Brush up on the Essential Home Improvement, Remodeling, and Renovation Terms
A guarantee provided by manufacturers or service providers that covers repairs or replacements for a period of ten years. For…
A flood level with a 1 percent chance of being equaled or exceeded in any given year. For example, buildings…
A standard voltage household circuit that can support most appliances, lighting, and more. For example, a 110 line is typically…
A low-voltage electrical system commonly used in residential lighting and automotive applications. For instance, 12-volt LED lighting is popular in…
A specific thickness of wire used in electrical installations, suitable for moderate electrical loads like lighting circuits. For example, 14-gauge…
A door that is certified to withstand a fire for at least 15 minutes, providing critical time for evacuation. For…
An electrical circuit designed to handle a maximum of 20 amperes of current, typically used for larger appliances or multiple…
An electrical circuit that provides 220 to 240 volts of power. This type of line is typically used for appliances…
A wall that is painted or decorated differently from the other walls in a room to create a focal point…
A fast-drying paint made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsion, which is water-soluble but becomes water-resistant when dry. It…
A broad category of coarse particulate material used in construction, including sand, gravel, crushed stone, and recycled concrete. For example,…
Any material that resists or prevents the passage of air through the building envelope. For instance, house wrap and spray…
An amount of money, or budget, captured within the construction contract that is set aside for expenses that will arise…
A type of paint with a metallic-looking finish, which comes from aluminum particles contained within the paint base. It is…
Bolts used to secure structural elements to concrete or masonry structures. For example, anchor bolts are used to attach sill…
A shut-off valve that connects the water pipes within the wall to the fixtures (faucet, toilet, etc.) on the exterior…
The process of applying a primer to the back or exterior of a piece of woodwork, such as siding or…
A vertical surface in a kitchen or bathroom designed to protect the wall behind a sink or countertop from water…
A small post that supports the upper rail of a railing, typically found on staircases or balconies. For example, wooden…
A board that runs along the base of the floor, covering the gap between the floor and the adjoining wall….
A type of sink, usually circular in shape, with sloping or curving sides, commonly found in bathrooms. For example, a…
A three-window unit, usually containing one large middle panel and two smaller side panels, that projects outward from the walls…
A long, sturdy piece of wood or metal used to support the roof or floor of a building. For example,…
A wall that supports any additional weight beyond its own, such as the floors or roof above it. For example,…
A structural element that extends horizontally and is supported at only one end. For example, a cantilevered balcony extends from…
A flexible material used to seal joints or seams against leakage in various structures and piping. For example, caulk is…
A type of wall construction that includes a space or gap between two layers of walls for insulation and moisture…
A horizontal structural member that supports the ceiling of a room and is part of the framing system. For example,…
A durable, water-resistant building material used as a backing for tile in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. For example,…
A protective covering at the top of a chimney, designed to keep out rain, snow, animals, and debris. For example,…
A safety device in an electrical panel that automatically shuts off the power to a circuit when it detects an…
A material that is applied to the exterior of a building to provide protection and an aesthetic finish. For example,…
A barrier, usually made from waterproof materials, installed in walls and floors to prevent moisture from rising through the building…
The application of materials or coatings to prevent moisture from passing through the walls or floor of a building. For…
A flat, outdoor surface typically constructed of wood or composite materials, used for entertaining or relaxation. For example, a deck…
The material used to construct the surface of a deck, which can include wood planks, composite boards, or other materials….
