural wall framing members.

Blocked (rafters) - Short two-by-four pieces of lumber used at the ends and at mid-span to keep rafters from twisting.

Blocking - Small wood pieces to brace framing members or to provide a nailing base for gypsum board or paneling.

Block out - To install a box or barrier within a foundation wall to prevent the concrete from entering an area. Foundation walls are sometimes “blocked” to allow pipes to pass through, to install a crawl-space door, or to depress the concrete at a garage door location.

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

Blue print(s) - The drawing(s) of a structure that are prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.

Board 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

Bond or bonding - An amount of money which must be on deposit with a governmental agency in order to secure a contractor’s license. The bond may be used to pay for the unpaid bills or disputed work of the contractor. Not to be confused with “performance bonds” which are rarely used in residential construction as insurance for proper completion of a project.

Boom – Usually a truck-mounted arm used to hoist heavy material, trusses or beams up and into place on a home.

Bottom chord - The lower or bottom horizontal member of a truss.

Bottom plate - The two-by-fours or two-by-sixes that lay on the subfloor upon which the vertical studs are installed. Also called the “sole plate.”

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

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, needed where brick must span an open space.

Brick lintel - The metal angle iron that brick rests on, especially above a window, door, or other opening.

Brick mold -Trim used around an exterior doorjamb that siding butts against.

Brick tie - A small, corrugated metal strip nailed to wall sheeting or studs. They are inserted into the grout mortar joint of the veneer brick to hold the brick 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 and 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 codes - Community ordinances governing the manner in which a home may be constructed or modified.

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.

Built-up roof - Roofing composed of three to five layers of asphalt felt laminated with coal tar, pitch, or asphalt. The top is finished with crushed slag or gravel. Generally used on flat or low-pitched roofs.

Bullnose (drywall) - Rounded drywall corners.

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 four-foot edge. To place materials end-to-end or end-to-edge without overlapping.

Buy down - A subsidy (usually paid by a builder or developer) to reduce monthly payments on a mortgage.

Bypass doors - Doors that slide by each other. Commonly used as closet doors.

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C

Cable – Steel cables (3/8" or 1/2") encased in plastic sleeves. Used in post-tension foundations.

CO - “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.

Caisson - A 10 or12-inch diameter hole drilled into the earth and embedded three or four feet into bedrock. 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 and run the full length of the hole before concrete is poured in.

Cantilever - An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally, not extending more than two feet.

Cantilevered void - Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soil conditions. This void is trapezoidal and has vertical sides of six inches and four inches.

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.

Capped rate - The mortgage interest rate will not exceed a specified value during a certain period of time, but it will fluctuate up and down below that level.

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 allowing it to swing open like a door.

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

Caulking - A flexible material used to seal a gap between two surfaces (e.g., between pieces of siding or the corners in tub walls). Also refers to filling a joint with mastic or asphalt plastic cement to prevent leaks.

CCA (Chromated Copper Arsenate) - A pesticide forced into wood under high pressure to protect it from termites, other wood boring insects, and decay caused by fungus.

Celotex™ - Black fibrous board that is used as exterior sheething.

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.

Cement - The gray powder (Portland cement) that serves as the binder in concrete. Also refers to any adhesive.

Ceramic tile- A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally used in bathtub and shower enclosures and on counter tops.

CFM (cubic feet per minute) - 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 horizontally three or four feet up the wall.

Chalk line - A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted with chalk. Used for alignment purposes (e.g., to “snap a line” ).

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

Chase - A framed enclosed space around a flue pipe or a channel in a wall, or through a ceiling for something to lie in or pass through.

Chink - To install fiberglass 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 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). A 110-volt household circuit requires a fuse or circuit breaker with a rating of 15 or a maximum of 20 amps. A 220-volt circuit may be designed for higher amperage loads such as a hot-water heater.

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.

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).

Coffer - A decorative sunken panel in a ceiling, dome, soffit, or vault.

