Home Building Terms and Construction Definitions

An abbreviation for air conditioning or air conditioner.

The outside fan unit of the air conditioner. It turns the heat from the Freon gas into a liquid and pumps it back to the coil of the furnace.

A finish applied to concrete floor surfaces such as porch and deck floors. Commonly used on areas around swimming pools.

The round screen-like tip of a sink spout. It mixes air and water for a smooth flow.

A major component of concrete, aggregate is a mix of sand and stone.

This is the square footage of the home that is air conditioned. Spaces such as attics, garages, porches, etc. that are not air conditioned are not counted in this measurement.

This term refers to a sum of money set aside for items not yet specified in the construction agreement. For example, decorator items such as cabinets, carpet, tile, wallpaper, etc. will be assigned an allowance from the builder. If the final items chosen by the buyer are below the allowance they typically receive a credit. Whereas if the selection made by the buyer is over the allowance they will be responsible for paying the difference.

A payment plan where a loan is reduced through monthly payments including interest and principle.

This type of bolt is used to fasten a wooden sill plate to concrete or a masonry wall or floor.

Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan. The APR typically includes interest, loan fees, mortgage insurance and service charges.

Evaluation of the property value completed by a professional.

This refers to the trim board that is installed beneath a window sill.

A professional who is licensed in building and design. An architect will typically draw up the plans for construction.

Shingles that have extra layers or tabs giving them added dimensionality.

These are the barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth. Most often are made of corrugated metal or concrete.

A tax levied against a property. Can also refer to the worth or value placed on a property.

Used in swinging double doors, the astragal is a piece of molding attached to one door against which the other door strikes.

Screened openings that provide ventilation to an enclosed attic space.