Concrete that is enhanced with colors, patterns, or textures to improve its aesthetic appeal. For example, decorative concrete can be…
A wall that separates different units or spaces within a building, often used in multi-family housing or commercial buildings. For…
The process of tearing down or removing structures or parts of a structure. For example, demolition might be necessary to…
The entire framework supporting and surrounding a door, including the sill, jambs, and head. For example, a well-constructed door frame…
The part of a roof that extends beyond the exterior wall of a building. For example, the eaves of a…
Paint that is formulated to have a minimal impact on the environment, often containing low or no volatile organic compounds…
A strip of material used to cover the raw edges of composite wood products, such as plywood or particle board,…
A white, powdery substance that forms on the surface of concrete, brick, or stone due to the evaporation of water…
A designated route within a building that provides a safe exit in the event of an emergency, such as a…
A window designed to provide an emergency exit or means of escape from a building, typically required in bedrooms and…
A type of paint or coating that is highly flexible and can stretch over surfaces, often used for waterproofing or…
A protective tube or piping system used to route and protect electrical wiring. For example, electrical conduits are installed in…
The exterior face of a building, especially the front or main elevation. For example, the facade of a historic building…
A horizontal board attached to the ends of the rafters or trusses, often used to support gutters and to conceal…
The arrangement and design of windows and other openings in a building. For example, the fenestration of a modern office…
A durable siding material made from a mix of cement, sand, and cellulose fibers. For example, fiber cement siding is…
The process of taking measurements on-site to ensure accurate dimensions for construction or renovation work. For example, a contractor might…
A classification that indicates the fire resistance of a material or assembly, typically measured in hours. For example, a fire-rated…
A contract in which the price for the work is agreed upon before the project begins and does not change….
A term used to describe various items in a home, such as sinks, faucets, bathtubs, and lighting fixtures. For example,…
A retaining wall made from stacked stone-filled gabions (metal cages). These walls are often used in landscaping and civil engineering…
A roof with two sloping sides that come together at a ridge, creating end walls with a triangular extension, known…
A crane built atop a gantry, which is a structure used to straddle an object or workspace. They are used…
A professional responsible for the overall coordination of a project. They hire and supervise all the subcontractors, acquire materials, and…
A permeable fabric which, when used in association with soil, has the ability to separate, filter, reinforce, protect, or drain….
A device designed to protect against electrical shock by shutting off electric power when it detects a ground fault. For…
A large beam that supports smaller beams or joists in the construction of floors or ceilings. For example, in deck…
A hollow or solid glass block used in building for decorative translucent walls or windows that also offer thermal and…
A type of lighting that uses halogen gas to produce a bright, white light, often used in recessed or track…
A railing provided along a stairway or hallway for support and safety. For example, handrails are often installed along both…
A brand name for a type of fiber cement siding that is durable, fire-resistant, and resistant to rot and insects….
A type of flooring made from the wood of deciduous trees such as oak, maple, or walnut. It is prized…
A structural beam placed over an opening in a wall, such as a door or window, to support the weight…
The floor area in front of a fireplace, or the actual floor of the fireplace. Hearths are usually constructed of…
A device that transfers heat from a cooler space to a warmer space, or vice versa, using the refrigeration cycle….
A distinctive V-shaped pattern often used in flooring, tile work, and paving. For example, a herringbone pattern can add visual…
A steel beam with a cross-section shaped like the letter “I,” used in construction for its strength and ability to…
A ridge of ice that forms at the edge of a roof and prevents melting snow from draining off the…
The amount of light falling on a surface, measured in lux or foot-candles. For example, the illuminance of a well-lit…
A power tool that delivers strong rotational force and downward pressure, often used for driving screws and fastening materials together….
A type of lighting technology that uses electromagnetic induction to produce light, rather than a traditional filament or electrode. This…
A type of heater that uses infrared radiation to directly heat objects and people in a room, rather than heating…
Legal terms that refer to the rights of entry to and exit from a property. This can be particularly important…
A rating system that classifies the degree of protection provided by electrical enclosures against the intrusion of solid objects and…
A siding component that provides a neat finish around windows and doors or at roof lines.
A vertical framing member that supports a header in a window or door opening. Supports the weight of a structure…
A window consisting of parallel glass, acrylic, or wooden louvers set in a frame. The louvers are adjusted simultaneously to…
The measurement from the front to the back of a window or door frame. mportant to measure when ordering or…
A strip installed on the sides of a window frame to provide a snug fit for the sash. Commonly used…
A type of hand saw that cuts on the pull stroke, offering a thinner and more precise cut than traditional…
A type of pump that uses a jet of water to create suction and pump water from a well or…
A power tool with a reciprocating blade used for cutting intricate shapes and curves in wood, metal, or other materials.