Cold air return - The ductwork that carries room air back to the furnace for re-heating.

Collar - Preformed flange placed over a vent pipe to seal the roofing above the vent pipe opening. Also called a vent sleeve.

Collar beam - Nominal one-inch or two-inch thick pieces of lumber connecting opposite roof rafters to stiffen the roof structure and to prevent the rafters from pushing exterior walls outward.

Column - A vertical structural compression member that 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 furnace where the burn occurs.

Common Rafter - Rafter connecting the ridge to the top plate.

Common Wall - A wall shared between two rooms.

Compression web - A member of a truss system that connects the bottom and top chords to provide downward support.

Compressor - A mechanical device that pressurizes a gas in order to turn it into a liquid, thereby allowing heat to be removed or added. A compressor is the main component of conventional heat pumps and air conditioners. In an air conditioning system, the compressor normally sits outside and has a large fan (to remove heat).

Concrete - The mixture of Portland cement, sand, gravel, and water used to make garage and basement floors, sidewalks, patios, foundation walls, etc. It is commonly reinforced with steel rods (rebar), wire screening (mesh), or post-tension systems.

Concrete board - A panel made out of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material.

Condensate line - The copper pipe that runs from the outside air conditioning condenser to the inside furnace where the A/C coil is located.

Condensation - Beads or drops of water (or 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.

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) - Standards which define how a property may be used and the protections the developer makes for the benefit of all owners in a subdivision.

Conduction - The direct transfer of heat energy through a material.

Conductivity - The rate at which heat is transmitted through a material.

Conduit, electrical - A pipe, usually metal, in which wire is installed.

Construction Contract - A legal document which specifies the what-when-where-how-how much and by whom in a construction project. A good construction contract will include:

Construction drywall - Construction in which the interior wall finish is applied in a dry condition, generally in the form of sheet materials (e.g., sheetrock) or wood paneling as contrasted to plaster.

Construction, frame - Construction in which the structural components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.

Contractor - A company licensed to perform certain types of construction activities. In most states, the general contractor’s license and some specialty contractor’s licenses do not require compliance with bonding, worker’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:

Control joint - Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete slabs to control where the concrete should crack

Convection - Currents created by heating air, which then rises and pulls cooler air behind it.

Conventional loan - A mortgage loan not insured by a government agency (such as FHA or VA)

Convertibility - The ability to change a loan from an adjustable rate schedule to a fixed rate schedule.

Cooling load - The amount of cooling required to keep a home at a specified temperature during the summer (usually 78° F) regardless of outside 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.

Corbel - The triangular, decorative and supporting member that holds a mantel or horizontal shelf.

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 walls.

Cornice - Overhang of a pitched roof, usually consisting of a fascia board, a soffit and appropriate trim moldings.

Counter flashing - A metal flashing usually used on chimneys at the roofline to cover shingle flashing and prevent moisture entry.

Counterfort - A foundation wall section that strengthens 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.

Cove molding - A molding with a concave face used as trim or to finish interior corners.

Crawl space - A shallow space below the living quarters of a house, normally enclosed by the foundation wall and having a dirt floor.

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 two-by-four or two-by-six frame lumber installed above a window or door.

Cross bridging - Diagonal bracing between adjacent floor joists, placed near the center of the joist span to prevent 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 the cornice or wherever an interior angle is to be covered, especially at the roof and wall corner.

Culvert - Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18" in diameter) installed beneath a driveway and parallel to and near the street.

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 two-by-six box (on the roof) on which a skylight is attached.

Curb stop - Normally a cast iron pipe with a lid 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 pole with a special end is inserted into the curb stop to turn water on or off.

Cut-in brace - Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually two-by-fours, cut in between each stud diagonally.

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D

Dado - A groove cut into a board or panel intended to receive the edge of a connecting board or panel.

Damper - A metal “door” in the fireplace chimney. Normally closed when the fireplace is not in use.

Dampproofing - The black, tar-like waterproofing material applied to the exterior of a foundation wall.

