An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.

The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and “turns” the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace.

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

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

The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1″ air gap.

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.

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

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

Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items.

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.

The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or against a basement /crawl space foundationwall.

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 weak drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall. Carpet backing holds the pile fabric in place.

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.

A transformer that steps up the voltage in a florescent lamp.

A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

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.

Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as ‘pickets’ or ‘spindles’.

The rail, posts and vertical balusters along the edge of a stairway or elevated walkway.

Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

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.

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

An overhang. Where one floor extends beyond and over a foundation wall. For example at a fireplace location or bay window cantilever. Normally, not extending over 2 feet.

Foundation void material used in unusually expansive soils conditions. This void is “trapezoid” shaped and has vertical sides of 6″ and 4″ respectively.

The upper member of a column, pilaster, door cornice, molding, or fireplace.

The portion of the flashing attached to a vertical surface to prevent water from migrating behind the base flashing.

The principal part of a loan, i.e. the original amount borrowed.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

The fixed, non-operable window section of a window unit.

To install the plywood or wafer board sheeting on the floor joists, rafters, or trusses.

An electrical circuit that serves only one appliance (ie, dishwasher) or a series of electric heaters or smoke detectors.

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

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

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

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.

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.

The horizontal exterior roof overhang.

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

A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit.

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.

Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes through them and are used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.

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.

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).

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.

To install nails into the vertical face of a bearing header or beam.

To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete porch, step(s), or patio. Normally the “face” is broom finished.

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

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

Tar paper. Installed under the roof shingles. Normally 15 lb. or 30 lb.

Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.

Metal tubes used to keep roof gutters “open”. Long nails (ferrule spikes) are driven through these tubes and hold the gutters in place along the fascia of the home.

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

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).

Energy transmitted from a heat source to the air around it. Radiators actually depend more on convection than radiation

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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

The process of installing glass, which commonly is secured with glazier’s points and glazing compound.

A valve that lets you adjust the flow of water to any rate between fully on and fully off. Also see gate valve.

A finishing paint material. Forms a hard coating with maximum smoothness of surface and dries to a sheen or luster (gloss)

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.

All of the “metal” fittings that go into the home when it is near completion. For example, door knobs, towel bars, handrail brackets, closet rods, house numbers, door closers, etc. The Interior Trim Carpenter installs the “hardware”.

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

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.

(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed inframing 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).

The fireproof area directly in front of a fireplace. The inner or outer floor of a fireplace, usually made of brick, tile, or stone.

The amount of heating required to keep a building at a specified temperature during the winter, usually 65° F, regardless of outside temperature.

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

A mechanical device which uses compression and decompression of gas to heat and/or cool a house.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

Window or door in which two panes of glass are used with a sealed air space between. Also known as Double glass.

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.

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.

The cost paid to a lender for borrowed money.

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

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.

A rafter that spans the distance from the wall plate to a hip, or from a valley to a ridge.

The side and head lining of a doorway, window, or other opening. Includes studs as well as the frame and trim.

The location between the touching surfaces of two members or components joined and held together by nails, glue, cement, mortar, or other means.

The metal latch plate in a door frame into which a doorknob plunger latches.

A plastic or porcelain light fixture that operates by a pull string. Generally found in the basement, crawl space , and attic areas.

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.

One thousand watts. A kilowatt hour is the base unit used in measuring electrical consumption. Also see watt.

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.

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.”

Bonding together two or more layers of materials.

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.

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

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.

Any part, such as a bolt, designed to fit into another (female) part. External threads are male.

The shelf above a fireplace opening. Also used in referring to the decorative trim around a fireplace opening.

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.

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.

Stone, brick, concrete, hollow-tile, concrete block, or other similar building units or materials. Normally bonded together with mortar to form a wall.

An inspection made by a municipal building inspector after the drywall material is hung with nails and screws (and before taping).

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

A set of rules governing safe wiring methods. Local codes—which are backed by law—may differ from the NEC in some ways.

Usually color-coded white, this carries electricity from an outlet back to the service panel. Also see hot wire and ground.

The large starting post to which the end of a stair guard railing or balustrade is fastened.

The measurement of spacing for studs, rafters, and joists in a building from the center of one member to the center of the next.

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

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.

A manufactured 4′ X 8′ wood panel made out of 1″- 2″ wood chips and glue. Often used as a substitute for plywood.

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.

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

To shim out or add strips of wood to a wall or ceiling in order that the finished ceiling/wall will appear correct.

A combination of pigments with suitable thinners or oils to provide decorative and protective coatings. Can be oil based or latex water based.

Wooden platforms used for storing and shipping material. Forklifts and hand trucks are used to move these wooden platforms around.

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.

A man-made or machine-made clay tile used to finish a floor or wall. Generally 6″ X 6″ X 1/4″ thick .

A small trim molding that has the cross section of a quarter circle.

A rectangular longitudinal groove cut in the corner edge of a board or plank.

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.

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.

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

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.

The amount of Portland cement in a cubic yard of concrete mix. Generally, 5 or 6 sack is required in a foundation wall.

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.

Lime that is mixed with sand, resulting in a textured finish on a wall.

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.

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.

The exposed portion of strip shingles defined by cutouts.

A relatively short beam or joist supported in a wall on one end and by a header at the other.

The material necessary to complete a job.

The process of covering drywall joints with paper tape and joint compound.

An independent testing agency that checks electrical devices and other components for possible safety hazards.

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.

The plumbing drain and waste lines that are installed beneath a basement floor.

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 roof-finishing layer.

A plumbing fitting that joins pipes end-to-end so they can be dismantled.

The “V” shaped area of a roof where two sloping roofs meet. Water drains off the roof at the valleys.

Sheet metal that lays in the “V” area of a roof valley.

An inspection carried out for the benefit of the mortgage lender to ascertain if a property is a good security for a loan.

Th fee paid by the prospective borrower for the lender’s inspection of the property. Normally paid upon loan application.

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.

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.

A final inspection of a home before “Closing” to look for and document problems that need to be corrected.

When a painter pray paints the interior of a home.

Any distortion in a material.

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.

A “Y” shaped plumbing fitting.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A governmental process and specification which limits the use of a property e.g. single family use, high rise residential use, industrial use, etc. Zoning laws may limit where you can locate a structure. Also see building codes.