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Home Building Terms and Construction Definitions
Paul Lehmann's Home Building Dictionary
General Contractor
This type of contractor often is the one to enter into the contract with the owner for full construction of the home. Although the general contractor may enter into subcontracts with others to perform specific tasks, he is fully responsible for the completion of the project.
Girder
A principal beam of wood or steel that supports concentrated loads at isolated points along its length.
Glazing
The process of installing glass. Often this process includes using Glazier's points and glazing compound to secure the glass.
Gloss Enamel
A type of paint finishing material. It forms a hard smooth coat and dries with a gloss or sheen.
GPM
A measurement that is used to describe the flow of water through a particular pipe or similar item. This acronym stands for gallons per minute.
Grade
Can be used to describe the act of leveling dirt in prepping a space for construction. It is also the elevation at any given point.
Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter
A type of electical plug often used in bathrooms, kitchens, and other "wet" areas. It is ultra sensitive and designed to shut off all electic current when needed. Contains a small reset button.
Ground Iron
A term for the plumbing and waste lines installed beneath the basement floor of a home. Cast iron was once used but black plastic pipe known as ABS is now more widely chosen.
Grout
A mixture of sand and cement made wet by adding water. This material is then used to seal the spaces between different pieces of masonry or ceramic work.