Daylight end- The end of a pipe (the terminal end) that is not attached to anything.

Deadbolt - A 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.

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 (e.g., a dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.

Default - Breach of a mortgage contract (not making the required payments).

De-humidistat - A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home.

Delamination - Separation of the plies in a panel due to failure of the adhesive. Usually caused by excessive moisture.

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 % below variable rate for 2 years).

Doorjamb, interior - The surrounding case into which which a door closes and opens. It consists of two upright pieces, called side jambs, and a horizontal head jamb.

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.

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.

Downpayment - The difference between the sales price and the mortgage amount. A downpayment is usually paid at closing.

Downspout - A pipe, usually of metal, for carrying rainwater down from the roof gutters.

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.

Drip - (a) Part of a cornice or other horizontal exterior finish course that has a projection beyond the other parts for throwing off water; (b) a groove in the underside of a sill or drip cap to cause water to drop off on the outer edge instead of drawing back and running down the face of the building.

Drip 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.

Dry-in - To install the black roofing felt (tar paper) on the roof.

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. 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.

Ducts - Usually round or rectangular metal pipes installed for distributing warm or cold air throughout 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.

Due-on-sale - A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.

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.”

DWV (drain-waste-vent)- The section of a plumbing system that carries water and sewer gases out of a home.

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E

Earnest Money - A sum paid to the seller to show that a potential purchaser is serious about buying.

Easement - A formal contract which allows a party to use another party’s property for a specific purpose. An easement might allow one party to run a utility line through a neighbors property.

Eaves- The horizontal exterior roof overhang.

Egress - A means of exiting the home. An egress window (at least four-by-four feet) is usually required in every bedroom and basement.

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 as fuses or circuit breakers are located.

Electrical Rough - Work performed by the electrical contractor after the plumber and heating contractors are through with their work. Normally, all electrical wires, outlets, switches, 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 to pass the municipal electrical final inspection

Elevation – Exterior plan on the blue prints that depicts the house or room seen straight-on as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure. There are usually several elevations showing the house as seen from different points of the compass.

Equity – The valuation that you own in your home—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.

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.

Escutcheon - An ornamental plate that fits around a pipe extending through a wall or floor to hide the cut out hole.

Evaporator coil - The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home. Also see condensing unit.

Expansion joint - Fibrous material about a half-inch thick installed in and around a concrete slab to permit it to move up and down with seasonal temperature changes along the non-moving foundation wall.

Expansive soils - Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present.

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.

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F

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.

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.

Facing brick - The brick used and exposed on the outside of a wall. Usually these have a finished texture.

False rafters - Two-inch lumber used as framework for a sloped ceiling.

Fascia - Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.

Felt - Tar paper. Installed under the roof shingles.

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.

Field-measure - To take measurements (cabinets, countertops, stairs, shower doors, etc.) in the home itself instead of using the blueprints.

Fingerjoint - A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of strong dimensional lumber or molding. May be used unpainted as wall studs, and are often used in jambs and casings where they are painted rather than stained.

Fire block (also fire stop) - Short horizontal members sometimes nailed between studs, usually about halfway up a wall.

Fire brick - Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures. Used in fireplaces.

Fireplace chase flashing pan - A large sheet of metal installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.

Fire resistive (also fire rated) - Applies to materials that are not combustible in the temperatures of ordinary fires and will withstand such fires for at least one hour. Drywall used in the garage and party walls are to be fire rated.

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 (also fire block) - 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 two-by-four 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.

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.

Fish tape - A long strip of spring steel used for “fishing” cables and for pulling wires through conduit.

Fixed price contract - A contract with a set price for the work. See Time and Materials Contract.

Fixed rate - A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain interest rate for a stated period. The rate payable will not change during this period regardless of changes in the lender’s standard variable rate.

Fixed Rate Mortgage - A mortgage with an interest rate that remains the same over the years.

Flagstone (flagging or flags) - Flat stones used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer.