A measurement of the extinguishing potential of a fire extinguisher, particularly important in commercial kitchens. Example: Choosing a fire extinguisher…
The cut made by a saw blade in a piece of wood, often considered when planning precise cuts to account…
A portable heater powered by kerosene, often used as a supplemental heat source in workshops or construction sites. Example: During…
A lock mechanism that does not require a key for operation, often using a keypad or smart technology. Example: Installing…
The central, topmost stone in an arch, critical for distributing weight and maintaining the integrity of the structure. Example: A…
A protective plate installed at the bottom of a door to prevent damage from scuffs, kicks, and dirt. Example: Kick…
Wood that has been dried in a kiln to reduce its moisture content, making it more stable and less prone…
A unit of electrical power equal to one thousand watts, commonly used to measure the power consumption of appliances. Example:…
A type of safety glass that holds together when shattered. In the event of breaking, it is held in place…
A level area at the top or bottom of a staircase or between flights of stairs. It provides a resting…
A material placed under the soil surface in gardens to control weeds without chemicals. Example: Landscape fabric is used under…
Illumination for private gardens and public landscapes; enhances safety, night visibility, and aesthetic appeal. Example: Landscape lighting can be used…
The process of designing, creating, and maintaining outdoor spaces to enhance the appearance and functionality of property. Example: Professional landscaping…
A type of siding where boards are partially overlapped, commonly used for its aesthetic appeal and effectiveness in shedding water….
Water-based paint known for its quick drying time and ease of cleanup. Latex paint is flexible and resists fading. Example:…
A type of primer that uses a latex base to improve the adhesion of paint to the surface. Example: Latex…
The primary valve that controls the flow of water into a home. This valve is essential for making repairs or…
A style of roof characterized by two slopes on each of its sides, with the lower slope being steeper than…
A type of roof characterized by four sloping sides, each of which becomes steeper halfway down. For example, mansard roofs…
A decorative frame around a fireplace, often used as a shelf for displaying decor. For example, during the holidays, the…
A metamorphic rock often used in countertops and flooring for its beauty and durability. For example, marble is favored for…
A brand of linoleum that is eco-friendly, made from natural materials like linseed oil and jute. For example, Marmoleum flooring…
The craft of building structures from individual units of materials like stone, brick, or concrete, typically bound together with mortar….
A non-structural facing of brick, stone, or tile attached to a backing for aesthetic purposes. For example, a masonry veneer…
A power tool used to drive nails into wood or other materials rapidly. For example, nail guns are used in…
A tool used to drive nail heads below the surface of wood or another material, often used in finish carpentry….
A type of construction hardware or framing member designed to provide a firm mounting and support for any finishing material…
The use of nanotechnology in building materials to improve properties such as self-cleaning, enhanced mechanical strength, or energy efficiency. For…
A fossil fuel composed mainly of methane, used widely in residential heating, water heating, and cooking. For example, many homes…
The process of supplying and removing air through natural means, such as windows and louvers, without the use of mechanical…
The process of efficiently organizing or fitting objects together to minimize wasted space or materials. For example, nesting software is…
Buildings or homes designed to generate as much energy as they consume over the course of a year, typically through…
A document issued by a government authority permitting the occupancy of a building after it has been inspected and deemed…
A window shaped in an eight-sided polygon, often used as a decorative element in homes. For example, octagon windows are…
A bend in a pipe or duct that allows it to bypass an obstacle or change direction. For example, offsets…
A type of decorative edge design often used on countertops, characterized by an S-shaped curve. For example, ogee edges are…
A type of paint made with oil, usually linseed oil, which provides a durable and smooth finish. For example, oil-based…
Tankless water heaters that use high-powered burners to instantly heat water as it flows through the device, without storing it…
A toilet design where the tank and bowl are integrated into a single unit, which makes installation easier and cleaning…
A type of stain that completely covers the wood’s natural grain, similar to paint, providing a uniform appearance and greater…
A U-shaped portion of a drain pipe that retains a small amount of water to prevent sewer gasses from entering…
A flat board or a section of a flat board, in a door or a piece of furniture. Example: The…
