Building inspectors can uncover problems that should be addressed in remodeling and also monitor compliance with building codes during construction.
Remodeling Glossary
Having trouble relating to some of the construction or remodeling jargon that you're not used to? Don't worry, you're not alone. Use the handy locator below to search the glossary for terms you'd like to understand better. It is alphabetized, and easy to use.
| 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 freon gas, 'turns' the gas back into a liquid, and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace. |
| A/C Disconnect | The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C condenser. |
| ABS | A type of black plastic pipe commonly used for waste water lines. |
| 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 1' air gap. |
| Allowance | A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical a |
| Amortization | A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest. |
| Ampere | A unit of electrical current or volume--see 'Voltage.' Most homes have an electrical service 'entrance' package of 125 or 200 amps. Some older homes have 60 or 100 amp 'entrances'. |
| Amps | See Ampere |
| Anchor Bolt | Bolt to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, masonry floor or wall. |
| Antique brass | Finish on hardware that has a dark brown color, also denoted by industry as US5. |
| Appraisal | An expert valuation of property. |
| Apron | A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill. |
| Architect | One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans and sometimes supervises the construction of homes. |
| Area Walls | Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth. |
| Asbestos | A common form of magnesium silicate used in various construction products due to its stability and resistance to fire. Asbestos exposure, by inhaling loose asbestos fibers, is associated with various forms of lung disease. |
| Assessment | A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property. |
| Assumption | Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. The assumption may have to be approved by the lender. |
| Astragal | A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes. |
| Attic Ventilators | Screened openings in houses to allow for ventilation of an attic space. |
| Awning window | A window unit in which the bottom of the sash swings outward. |