Flakeboard - A manufactured wood panel made out of wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood in the exterior wall and roof sheathing. Also called OSB or waferboard.

Flashing - Sheet metal or other material used in roof and wall construction to protect a building from water seepage.

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.

Flatwork - Common word for concrete floors, driveways, patios, and sidewalks.

Float - Lumber form used to make a step or other deviation in the surface of concrete porches.

Floating - The next-to-last stage in concrete work to 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 basement and garage slabs.

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.

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 fitted 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 to reduce heat loss up the flue from the still-warm furnace or boiler.

Flue lining - Fire clay or terra-cotta pipe (round or square) and usually made in 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 run from one foot below the flue connection to the top of the chimney.

Fly rafters - End rafters of the gable overhang supported by roof sheathing and lookouts.

Footer, footing - Continuous eight-inch or 10-inch thick concrete pad installed to support 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 (also moisture barrier) - High-quality below-grade moisture protection of polyethylene sheeting. Used for below-grade exterior concrete and masonry wall damp-proofing to seal out moisture and prevent rot and corrosion.

Frame - The wooden “skeleton” of the home.

Frame Inspection - The act of inspecting the home’s structural integrity and compliance to 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 - A horizontal member connecting the top of the siding with the soffit of the cornice.

Frost lid - Round metal lid 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.

Furring strips - Strips of wood (often 1" X 2") 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.”

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G

GF C I, or G F I (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) - an ultra-sensitive plug designed to shut off electric current instantly in the event of a ground fault that could result in dangerous shock or fire. Used in bathrooms, kitchens, exterior waterproof outlets, garage outlets, and other wet areas.

Gable - The end, upper, triangular area of a home, beneath the roof.

Gable furrouts - Framing used to extend a gable over a brick ledge and to provide a place for siding to be nailed in place.

Gable roof - Roof constructed to be sloped on two sides, with siding at each (gable) end.

Gang-nail plate - A steel plate attached to both sides at each joint of a truss. Sometimes called a fishplate or gussett.

Gate valve - A valve that lets you completely stop—but not adjust—the flow within a pipe.

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, even though the contractor may enter into subcontracts with others for the performance of specific parts or phases of the project.

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.

Girder - A large or principal beam of wood or steel used to support concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.

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 that forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and dries to a sheen or luster.

Glued Laminated Beam (Glulam) - A structural beam composed of wood laminations or “lams.” The lams are pressure bonded with adhesives to attain a typical “beam” thickness. Has the appearance of five or more two-by-fours 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 more-or-less level with or just below the grade of the earth. An example is the area where the overhead garage door “block out” is located, or a lower (walk out basement) foundation wall is poured

Graduated Payment Mortgage (GPM) - A fixed-rate, fixed-schedule loan. It starts with lower payments than a level payment loan, and 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.

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 the behavior of electricity in 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 – The unintentional grounding of an electrical current, such as might occur with chaffed wire insulation or dropping an electrical appliance into a water basin.

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.

Groundwater - Water from an aquifer or subsurface water source.

Grout - A wet mixture of cement, sand and water that flows into masonry or ceramic crevices to seal the cracks between the different pieces. Mortar made of such consistency (by adding water) that it will flow into the joints and cavities of masonry work to fill them solid.

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 - A shallow channel or conduit of metal or wood set below and along the (fascia) eaves of a house to catch and carry off rainwater from the roof.

Gyp board (gypsum board) – Also known as drywall, used to cover interior walls and ceilings. Panels (normally 4' X 8', but also in larger dimensions) are made with a core of chalk-like gypsum rock sheathed in paper.

Gypsum plaster - Gypsum formulated to be used with the addition of sand and water for base-coat plaster.

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H

H-Clip - Small metal clips formed like an “H” that fit at the butt-joints of two plywood (or wafer board) panels to stiffen the joint. Normally used on the roof sheathing.

Hardware - All of the metal fittings that go into the home when it is near completion (e.g., door knobs, towel bars, handrail brackets, closet rods, house numbers, door closers, etc.). The interior trim carpenter installs the hardware.

