A clause in a mortgage contract requiring the borrower to pay the entire outstanding balance upon sale or transfer of the property.

The section of a plumbing system that carries water and sewer gases out of a home.

A metal strap used to secure gas hot water heaters to the framing or foundation of a house. Intended to reduce the chances of having the water heater fall over in an earthquake and causing a gas leak.

The part of the roof which extends beyond the exterior side wall. The projecting lower edge of a roof where the gutters are located.

A plumbing or electrical fitting that lets you change directions in runs of pipe or conduit.

Metal wires that heat up when electric current passes through them and are used in baseboard heaters and electric water heaters.

Work performed by the Electrical Contractor after the plumber and heating contractor are complete with their phase of work. Normally all electrical wires, and outlet, switch, and fixture boxes are installed (before insulation).

The page on the blue prints that depicts the house or room as if a vertical plane were passed through the structure.

The handling of funds or documents by a third party on behalf of the buyer and/or seller.

The amount of labor, materials, and other costs that a contractor anticipates for a project as summarized in the contractor's bid proposal for the project.

The part of a cooling system that absorbs heat from air in your home. Also see condensing unit.

Earth that swells and contracts depending on the amount of water that is present. ("Betonite" is an expansive soil).

Additional work requested of a contractor, not included in the original plan, which will be billed separately and will not alter the original contract amount, but increase the cost of building the home.

To finish the front and all vertical sides of a concrete porch, step(s), or patio. Normally the "face" is broom finished.

Horizontal boards attached to rafter/truss ends at the eaves and along gables. Roof drain gutters are attached to the fascia.

Any part, such as a nut or fitting, into which another (male) part can be inserted. Internal threads are female.

Metal straps that are used to repair a bearing wall "cut-out", and to "tie together" wall corners, splices, and bearing headers. Also, they are used to hang stairs and landings to bearing headers.

A manufacturing process of interlocking two shorter pieces of wood end to end to create a longer piece of dimensional lumber or molding. Often used in jambs and casings and are normally painted (instead of stained).

Brick made of refractory ceramic material which will resist high temperatures. Used in a fireplace and boiler.

A solid, tight closure of a concealed space, placed to prevent the spread of fire and smoke through such a space. In a frame wall, this will usually consist of 2 by 4 cross blocking between studs. Work performed to slow the spread of fire and smoke in the walls and ceiling (behind the drywall). Includes stuffing wire holes in the top and bottom plates with insulation, and installing blocks of wood between the wall studs at the drop soffit line. This is integral to passing a Rough Frame inspection. See also 'Fire block'.

A large sheet of metal that is installed around and perpendicular to the fireplace flue pipe. It's purpose is to confine and limit the spread of fire and smoke to a small area.

A wood or plywood piece used to fasten the ends of two members together at a butt joint with nails or bolts. Sometimes used at the junction of opposite rafters near the ridge line. Sometimes called a gang nail plate.

A loan where the initial payments are based on a certain interest rate for a stated period . The rate payable will not change during this period regardless of changes in the lender's standard variable rate.

Flat stones (1 to 4 inches thick) used for walks, steps, floors, and vertical veneer (in lieu of brick).

An oil burner, designed to hold the flame near the nozzle surface. Generally the most efficient type for residential use.