A low wall or railing at the edge of a roof, balcony, bridge, or terrace that prevents falls and adds…
A wood product made from compressed wood chips and resin, often used as an inexpensive alternative to natural wood in…
A divider that separates one part of a room from another, often used in offices and large living spaces to…
Blocks or bricks made of concrete or natural stone used for exterior flooring such as walkways, patios, and driveways. Example:…
A documented schedule that outlines when payments will be made to the contractor throughout the construction process. Example: The payment…
A freestanding sink with a pedestal base, commonly used in small bathrooms to save space and provide a clean, elegant…
An acoustic treatment device that scatters sound waves to reduce echoes and improve sound quality in a room. Example: Quadratic…
A systematic process of checking to ensure that a product or service being developed meets specified requirements. This is a…
The process of ensuring that construction materials and methods meet predetermined quality standards to prevent defects and ensure longevity. Example:…
Natural stone that has been extracted from the earth at a quarry, used in building and landscaping applications. Example: Quarried…
A type of unglazed tile made from natural clay, giving it a slightly rough texture, commonly used in high-traffic areas…
A small, convex molding that is quarter of a circle in cross section, often used at the base of baseboards…
Wood that is sawn perpendicular to the annual growth rings of the tree, resulting in wood with straight grain patterns,…
A type of valve that is opened or closed by turning a handle a quarter turn from its open position…
A metric used to measure the thermal resistance of insulation materials, indicating how effectively they can resist heat flow. Example:…
A heating system installed under the floor or within walls or ceilings that radiates heat throughout the space, providing a…
A structural component of a roof frame, usually made of wood, which supports the roof sheathing and roof loads. Example:…
The process of developing land or renovating existing properties to increase their value and utility, often involving rezoning, construction, and…
Steel rods embedded in concrete to enhance its tensile strength, crucial for structural integrity in foundations and load-bearing walls. Example:…
Previously used materials that are salvaged from demolished sites or renovations, often repurposed in new construction or remodeling to add…
Concrete that is strengthened with steel rebar or fibers to increase its load-bearing capacity and durability, commonly used in foundations…
The process of cleaning up or mitigating environmental hazards or contaminants from a site to restore it to a safe…
A sewer system specifically designed to transport sewage from residential and commercial buildings to treatment facilities. Example: The development plans…
A preliminary design or sketch illustrating the basic concepts and layout of a building project, often used in the early…
An early project estimate based on schematic drawings, providing a ballpark figure for the budget required for the project. Example:…
A detailed document outlining all tasks, responsibilities, and deliverables that a contractor must complete as part of a construction project….
The process of adding an additional level to an existing single-story building, significantly increasing living space. Example: The family opted…
Detailed architectural drawings showing a vertical cut-through of a structure, revealing layers not visible in the exterior views. Example: Section…
A type of paint with a moderately glossy finish, ideal for areas that require regular cleaning such as kitchens and…
A thermostat designed to automatically adjust the temperature at pre-set times to optimize energy efficiency and comfort. Example: The setback…
The process of determining the materials needed for a project from architectural drawings or blueprints. Example: The contractor did a…
The complete demolition of a building to make way for new construction. Example: The old farmhouse was a teardown, and…
Glass that has been treated by heat or chemicals to strengthen it and increase its thermal resistance. Example: Tempered glass…
A composite material poured in place or precast, which is used for floor and wall treatments consisting of chips of…
An element of low thermal conductivity placed in an assembly to reduce or prevent the flow of thermal energy between…
An electrical switch that allows a light fixture to be controlled from two separate locations, commonly used in hallways or…
The bottom of a doorway, crossed in entering a house or room, which can also serve as a seal for…
A stable board used as a substrate for tile installation, typically in wet areas like bathrooms and kitchens. Example: Tile…
A measure of thermal transmittance through a building element. It indicates the rate of heat loss, with lower U-values indicating…
A toilet designed to use significantly less water per flush than standard models, often less than 1.6 gallons per flush….