Haunch - An extension, knee-like protrusion of the foundation wall that a concrete porch or patio will rest upon for support.

Hazard insurance - Protection against damage caused by fire, windstorms, or other common hazards. Many lenders require borrowers to carry it in an amount at least equal to the mortgage.

Header - (a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening. (b) A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening such as a door or window.

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.

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.

Heat meter - An electrical municipal inspection of the electric meter breaker panel box.

Heat pump - A mechanical device that uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house.

Heat Rough - Work performed by the heating contractor after stairs and interior walls are built. This includes installing 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.

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.

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 rafter - Rafter running from a corner top-plate to the ridge. Has jack-rafters connecting it to the top plate only.

Hip roof - A roof that rises by inclined planes from all four sides of a building.

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 a portable device designed to increase the humidity within a room or a house by means of the discharge of water vapor.

Hurricane clip – Nailed metal straps that secure the roof rafters and trusses to the top horizontal wall plate. Sometimes called a Teco clip.

HVAC - An abbreviation for Heat, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning

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I

I-beam - A steel beam with a cross section resembling a capital letter “I.” It is used for long spans such 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 a capital letter “.” Used as floor joists and rafters. I-joists include two key parts: flanges and webs. The flange may be made of laminated veneer lumber or dimensional lumber. 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

Incandescent lamp - A lamp employing an electrically charged metal filament that glows at white heat. A typical light bulb.

Index - The interest rate or adjustment standard that determines the changes in monthly payments for an adjustable rate loan.

Infiltration - The passage of air from indoors to outdoors and vice versa. This usually is associated with drafts from cracks, seams or holes in buildings.

Inside corner - The point at which two walls form an internal angle, as in the corner of a room.

Insulating glass - Window or door in which at least two panes of glass are used with a sealed air or inert gas space between.

Insulation board, rigid - A structural building board made of coarse wood or cane fiber. It can be obtained in various size sheets and densities.

Insulation - Any material high in resistance to heat conduction, placed in the walls, ceilings, or floors of a structure to reduce the rate of heat flow.

Interest - The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.

Interior finish - Material used to cover the interior framed areas of walls and ceilings

Irrigation - Lawn sprinkler system.

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J

J-channel - Metal edging used on drywall to give the edge a better finished appearance when a wall is not “wrapped.” Many basement stairway walls, for example, have drywall only on the stair side, so 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, but does not connect ridge and top-plate at the same time.

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 share a single trench for their service lines.

Joist - Wooden two-by-eight, two-by-10, or two-by-12-inch members that run parallel to one another and support a floor or ceiling. They are supported by larger beams, girders, or bearing walls.

Joist hanger - A metal U-shaped piece used to support the end of a floor joist and attached with hardened nails to another bearing joist or beam.

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K

Keeper - The metal latch plate in a door rame into which a doorknob plunger latches.

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.

Kicker - An angle brace used with a stake to support the sides of the foundation form.

Kilowatt (kw) - One thousand watts. A kilowatt-hour is the base unit used in measuring electrical consumption. Also see watt.

King-stud - The vertical frame lumber of a window or door opening, that runs continuously from the wall’s sole plate to the top plate.

Knot - In lumber, the visible blemish on a piece of lumber where a branch or limb formerly grew.

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L

Laminated shingles - Shingles that have added dimensionality because of extra layers or tabs, giving a wooden shake-like appearance. May also be called architectural shingles or three-dimensional shingles.

Laminating - Bonding of 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. Minimum size is often prescribed by code.

Lap - To cover the surface of one shingle or roll with another.

Latch - A beveled metal tongue operated by a spring-loaded knob or lever. The tongue bevel allows closing and locking the door 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 crossed wood or metal strips that form regular, patterned spaces.

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 deal with sewage in rural areas not accessible to a municipal sewer system. Sewage is organically reduced in a septic tank, then discharged into a section of the lot called a leech field.

