Construction Glossary

ADA compliance refers to meeting the Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards ensuring buildings are usable by people with physical disabilities.

An allowance is a predetermined budget amount included in construction contracts for items not yet selected, such as fixtures, tile, or appliances, with final costs adjusted when items are chosen.

Backfill is the process of replacing and compacting soil or other material around foundations, retaining walls, and utility trenches after construction is complete.

A blower door test uses a calibrated fan and pressure gauges to measure air infiltration rates and locate air leakage points in building envelopes.

A building permit is official authorization from the local building department allowing specific construction work to proceed in compliance with building codes and zoning regulations.

A change order is a formal written document modifying the original construction contract, detailing changes to scope, materials, price, or timeline.

Composite decking is manufactured from a blend of wood fibers and plastic polymers, creating a low-maintenance, rot-resistant alternative to traditional wood decking.

Contingency budget is money reserved beyond the estimated project cost to cover unexpected expenses, unforeseen conditions, and changes during construction.

Cost per square foot is a pricing metric calculated by dividing total project cost by the square footage of construction, used for budgeting and comparing project costs.

Demo Day refers to the demolition phase of remodeling where old materials, structures, and finishes are removed to clear the way for new construction.

A draw schedule is a payment plan dividing total project cost into installments paid as specific construction milestones are completed and verified.

Drywall, also called gypsum board or sheetrock, consists of gypsum plaster pressed between two sheets of paper, used as the standard material for interior wall and ceiling surfaces.

Drywall finishing involves applying joint compound and tape to drywall seams, sanding smooth, and creating a uniform surface ready for paint or texture.

An egress window is a minimum-sized opening in sleeping rooms providing emergency escape and rescue access, required by building codes for occupant safety.

Energy code compliance involves meeting minimum standards for insulation, air sealing, window performance, and HVAC efficiency as mandated by the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC).

Fascia is the vertical finishing board mounted at the point where the roof meets the outer walls of the house, typically supporting the gutter system and creating a finished appearance.

The final walkthrough is the owner's inspection of completed construction work to verify everything is finished per contract specifications before releasing final payment.

Fire separation consists of fire-rated wall, floor, and ceiling assemblies designed to contain fire spread between dwelling units, garages, or other separated spaces.

Flashing is thin, waterproof material (typically metal or membrane) installed at vulnerable points in a building envelope to direct water away from joints, seams, and penetrations.

Framing is the process of constructing the structural skeleton of a building using dimensional lumber or engineered wood to create walls, floors, and roof systems.

Grading is the process of shaping and leveling earth to establish proper drainage patterns, create building pads, and prepare sites for construction or landscaping.

Hardie Board is James Hardie's brand of fiber cement siding, manufactured from cement, sand, and cellulose fibers to create durable, fire-resistant, low-maintenance exterior cladding.

Home equity is the difference between your property's current market value and the outstanding mortgage balance, representing your ownership stake in the property.

The International Residential Code (IRC) is a comprehensive building code covering all aspects of residential construction for one and two-family dwellings, adopted by most U.S. jurisdictions.

A lien waiver is a legal document where contractors, subcontractors, or suppliers waive their right to file a mechanics lien on your property in exchange for payment.

Load calculation is the engineering process of determining the forces acting on structural elements and designing adequate support to safely carry those loads.

A load-bearing wall is a structural wall that carries the weight of the structure above it, transferring loads from the roof, floors, and other building elements down to the foundation.

LVL beam is an engineered lumber product manufactured by bonding thin wood veneers with adhesive under heat and pressure, creating exceptionally strong beams for long spans and heavy loads.

Moisture testing uses electronic meters or other methods to measure moisture levels in wood, concrete, drywall, and other materials to identify problems or ensure proper conditions for installation.

An occupancy permit (certificate of occupancy) is official documentation from the building department certifying that construction is complete, inspections passed, and the building is safe for occupancy.

OSB is an engineered wood panel manufactured from cross-oriented layers of wood strands bonded with resin under heat and pressure, commonly used for roof decking, wall sheathing, and subflooring.

PEX is cross-linked polyethylene tubing used for water supply lines, offering flexibility, freeze resistance, and easier installation than rigid copper or CPVC piping.

Progress payments are partial payments made throughout a project as work is completed and verified, following a predetermined draw schedule or completion milestones.

A punch list is a document compiled near project completion listing minor deficiencies, incomplete work, or touch-ups that need to be addressed before final payment and project acceptance.

R-Value measures the thermal resistance of insulation materials, with higher values indicating better insulating properties and greater energy efficiency.

Rebar is ribbed steel bar embedded in concrete to provide tensile reinforcement, preventing cracking and failure under tension, bending, and shear forces.

Retainage is a percentage (typically 5-10%) of each progress payment withheld until project completion and final acceptance, ensuring contractors complete all work including punch list items.

Rigid foam insulation consists of stiff panels of polystyrene, polyisocyanurate, or polyurethane foam that provide superior insulating value and moisture resistance for walls, roofs, and foundations.

ROI (Return on Investment) for home improvements measures the percentage of renovation costs recovered through increased home value, calculated as: (value increase ÷ project cost) × 100.

Rough inspection is a mandatory building department inspection verifying that framing, plumbing, electrical, and mechanical systems meet code requirements before they are concealed by insulation and drywall.

Rough-in is the phase of construction where plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, and HVAC ducts are installed within wall, floor, and ceiling cavities before insulation and drywall cover them.

Scope of work is a detailed document specifying exactly what work will be performed, materials used, quality standards, and deliverables included in a construction project.

Setback requirements are zoning regulations specifying minimum distances that buildings and structures must be positioned from property lines, streets, and other structures.

Snow load rating is the structural capacity of roof systems to support the weight of accumulated snow and ice, specified in pounds per square foot based on local climate data.

Soffit is the exposed surface beneath the overhanging section of a roof eave, typically finished with vented or solid panels to protect the rafters and provide attic ventilation.

Underlayment is a water-resistant or waterproof barrier installed over roof decking before shingles, or a smooth layer placed over subflooring before finish floor installation.

Value engineering is the systematic analysis of project components to identify cost savings opportunities while maintaining or improving quality, function, and performance.

A vapor barrier is a moisture-impermeable material installed in building assemblies to prevent water vapor from penetrating walls, floors, or ceilings and condensing within insulation or structural components.

Waterproofing involves installing membranes, sealants, and drainage systems to prevent water from penetrating foundations, basements, showers, and other vulnerable areas.

A zoning variance is official permission from the zoning board to deviate from standard zoning requirements when strict application creates unnecessary hardship.