Any material or treatment that reduces or blocks the transmission of ultraviolet rays through windows. Example: The windows were treated…
A preliminary layer of paint applied to a surface, which serves as a base for subsequent layers of paint. It…
Also known as in-floor heating, a system of heating that involves running hot water pipes or electric heating elements beneath…
A hidden irrigation system that operates below ground to water lawns or gardens, designed to provide even irrigation. Example: The…
A layer of material installed between the subfloor and the finish flooring materials. It can provide soundproofing, moisture protection, and…
A method used to increase foundation depth or repair faulty foundations by extending the foundation in depth or width. Example:…
A form of window treatment that covers the upper part of the window, often used to conceal curtain rods or…
A bathroom cabinet that integrates a sink and often includes storage and a countertop. Vanities are central to bathroom design,…
A material used to prevent moisture from penetrating walls, ceilings, and floors, typically installed in basements and crawl spaces to…
A component of HVAC systems that can alter the speed of air circulation based on the heating or cooling needs,…
An architectural design where the ceiling is raised above its normal height, often creating a sloping or arched effect. Vaulted…
A thin layer of fine wood applied to a less expensive material, often used to achieve an attractive appearance at…
A wall and ceiling finish consisting of plaster mixed with marble dust, applied with a spatula or trowel in multiple…
A mechanical exhaust system used in parts of the home like bathrooms and kitchens to remove moisture, odors, and airborne…
A type of wall paneling that extends partway up the walls, traditionally used for insulation and to prevent damage, now…
A spacious closet large enough for a person to enter and organize clothing and accessories, often including features like shelving…
A shower area designed without steps, making it accessible at floor level, often enclosed by glass panels. Example: The bathroom…
An inspection conducted with the homeowner or project manager to identify any unfinished tasks or issues before officially completing the…
A modern toilet design where the bowl is mounted on the wall, and the tank is hidden inside the wall,…
Decorative paper applied to walls as an alternative to paint, available in a wide range of patterns and textures. Example:…
A guarantee provided by the manufacturer or contractor covering repairs or replacements due to defects within a specified period. Example:…
A small room or compartment containing only a toilet. Example: The new office building features several water closets on each…
A precision technique used in construction and woodworking for ensuring exact alignments and measurements. Example: To ensure the kitchen cabinets…
In graphical representations common in design and architecture, the x-axis is the horizontal component that represents width or depth. Example:…
A structural reinforcement technique using two diagonal braces that cross each other to form an ‘X’. It helps stabilize structures…
An extraordinary feature or aspect of a property that can significantly increase its appeal or value, often a selling point…
A technique used in drafting and drawing to denote areas that need attention or to highlight cross-sectional views of materials…
A non-invasive method used in renovations to see through structures to detect hidden features such as wiring, piping, or the…
A cross-section drawing that shows the interior of an object as if it has been sliced in half. This is…
A precision knife used frequently in home improvement for detailed cutting tasks, such as trimming wallpaper or cutting shapes in…
A fitting in the shape of the letter ‘Y’ that divides a flow of substances into two directions in a…
A specialized leveling tool used in construction to ensure surfaces are perfectly horizontal or vertical. Example: The framing crew used…
A unit of measurement used to describe an area of land, typically around a house or building. Example: The property…
Decorative pieces placed in gardens or lawns, including sculptures, wind spinners, and water features. Example: To enhance the garden’s visual…
A drainage system installed in the yard to prevent water accumulation and ensure proper water flow away from the property….
Outdoor lighting fixtures that are used to illuminate large outdoor spaces for visibility and security. Example: Yard lights were installed…
A volumetric measurement used in construction, specifically for concrete, where one yard of cement refers to the volume needed to…
An event typically held in the front yard of a house where personal items are sold to the general public….
A metal flashing used particularly under siding to direct water away from wall assemblies or between dissimilar materials. Example: Z-bar…
A type of metal flashing bent into a ‘Z’ shape that’s used to divert water away from horizontal joints, such…
A metal or wood bracket used to support the installation of decking or siding, ensuring a consistent alignment and secure…
A type of hardwood known for its striped grain resembling a zebra’s pattern, often used in luxury decorative applications such…
A type of Japanese garden that emphasizes simplicity and tranquility, often featuring sand, rocks, and minimal vegetation, used in residential…
Lighting designed to focus illumination towards the ceiling to create indirect, ambient light in a room. Example: Zenith lighting was…
A type of pre-manufactured fireplace that can be installed directly against combustible construction materials without requiring an extensive foundation or…
A shower design without a raised threshold, allowing for barrier-free entry, often used in accessibility-focused or modern bathroom renovations. Example:…