Let-in brace - Nominal one-inch-thick boards applied into notched studs diagonally. Also, an "L" shaped, long metal strap installed by the framer at the rough stage to give support to an exterior wall or wall corner.

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.

Lien - An encumbrance that usually makes real or personal property the security for payment of a debt or discharge of an obligation.

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 one inch thick by 12 inches wide by 12 inches long (e.g.,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 end - The exposed end of a post-tension cable where tension will be applied with great hydraulic force prior to being locked in place.

Living area (LA) - Common term for the square footage of air-conditioned floor space.

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-to-value ratio - The ratio of the loan amount to the property valuation and expressed as a percentage. For example: if a borrower seeks a loan of $200,000 on a property worth $400,000 it has a 50 percent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio. If the loan were $300,000, the LTV would be 75 percent. The higher the LTV, 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.

Louver - A vented opening into the home that has a series of horizontal slats arranged to permit ventilation but to exclude rain, snow, light, insects, or critters.

Lumens - Unit of measure for total light output (the amount of light falling on a surface of one square foot).

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M

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 that 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 - A pasty material used as a cement (as for setting tile) or a protective coating (as for thermal insulation or waterproofing)

Mechanic’s lien - A lien on real property, created by statute, 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 mechanic’s 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.

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 under pressure with adhesive-bonded strands of wood. They have a higher strength rating than solid sawn lumber.

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 an angle of 45 degrees.

Molding - A wood strip having an engraved, decorative surface.

Monopost - Adjustable metal column used to support a beam or bearing point. Normally 11 gauge or “Schedule 40” metal, 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.

Mortgagee - The lender who makes the mortgage loan.

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 small percentage of the loan amount).

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-sill - 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.

Mylar - Plastic, transparent copies of a blueprint.

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N

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.

NEC (National Electrical Code) - Rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may vary 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.

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.

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O

OC (On Center) - The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next.

Oakum - Loose hemp or jute fiber impregnated with tar or pitch and used to caulk large seams or for packing plumbing pipe joints

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.

Oriented Strand Board or OSB - A manufactured 4' X 8' wood panel made out of wood chips and glue. May be used as a substitute for plywood in some applications.

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 - Outward projecting eave-soffit area of a roof; the part of the roof that hangs out or over the outside wall. See also Cornice.

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P

Padding - A material installed under carpet to add comfort, isolate sound, and to prolong carpet life.

Pad out, or 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.

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.

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.

Particle board - Plywood substitute made of course sawdust mixed with resin and pressed into sheets. Used for closet shelving, floor underlayment, stair treads, etc.

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 surface.

Payment schedule - A pre-agreed upon schedule of payments to a contractor usually based upon the amount of work completed. Such a schedule may include a deposit prior to the start of work. There may also be a temporary “retainer” (a percentage of the total cost of the job) at the end of the contract for correcting any small items which have not been completed or repaired.

Pedestal - Metal box installed at various locations along utility easements that contain electrical, telephone, or cable television switches and connections.

Penalty clause - Provision in a contract 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 applies to nail length and is abbreviated by the letter “d". Normally, 16d (16-penny) nails are used for framing

Percolation test – Tests on earth to determine the feasibility of installing a leech field type sewer system on a lot. The soil must absorb, or “percolate,” a certain amount of fluid within a prescribed period.

Performance bond - An amount of money 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.

Perimeter drain – Three-inch or four-inch perforated plastic pipe that goes around the perimeter (either inside or outside) of a foundation wall (before backfill) to collect and divert 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.

Perlins - A horizontal framing member attached and running perpendicular to the rafters. Perlin braces should be attached to both the rafter and perlin. Any rafter over 12 feet long should be supported by perlin and perlin brace.

Perlin Brace: A roof brace that ideally runs at a 90-degree angle from a rafter to a wall. There should be one perlin brace for every other rafter over 12 feet long.

Permeability - A measure of the ease with which water penetrates a material.

Permit - A governmental municipal authorization to perform a building process as in: