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.
| Palladian window | A large, arch-top window flanked by smaller windows on each side. |
| Panel | Usually refers to the separate panel or panels in a doorframe. |
| Parging | A rough coat of mortar applied over a masonry wall as protection or finish; may also serve as a base for an asphaltic waterproofing compound below grade. |
| Particle Board | Plywood substitute made of course sawdust that is mixed with resin and pressed into sheets. Used for closet shelving, floor underlayment, stair treads, etc. |
| Parting stop | In a double-hung window, a strip of wood applied to the jamb to separate the sash. |
| Partition | A wall that subdivides spaces within any story of a building or room. |
| Passage lock | Passage lock knobs or levers are for doors that do not need locking, such as a closet or doors between rooms and family rooms or living rooms. |
| Patio | An interior courtyard or a paved backyard area. |
| Payment Schedule | A schedule of payments to a contractor agreed upon in advance and usually based upon the amount of work completed. Such a schedule may include a deposit prior to the start of work. Payments are often scheduled for the beginning of the month. |
| Percolation or Perc. Test | A test to determine if the soil on a proposed building lot is capable of absorbing the liquid affluent from a septic system. |
| Permit | A governmental authorization to perform a building process. |
| Pewter | Used here as a term for a hardware finish, a non-shiny gray color, called US15A by the door industry. |
| Pilaster | A projection or the foundation wall used to support a floor girder or stiffen the wall. |
| Plans | A type of copying method often used for architectural drawings. Usually used to describe the drawing of a structure that is prepared by an architect or designer for the purpose of design and planning, estimating, securing permits and actual construction. |
| Plasterboard | 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'. |
| Plates | Pieces of wood placed on wall surfaces as fastening devices. The bottom member of the wall is the sole plate and the top member is the rafter plate. |
| Plenum | A chamber which can serve as a distribution area for heating or cooling systems, generally between a false ceiling and the actual ceiling. |
| Plot Plan | An overhead view plan that shows the location of the home on the lot. Includes all easements, property lines, set backs, and legal descriptions of the home. Provided by the surveyor. |
| Pointing | Treatment of joints in masonry by filling with mortar to improve appearance or protect against weather. |
| Polished brass | Brass finish that is shiny, also called US3 by the door industry. |
| Polished chrome | Chrome finish that is shiny, also called US26 by the door industry. The image above shows polished chrome on the backset. |
| Poly-Wrap | Polyethylene wrap that encloses Owens Corning MIRAFLEX® insulation, making it comfortable to touch, less likely to itch and irritate, and easier to handle and install. The poly wrap has tiny perforations that allow the insulation to breathe. |
| Polybutylene | A type of plastic pipe, often gray in color, used in domestic water supply systems. Some polybutylene plumbing systems have been recalled due to a history of leaks and failure. |
| Polyethylene Vapor Barrier | Plastic film used to prevent moisture from passing through unfaced insulation. Both 4- and 6-mil polyethylene are preferred because they are less likely to be damaged during construction. |
| Polyisocyanurate Foam | A rigid foam board insulation often used in locations where there is not enough room for standard batt insulation. It is programmed for many temperature settings and is one of the least expensive ways to reduce energy consumption. |
| Porte-cochère | A porch-like roof extending over a driveway. |
| Portico | A portico (Latin) is a roofed area, open to the air on one or more sides, typically supported on one side by the facade of a building and on the remaining sides by columns or arches. |
| Post | A vertical framing member usually designed to carry a beam. |
| Post-And-Beam | Wall construction in which beams are supported by heavy posts rather than many smaller studs. |
| Pressure Relief Valve | A device mounted on a hot water heater or boiler designed to release high steam pressure in the tank and thus prevent tank explosions. |
| Privacy lock | Privacy lock knobs or levers are used on doors where low security locks are needed, such as on bathrooms, or bedrooms on interior doors. |
| Punch List | A list of discrepancies that need to be corrected by the contractor. |
| PVC | A type of white plastic pipe sometimes used for water supply lines. |
