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
something damaged by another subcontractor, such as a tub chip or broken
window.
Backfill- The replacement of excavated earth into a trench around or
against a basement /crawl space foundationwall.
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 weak drywall that may allow the item
to break loose from the wall.
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' 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- 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 base board.
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 various thickness'. Sometimes
"faced" (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or "unfaced"
(without paper).
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".
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).
Bedrock- A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a
structure.
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 bond- A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that
provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid that, if the bid
is accepted, the contractor will execute a contract and provide a
performance bond. Under the bond, the surety is obligated to pay the
recipient of the bid the difference between the contractor's bid and the bid
of the next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and the
contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a performance bond.
Bid security Funds or a bid bond submitted with a bid as a guarantee
to the recipient of the bid that the contractor, if awarded the contract,
will execute the contract in accordance with the bidding requirements of the
contract documents.
Bid 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.
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.
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.
Blankets- Fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation that comes in long
rolls 15 or 23 inches wide.
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.
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.
Blow insulation- Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate
attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
Blue print(s) - A type of copying method often used for
architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure
which is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and
planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction.
Blue 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.
Blow insulation- Fiber insulation in loose form and used to insulate
attics and existing walls where framing members are not exposed.
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 (usually $5,000-$10,000) 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 a '
performance
bond'. Such bonds are rarely used in residential construction, they are
an insurance policy which guarantees proper completion of a project.
Boom- A truck used to hoist heavy material up and into place. To put
trusses on a home or to set a heavy beam into place.
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'.
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.
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 door jamb that siding butts
to.
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 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- A 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.
Bull nose (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 4 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.
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.
By pass doors- Doors that slide by each other and commonly used as
closet doors.
C
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.
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
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 over 2 feet.
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.
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 beopened 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.
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
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 that is the "glue" in concrete.
Portland cement. Also, 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 about 3-4 feet up the
wall, horizontally.
Chalk line- A line made by snapping a taut string or cord dusted
with chalk. Used for alignment purposes.
Change order- A written document which 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 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.
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).
Cold air return- The ductwork (and related grills) 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 1- or 2-inch-thick members connecting opposite
roof rafters. They serve to stiffen the roof structure.
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.
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 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) or wire
screening (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.
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 (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.
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 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:
- The contractors registration number.
- A statement of work quality such as 'Standard Practices of the
Trades' or 'according to Manufacturers Specifications'.
- A set of Blue Prints or Plans
- A construction timetable including starting and completion dates.
- A set of Specifications
- A Fixed Price for the work, or a Time and Materials formula.
- A Payment Schedule.
- Any Allowances.
- A clause which outlines how any disputes will be resolved.
- A written Warrantee.
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, frame- A type of construction in which the structural
components are wood or depend upon a wood frame for support.
Continuity tester- A device that tells whether a circuit is capable
of carrying electricity.
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:
- General contractor - responsible for the execution, supervision and
overall coordination of a project and may also perform some of the
individual construction tasks. Most general contractors are not licensed
to perform all specialty trades and must hire specialty contractors for
such tasks, e.g. electrical, plumbing.
- Remodeling contractor - a general contractor who specializes in
remodeling work.
- Specialty contractor - licensed to perform a specialty task e.g.
electrical, side sewer, asbestos abatement.
- Sub contractor - a general or specialty contractor who works for
another general contractor.
Control joint- Tooled, straight grooves made on concrete floors
to "control" where the concrete should crack
Convection- Currents created by heating air, which then rises and
pulls cooler air behind it. Also see radiation.
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 building 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 wall.
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 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.
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 "2 by 4's or 6's" 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 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.
Culvert- Round, corrugated drain pipe (normally 15" or 18"
in diameter) that is 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 2 by 6 box (on the roof) on which a skylight is attached.
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.
Cut-in brace- Nominal 2-inch-thick members, usually 2 by 4's, cut in
between each stud diagonally.
