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.
| Daisy Chain | A wiring scheme in which device A is wired to device B, device B is wired to device C, etc. The last device is normally wired to a switch or circuit breaker. |
| De-humidistat | A control mechanism used to operate a mechanical ventilation system based upon the relative humidity in the home. |
| Deadbolt | Locking mechanism for an entrance door or other door, in which a bolt moves with a turn of a key into a jamb. Deadbolts can be a single cylinder or double cylinder. With a single cylinder deadbolt, a key is used on one side, and is turned by hand on the other side. |
| Deeds | A document used to transfer title to real estate. |
| Dentil | One of a series of small projecting rectangular blocks forming a molding under an overhang, most common in colonial-style homes. |
| Designer | One who designs houses, interiors, landscaping or other objects. When utilized in the context of residential construction, it usually suggests that a designer is not a licensed architect. |
| Door stop | A door stop is the small piece of wood, usually 1 3/8' - 1 1/2' wide, that is attached to the door jambs on both sides and on top of the door. This strip of wood is where the door comes to rest when it is closed. It stops the door from moving any further, |
| Door viewer | Item that is inserted into a hole drilled into the face of a door. Viewer has a curved lens in it to magnify an image on the other side of the door. Viewers are made with various degrees of field of vision. |
| Dormer | A space protruding from the roof of a house, usually including one or more windows. |
| Double glazing | Use of two panes of glass in a window to increase energy efficiency and provide other performance benefits. |
| Double-hung window | A window unit that has two operable sashes which move vertically in the frame. |
| 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 cap | A molding placed on the top of the head brickmold or casing of a window frame. |
| Dry Rot | A common wood-destroying organism that develops when wood-containing material is exposed to moisture and poor air circulation for at least 6 months. Often and incorrectly referred to as dry rot. |
| Drywall | A wall finish consisting of 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'. |
| Dual durometer | A material that has two or more levels of flexibility. |
| Duct | A rigid metal or flexible insulated tube, designed to deliver air to and from a furnace or other air-handling unit. |
| Ductwork | A system of large tubes, pipes or channels (ducts) designed to deliver air to and from a furnace or other air-handling unit. |
| Dummy pairs | Dummy pairs are for doors where no latches are needed. These knobs or levers do not turn. They can be split up for bi-fold door set, since no hardware is needed on back of the bi-folds. Dummy pairs can also be used on double french door units. |
| Durock | A panel composed of concrete and fiberglass usually used as a tile backing material. |
