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Home Owners Building Terms
Home Owners Building Terms
Home Owners Building Terms
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| A/C |
An abbreviation for air conditioner or air conditioning. |
| A/C Condenser |
The outside fan unit of the Air Conditioning system. It removes the heat from the freon gas and "turns" the gas back into a liquid and pumps the liquid back to the coil in the furnace. |
| A/C Disconnect |
The main electrical ON-OFF switch near the A/C Condenser. |
| Aerator |
The round screened screw-on tip of a sink spout. It mixes water and air for a smooth flow. |
| Aggregate |
A mixture of sand and stone and a major component of concrete. |
| Air space |
The area between insulation facing and interior of exterior wall coverings. Normally a 1" air gap. |
| Allowance(s) |
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. |
| Amortization |
A payment plan by which a loan is reduced through monthly payments of principal and interest. |
| Anchor bolts |
Bolts to secure a wooden sill plate to concrete, or masonry floor or wall. |
| Annual Percentage Rate (APR) |
Annual cost of credit over the life of a loan, including interest, service charges, points, loan fees, mortgage insurance, and other items. |
| Appraisal |
An expert valuation of property. |
| Apron |
A trim board that is installed beneath a window sill. |
| Architect |
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. |
| Area wells |
Corrugated metal or concrete barrier walls installed around a basement window to hold back the earth. |
| Assessment |
A tax levied on a property, or a value placed on the worth of a property. |
| Assumption |
Allows a buyer to assume responsibility for an existing loan instead of getting a new loan. |
| Astragal |
A molding, attached to one of a pair of swinging double doors, against which the other door strikes. |
| Attic access |
An opening that is placed in the drywalled ceiling of a home providing access to the attic. |
| Attic Ventilators |
In houses, screened openings provided to ventilate an attic space. |
