An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning.

The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser.

A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete.

A sum of money set aside in the construction contract for items which have not been selected and specified in the construction contract. For example, selection of tile as a flooring may require an allowance for an underlayment material, or an electrical allowance which sets aside an amount of money to be spent on electrical fixtures.

Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, or masonry floor or wall.

An expert valuation of property.

One who has completed a course of study in building and design, and is licensed by the state as an architect. One who draws up plans.

A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property.

A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes.

In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space.

Water-resistant board used underneath a thinset installation. Also known as cementitious backer unit.

Frame lumber installed between the wall studs to give additional support for drywall or an interior trim related item, such as handrail brackets, cabinets, and towel bars. In this way, items are screwed and mounted into solid wood rather than weak drywall that may allow the item to break loose from the wall. Carpet backing holds the pile fabric in place.

A back splash prevents spilled liquids food and other materials from falling behind the cabinets. A back splash is often used as an upperward extension to the back of the countertop. Howerver, the area on the wall above the back of the countertop is also often reffered to as a back splash.  Another area can be be above the stove. These areas are usually decorated with tile and or other materials that are usually easy to clean and maintain.

A loan that has a series of monthly payments with the remaining balance due in a large lump sum payment at the end.

Vertical members in a railing used between a top rail and bottom rail or the stair treads. Sometimes referred to as 'pickets' or 'spindles'.

Horizontal beam rafter that supports shorter rafters.

A trim board placed against the wall around the room next to the floor.

The window frame and glass unit that is installed in the window buck.

A section of fiber-glass or rock-wool insulation measuring 15 or 23 inches wide by four to eight feet long and various thickness'. Sometimes "faced" (meaning to have a paper covering on one side) or "unfaced" (without paper).

Any window space projecting outward from the walls of a building, either square or polygonal in plan.

(a) A beam placed perpendicular to joists and to which joists are nailed in framing for a chimney, stairway, or other opening. (b)A wood lintel. (c) The horizontal structural member over an opening (for example over a door or window).

A point where a bearing or structural weight is concentrated and transferred to the foundation

A subsurface layer of earth that is suitable to support a structure.

A bond issued by a surety on behalf of a contractor that provides assurance to the recipient of the contractor's bid that, if the bid is accepted, the contractor will execute a contract and provide a performance bond. Under the bond, the surety is obligated to pay the recipient of the bid the difference between the contractor's bid and the bid of the next lowest responsible bidder if the bid is accepted and the contractor fails to execute a contract or to provide a performance bond.

A practice by which contractors, both before and after their bids are submitted, attempt to obtain prices from potential subcontractors and material suppliers that are lower than the contractors' original estimates on which their bids are based, or after a contract is awarded, seek to induce subcontractors to reduce the subcontract price included in the bid.